Chapter 208: Chapter 208
“Phew…… There’s…… no end to this……”
Eun-ho let out an involuntary sigh at the documents piled before his eyes, even though he had spent an entire day on paperwork.
He was dividing the work with nearly twenty Academy students Jang Woo-jae had brought in, the children of merchants and officials, but the work showed no sign of decreasing at all.
Moreover, when he thought that the work they were doing right now was only half of what Jin So-un had originally been handling, his sigh grew even longer.
Because ultimately, the executive staff, including Eun-ho, had to take over all the paperwork Jin So-un had been handling alone.
Jang Woo-jae, who had volunteered for this work, also felt his vision go distant once the tasks actually appeared before him.
“Is the representative some kind of monster?”
“……I wonder.”
At Jang Woo-jae’s question, filled with doubt, Eun-ho could only smile bitterly.
It was not as if that man acting unlike a human being had happened only once or twice.
Just when it seemed one might get used to him, he kept showing another side of himself, so now there was not even any strength left to be surprised.
“He has always been a person you cannot predict……”
“……”
Jang Woo-jae seemed to have some kind of illusion about Jin So-un, so Eun-ho worried for a moment whether it was all right to shatter that illusion like this. But soon, Eun-ho shook off that worry.
‘He will find out soon enough that he is a strange human anyway……’
If one was going to be hit anyway, was it not better to be hit even a day sooner?
That way, one would at least have time to run.
Back when he himself had known nothing, had he not dreamed up the absurd fantasy of helping Eldest Senior Brother enter the Academy out of loyalty to him, only to suffer terribly for it?
Now, if someone told him to do it again, he felt he could not do it even if they beat him to death.
‘Of course…… if he told me to do it, I would do it again. Sigh……’
That was only possible because he was a disciple of the Taeul Sect and Jin So-un’s Junior Brother.
He did not want to see the kind-hearted Jang Woo-jae fall into Jin So-un’s demonic claws(?) and suffer needlessly.
He had to reduce the number of victims by even one.
“Anyway…… if you want to run, it would be better to run quickly.”
“Hm? What do you mean by……?”
Jin So-un must have learned witchcraft that made the people around him strange.
Was Namgung Seon-hwa not already proof of that?
According to Hong Sa-ryeon, who had taken charge of external affairs together with Namgung Seon-hwa, when the Training Masters and instructors showed signs of trying to support the Orthodox Path Association unfairly, Namgung Seon-hwa gathered them all in one place and drove the Firmament Sword into the table.
[If any of you fear the Jegal Clan but do not fear the Namgung Clan, then please feel free to try your tricks. The price will be returned to you thoroughly.]
From the beginning, Namgung Seon-hwa had not been the type of person to pressure opponents by putting her clan in front of her or behind her.
Although she possessed many things, she was like a simple neighborhood older sister who did not show them off and had no reluctance to share what she had with others.
That was probably why Dong-ryong, who became slightly foolish except when fighting, followed Namgung Seon-hwa around as if she were his lost older sister.
If he thought about how such a person had somehow become so cold-headed and decisive……
‘Eldest Senior Brother…… seriously……’
Why did the image of Eldest Senior Brother smiling vilely and laughing, “Kyahahaha,” come to mind?
In terms of making people move and making things work, he was certainly worth learning from.
But he was truly suspicious beyond belief.
The Taeul True Scripture he had learned was definitely an orthodox martial art, but……
Could there be a secret hidden inside it that turned it into a Demonic Art if operated differently?
While Eun-ho was suspecting his Eldest Senior Brother.
Jang Woo-jae, who had not yet run away(?), looked around with a tired face.
“Still, things have more or less settled into place now.”
“This is all thanks to Academy student Jang Woo-jae.”
“How could that have been possible by me alone? It is because everyone, including you, Lord Eun-ho, worked hard.”
Jin So-un’s representative delegation was handling its work well on its own, even while Jin So-un was busy seriously preparing external activities.
Eun-ho and Jang Woo-jae handled the practical administrative work needed to operate the representative delegation.
Seong Mo-ran and Nam Hwa-seong met and persuaded people, centered on One Hundred Eight Peaks.
And Namgung Seon-hwa and Hong Sa-ryeon handled external affairs.
There were few people, but everyone faithfully did what they had been assigned.
If things continued to run this smoothly, there would be no more major threats to their life as the representative delegation.
And Jin So-un’s representative delegation would no longer be in danger of being forced out.
Yes, if they just got through this crisis, if they just got through it……
“Ahem, well…… in any case, the number of event participants is gradually increasing too……”
When Jang Woo-jae let out a long sigh with a troubled expression, Eun-ho also sighed along with him without realizing it.
“……Tsk. Sorry.”
“N-no. This is not something you should apologize for, Lord Eun-ho……”
Jang Woo-jae denied it, waving both hands and even shaking his head.
Soon, he cautiously opened his mouth.
“But is this really all right? That……”
Then he looked around and lowered his voice even further.
“I do not think Shaolin Temple will stay quiet.”
Of course it could not be all right.
