Chapter 21: There Are Many Moths (1)
Chapter 20 – There Are Many Moths (1)
Jo Gang-min tilted his head.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Well, it is nothing. In any case, now that I am back, shall we get going?”
“Wait a moment. Since you have made things so exhausting for us, shouldn’t you receive an appropriate punishment first?”
Jo Gang-min smirked fishily.
At the same time, the members who had come with him stealthily closed in, completely surrounding Namgung Cheon.
It was blatant hostility.
Beyond mere fighting spirit, even killing intent could be felt.
Namgung Cheon let out a deep sigh.
This was why brats were so exhausting.
These punks probably did not even know that a huge uproar had broken out in the stronghold.
Namgung Cheon tapped his shoulder with his scabbard and spoke.
“Hey, little brother.”
“Little brother…?”
As Jo Gang-min’s cheek twitched, Namgung Cheon shrugged.
“Then is there any other little brother here besides you?”
“I see. Speak then, Brother Namgung.”
“This is real combat right now. Then at the very least, you should figure out who the real enemy is. I am in a good mood because I met some welcome faces after a long time today, you know? Isn’t this a good opportunity for us all to go back smiling? Let’s not cross the line.”
“Huhuhu. I have heard you loud and clear, Brother Namgung. But the true enemy is always on the inside.”
“Oh? Are you admitting that you are the cadets’ enemy?”
“How could that be? The enemy of the cadets is a bastard like you, who recklessly violates the rules and makes a habit of deserting without leave, putting your comrades in danger.”
“My, what pretty words.”
“Then you should have done something worthy of hearing pretty words!”
*Paaat!*
In an instant, Jo Gang-min kicked off the ground and flew forward, thrusting his sword straight ahead.
*Shwiiiiiit!*
It was truly a movement like a flash of lightning!
However, to Namgung Cheon, who possessed the First Sight Skill-Breaking Eyes, he could already see a red energy shooting forward as if to pierce his solar plexus.
*Pabat!*
Immediately taking a footwork step and retreating, Namgung Cheon drew his sword in a split second and deflected Jo Gang-min’s blade.
*Shwikkaaaang!*
Along with a clear metallic clash, Jo Gang-min retreated three or four steps.
*Chwaaaat!*
Jo Gang-min, who slid his left foot as if drawing a half-circle, widened his eyes.
‘He blocked it…?’
He had thought it was absolutely impossible.
It was a surprise attack.
He had not held back his hand either.
Was it just his imagination?
He seemed much stronger than when they had run into each other at the academy’s dining hall a few days ago.
The palm holding his sword was still tingling.
‘What is this? This guy… was he hiding his strength?’
Before he knew it, Namgung Cheon stood with his sword drawn, resting his weight on one leg.
“Are you seriously going to kick away a good opportunity?”
“You have a lot to say for someone who deserted the ranks.”
Jo Gang-min spoke as if spitting out the words, slowly raising his inner energy.
*Wooowoowoo.*
As the energy gathered, the air grew tense.
The long robe he wore also billowed.
As if that was a signal, the group members, including Song Won-gyo, emitted streams of sharp energy and closed the distance.
Jo Gang-min muttered with a cold gaze.
“It seems you learned some decent tricks somewhere during the break. You are acting too cocky relying on that. Please know that you brought today’s matter upon yourself. What is everyone doing? Quickly strike that bastard who deserted the ranks and put our group in danger…!”
In that instant, did dark shadows not appear, dropping down from the air like pattering rain?
*Papapapat…!*
Six warriors, appearing as if to surround and protect Namgung Cheon, drew their respective weapons and shouted.
“Who dares threaten Young Hero Namgung!”
Jo Gang-min’s eyebrows twitched at the uninvited guests who suddenly appeared.
What was this now?
Where did these bandit-like bastards come from…?
However, they were no ordinary bandits.
Especially that man glaring at him as if to devour him.
His martial arts level was clearly a cut above his own.
The energy emanating from his entire body was extraordinary.
A Peak Master!
The scar engraved on the opponent’s cheek twitched.
“Hey, young man. What business do you have with Young Hero Namgung?”
Jo Gang-min stared blankly, then suddenly shouted at Namgung Cheon.
“Namgung Cheon! Did you collude with the warriors of the Blood Rain Forest? As expected of the child of the Great Killing Star…!”
“Silence! What kind of dog shit nonsense is that? Where do we look like that damned Blood Rain Forest?”