They had taken the Il-gak under heaven.
A disciple of Shaolin Temple who had learned the Tendon-Changing Classic, no less, and taken him out to do touting.
Setting Shaolin Temple aside, was this not so irreverent that even if Buddha grew angry and sent down heavenly punishment, they would have to accept it gladly?
If some crisis arose from this matter too……
It would all be Eldest Senior Brother’s fault.
Yes, it would all be Eldest Senior Brother’s fault.
“I do not know. If something happens, that man will take care of it himself. It is all his fault anyway.”
“……”
In any case, that was how it was.
As the first event of the second semester began, an excited atmosphere drifted through the Academy.
It was true that the events conducted by the representative delegations were more interesting than the ordinary academic schedule conducted by the Training Masters and instructors.
Moreover, this event was a competition between the real representative delegation and the fake representative delegation.
The Academy students now even had the right to show their support by participating in only one of the two events.
Naturally, apart from the event contents themselves, they were also curious about the outcome of the competition between the two forces.
“Then, if Representative Jin So-un loses, will he be forced out?”
“That is nonsense. In any case, did he not enter with the highest score and become the representative? Naturally, he should continue as representative.”
“Then you will attend Jin So-un’s event.”
“Ahem……”
“Why are you not answering?”
“……I received a message from my sect this time telling me to learn in detail about the Mystic Gate Formation.”
Around the time they were each making their choices based on their own situations and surrounding influences.
“Ahem. Benefactors…… do you have a moment?”
“……?”
“M-Monk Il-gak?”
“What brings you here……?”
Il-gak, wearing a ridiculous sash and holding a hand full of flyers, wore a benevolent smile on his lips that somehow did not match his attire.
“I have come to share good teachings.”
“……Hmm.”
“……Uh.”
“Pardon?”
The Academy students, who each wore blank expressions, soon shook their heads to collect themselves.
They wanted to go attend each representative delegation’s event immediately, but when would they ever get an easy chance to speak with Il-gak under heaven?
Moreover, the Academy event would be held for a week, but this was the only opportunity they would have to speak with Il-gak.
“Yes! Well, um, please go ahead.”
As soon as the Academy students gave permission, Il-gak nodded.
“Do you perhaps know about Steadfast Heart?”
It was an extremely fundamental and empty question.
“Is that not…… an upright heart?”
That was why it was an easy question to answer, but Il-gak shook his dazzlingly glossy head.
“Regrettably, Steadfast Heart does not merely refer to an upright heart.”
At the atmosphere that suggested some profound teaching they did not know was about to appear, the Academy students began focusing all at once.
“Steadfast Heart refers to a firm mind that does not waver. It means an innate pillar that remains unmoved in any situation.”
“……Is that not the same thing……?”
Just as an inexplicable doubt and distrust appeared on the Academy students’ faces at Il-gak’s preaching.
A bright light began pouring from Il-gak’s eyes.
“You there, benefactor! Do you believe you possess an unwavering Steadfast Heart?”
At his fierce pressure, the Academy students flinched and stepped back.
“Ahem…… I-I am a disciple of a lay-affiliated martial sect of the Namgung Clan in my own way, so compared to anyone, I am unwavering……”
“Wrong!”
“Pardon? What do you mean……?”
Il-gak stared straight at the Academy students with eyes so intense they seemed about to pierce through their faces.
“Steadfast Heart does not begin from one’s affiliation or martial learning.”
In the common stories of the martial world, Steadfast Heart referred to the power of the mind strengthened through training an Inner Arts Heart Method.
That was why those who learned pure heart methods inheriting the orthodox martial arts lineage, like those of the Namgung Clan, were said to possess a more unwavering Steadfast Heart than those who learned the martial arts of the Black Path Murim.
Il-gak was firmly denying that common sense.
“Steadfast Heart is not a power obtained simply by learning an Inner Arts Heart Method and meditating. If it were……”
Il-gak, who had been speaking passionately, suddenly turned his head and closed his eyes with a sorrowful expression.
“I would not have lost my companions in Sichuan.”
Because they knew what had happened to the Righteous Path Association in Sichuan, everyone let out regretful sighs.
“I was more confident than anyone in what is commonly called Steadfast Heart. But through this incident, I had no choice but to admit that I had been arrogant.”
Il-gak cast a clear and transparent gaze into the distance like a monk who had reached enlightenment.
The Academy students swallowed dryly and took one step closer to Il-gak.
“……T-then how can we strengthen Steadfast Heart?”
Even aside from the Blood Cult, did people of the Black Path Murim not often use witchcraft that led people astray?
The Academy students standing before Il-gak began thirsting for an answer that could free them from such dangers.
Il-gak did not miss that opening and pressed his palms together with the hand holding the bundle of papers.
“There is a very good method. It is to learn about Dispelling Evil and Exorcism.”
“……”
“……”
“……”
Il-gak quickly placed the flyers in his hand into the Academy students’ hands.
“If you attend the Mount Heng Sect’s event now, you will be offered an opportunity to test Dispelling Evil and Exorcism through the cruel and vicious Blood Cult’s cunning illusion formation set up in the Horse Station. It is a special benefit of this event, so please do not miss it.”