“If, if not the Blood Rain Forest…”
“We are virtuous warriors who were kidnapped by the Blood Rain Forest and had to endure all kinds of torture! Young Hero Namgung here saved us!”
At the Ghost King’s words, Namgung Cheon wore an inwardly pleased expression.
He had worried that they might forget the script they had agreed on, but fortunately, they did not seem that stupid.
The Ghost King turned to Namgung Cheon.
“Young Hero! What is the matter?”
“I don’t know. They say they want to beat me up.”
At Namgung Cheon’s straightforward words, the faces of Jo Gang-min and his group members turned pale.
On the other hand, the Ghost King glared fiercely and swung his long spear around.
“Why do you bastards threaten the righteous young hero!”
“T-this is an internal matter of Dragon Heaven Academy. There is no need for you to interfere.”
“Nonsense! Watching blankly when our benefactor appears to be in danger is not the duty of one who has received grace!”
*Hwoooooong!*
As the warriors of the Ghost King Stronghold raised their inner energy all at once, a wave of hot air blew in all directions.
The momentum alone was enough to take one’s breath away.
“Tsk…!”
Jo Gang-min clicked his tongue and unwittingly took a step back.
Unlike the cadets, this was an energy sharply refined through all kinds of real combat experience.
At this rate, it was obvious that he and his group members would be the ones to suffer instead.
Charging in like this felt like they would get beaten to a pulp, but retreating would hurt his pride.
It was then.
“You bastards! What are you doing here?”
Along with a shout, Gye Pyeong-ryang ran over using lightfoot work.
“Instructor!”
The group members brightened up and welcomed him.
Gye Pyeong-ryang saw the warriors of the Ghost King Stronghold, grew wary, and drew his sword.
“Who are you!”
The Ghost King politely cupped his fists.
“We are just nameless warriors. We had been kidnapped and confined by the Blood Rain Forest, but thanks to the help of your institution’s Young Hero Namgung, we have safely escaped like this.”
“But why did you draw your weapons?”
“Ah, because it looked like the cadets here were threatening Young Hero Namgung.”
Even though he should have naturally scolded Jo Gang-min and the other group members, Gye Pyeong-ryang questioned Namgung Cheon first.
“Namgung Cheon. Is that true?”
“I accidentally fell into a formation and discovered the thatched cottage where they were imprisoned. Since it was designed to be opened only from the outside, I opened the door for them.”
Gye Pyeong-ryang turned to Jo Gang-min this time.
He seemed to be asking what had happened.
But how could Jo Gang-min know the inner details?
When Jo Gang-min quietly shook his head, Gye Pyeong-ryang let out a soft sigh.
“Jo Gang-min, guide the gentlemen here and descend the mountain with your group members.”
“Understood.”
At that, the Ghost King knitted his brows deeply and asked.
“Excuse me. Are you not going to scold the cadets? They clearly threatened Young Hero Namgung…”
“We will handle the academy’s matters on our own. You do not need to concern yourselves with that.”
“Mmm. Understood.”
“Namgung Cheon, see me for a moment.”
“Just me? Why?”
As Gye Pyeong-ryang glared sharply, Namgung Cheon nodded.
“Yes. Well, understood.”
Damn it. He could have at least told me the reason.
Glaring at a student who asked a question. He was a fellow sorely lacking in the qualities of an instructor.
* * *
Gye Pyeong-ryang strode forward, pushing through the mist.
Namgung Cheon followed silently behind him.
Perhaps bothered by the awkward silence, Gye Pyeong-ryang suddenly asked.
“Did you practice martial arts during the break?”
It seemed he had noticed to some extent that Namgung Cheon had changed, fitting for his position as an instructor.
Namgung Cheon shrugged.
“I was originally a bit strong.”
*Pffft.*
Gye Pyeong-ryang chuckled dryly.
“Does that mean you were hiding your strength all this time?”
“I learned that in the jianghu, one must hide it moderately.”
“But why did you reveal it now?”
“Because even if I hide it too much, I just end up becoming a pushover.”
Namgung Cheon answered half-heartedly.
This was because he knew this conversation was not very meaningful anyway.
For some reason, it felt like Gye Pyeong-ryang was stalling for time.
“You have a destination, don’t you?”
“Why do you think so?”
“A relatively fast speed, a steady stride, and steps taken without hesitation despite the dense mist. It means you clearly have a place to go.”
“You are quite sharp.”
Gye Pyeong-ryang marveled sincerely.
Namgung Cheon asked again.
“Where are we going?”
“In life, there are times when one walks the path they want, and times when they walk a path they do not want. However, more people than you think end up walking paths they do not desire. That is why some turn back, while others reach a point of no return. That is what life is…”
“How stupid.”
“What?”
“Ah, it is nothing.”
Damn it, his inner thoughts slipped out again.
This dizzying level of honesty.
To be honest, I hated these kinds of Zen dialogues the most.
If I asked where we were going, he could have just spat out the destination simply. What kind of dog shit talk was this?
Gye Pyeong-ryang, who had been babbling on lengthily with his rubbish philosophy, finally concluded his words.
“…That is how it is. So I hope you consider yourself one of those many cases as well. Neither is a perpetrator, nor is anyone a victim.”
“So, I am asking where we are going right now.”
Ultimately, he did not receive an answer.
Did Gye Pyeong-ryang even know how inefficient this conversation was?
Unaware of the other’s feelings, Gye Pyeong-ryang chuckled.
It was a somewhat heartless smile.
“We are almost there.”
As Gye Pyeong-ryang rounded a large boulder, a presence was felt amidst the dense mist in the distance.
Namgung Cheon narrowed his eyes and concentrated his inner energy to enhance his vision.
A trio of masked men.
Look at this? Things are turning out strangely.
Why would an instructor of Dragon Heaven Academy have any business meeting masked men?
Before long, the masked men trudged over and stood before the two.
One of the masked men glanced at Namgung Cheon and asked.
“You are saying that if we handle this kid, you will let us go?”
Gye Pyeong-ryang frowned as if uncomfortable.
“You have a loose mouth.”
“What does it matter in front of a brat who is about to die anyway? There is nothing to hide, is there?”
“Finish it quickly.”
“It is not a difficult task. Will you watch from the side?”
“I will be over there.”
Having finished speaking, Gye Pyeong-ryang went back around the boulder.
Ha, so this was how it was?
Namgung Cheon looked in the direction Gye Pyeong-ryang had vanished with an incredulous expression.
He had guessed it would be something bad, but to think it was this malicious?
I really cannot hold back on this.
For once, I cannot control my anger.
Whether they knew Namgung Cheon’s mind or not, the masked men sneered and babbled.
“Anyway, those orthodox faction bastards. They do all kinds of despicable things while their self-righteous act is really something else.”
“Exactly. What, does waiting behind a boulder make them feel like it is not their doing?”
Namgung Cheon also could not contain himself and chimed in on the conversation.
“I agree with your words a hundred percent. When you get to know them, those orthodox faction things are absolute trash.”
“Right, right.”
“They act so noble and lofty, but the things they do are filthy to the extreme. In short, they are fucking obnoxious.”
“That is exactly what I am saying.”
“We understand each other quite well, don’t we?”
“Indeed. But wait, you… what are you?”
One of the masked men raised his eyebrows sharply, glaring at Namgung Cheon as if to devour him.
Namgung Cheon asked back casually.
“What is it?”
“Is this brat out of his mind? Who said you could butt into our conversation? Have you lost your vision because it is time for you to die? You worthless piece of—”
*Peok!*
*Shwoooooook, kwadang!*
Struck by Namgung Cheon’s single palm strike, the masked man flew like a cannonball and crashed into a tree trunk.
“Oh, the Mount Huang Yun Clan’s Red Lotus Palm is quite useful.”
Namgung Cheon muttered while looking at his palm, and the other two masked men gaped with their mouths wide open.
Namgung Cheon rolled his wrists.
“We were doing so well, why did you start swearing? How annoying.”
“Y-you bastard! What are you?”
*Chachang!*
The two startled masked men drew their swords at the same time.
Namgung Cheon cracked his neck.
“Why? You guys want to charge too? Hey, you punks. The number of people who were beaten to death or crippled by this big brother could line up in columns of four and encircle the training ground three hundred times. But my mood today is a bit like shit. Doesn’t it instinctively occur to you that you are absolutely fucked?”
“S-shut up! You crazy bastard!”
“Die!”
The two masked men charged forward, swinging their swords simultaneously.
In a split second, Namgung Cheon unleashed his First Sight Skill-Breaking Eyes and clashed with them.
Threading through the dizzyingly pouring red light, Namgung Cheon’s figure seemed to dance.
Namgung Cheon drew the Emerald Silk Sword and thought.
Indeed, there were many moths to the flame in the jianghu.