The Academy students, who had been looking bewildered, widened their eyes.
“R-really?”
Il-gak’s shining head moved vigorously up and down.
“Yes. That is correct. If you cannot believe it, you may also experience the Blood Cult’s illusion formation first. Once you experience it, you will realize how important it is to establish your Steadfast Heart correctly. Namo Amitabha.”
One of the reasons the Academy students’ hearts had not been easily moved by the Mount Heng Sect’s class was precisely that even if they learned it right away, there seemed to be nowhere to use it.
But if even a place for immediate practice had been prepared, they could not help but be moved.
“Monk! Then I will attend the Mount Heng Sect’s event.”
For a moment, Il-gak felt a sense of achievement without realizing it. He denied his own heart and immediately straightened his expression.
“……Then it would be best for you to go quickly. The number of people waiting is gradually increasing.”
“Ah! Then I will go first. I will see you all later!”
“H-hey! Let us go together! I am attending too!”
“Me too!”
Il-gak benevolently watched the three people run toward the Horse Station without anyone needing to go first. Then he let out a long sigh with a complicated expression.
At that moment.
Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap.
Someone approached while clapping.
“Benefactor Jin……”
Il-gak’s expression became even more complicated.
Jin So-un was walking toward him, shaking his head with a shocked expression as if he could not believe what he had just seen.
“I must apologize.”
“……For what?”
“As expected, the talent who will lead Shaolin is truly different. Damn─”
Jin So-un even raised both thumbs and praised him highly, but……
Il-gak, not knowing whether he should cry or laugh, only gripped the flyers in his hand even tighter.
“How is it only this much?”
The third day of the event.
At the number of participants, which was not even half of what he had expected, Jegal Jeong-gi’s brow furrowed deeply.
“T-that is……”
The Formation Master of the Jegal Clan, who was in charge of operating and conducting the Mystic Gate Formation, fidgeted as if it were his own fault.
“Something must have been marked incorrectly. Right? If not, then……”
“That is, it was marked accurately.”
“What?”
Jegal Jeong-gi tried to deny reality as he fumbled over the paper.
“More people than expected are participating in Jin So-un’s event……”
“What nonsense is that……!”
The reality he faced was cruel.
This was a new Mystic Gate Formation announced by the Jegal Clan, no less.
It was a new Mystic Gate Formation that surpassed the Seven Stars Seven Seizures Formation, which every sect under heaven wanted to install.
How could people possibly not be interested in such a thing?
And because of something like Dispelling Evil and Exorcism, which they could naturally learn once they went up to the Murim Alliance, no less.
“That is…… the illusion formation installed at Jin So-un’s event site is so strange and realistic…… that it seems to have turned out this way.”
“What do you mean, realistic?”
The Formation Master of the Jegal Clan groaned and answered,
“……According to the Academy students who experienced the matter in Sichuan, they said it was almost the same experience as being inside the illusion formation used by the Blood Cult.”
“Ha……”
“As such stories spread, everyone has been learning the Mount Heng Sect’s Dispelling Evil and Exorcism and practicing breaking through the illusion formation, so the Horse Station is packed every day……”
Clench—
Jegal Jeong-gi’s clenched fist trembled in frustration.
From the moment he heard that Il-gak was doing the ridiculous act of touting, he had expected some Academy students to move, but he had never expected the difference to be this large.
It was a situation Jegal Jeong-gi could not possibly tolerate.
He needed some kind of breakthrough.
“The improved version……. Did you bring the improved-version equipment?”
At Jegal Jeong-gi’s question, deep bewilderment appeared on the Formation Master’s face.
“Y-young Master…… that is still being researched……”
“Install it immediately. And tell people that they will be able to experience the improved version of the Two Principles Eight Trigrams Myriad Phenomena Formation right away.”
“That will not do, Young Master!”
Even at the firm shout, Jegal Jeong-gi glared at the Formation Master with bloodshot eyes.
“Then are you saying the Jegal Clan under heaven must lose to someone in formations? Because of a mere illusion formation that is not even a proper Mystic Gate Formation!!”
“……”
“Install it immediately. I will take responsibility for what comes afterward.”
At the sense of inferiority in his eyes, the Formation Master of the Jegal Clan eventually lowered his head.
“……Understood.”
The Formation Masters moved away to retrieve the improved-version equipment.
‘Jin So-un……’
Watching them, Jegal Jeong-gi clenched his fist tightly.
His hand turned paler than ever.
“Truly remarkable……. To think the young later-generation talent from back then has already become such an extraordinary person……”
Faced with praise delivered straight to my face, my tongue, which usually flowed smoothly, did not move properly.
“It is an honor to hear such words from Great Hero Seven-Kill Soul-Destroyer.”
He was none other than Song Jeong-mu, the Eldest Senior Brother of Ha Min-jung, who had gifted me Demon-Subduing Talismans at the Demon Spirit Plateau.
He had personally participated in the Mount Heng Sect’s event this time.
That was practically proof of just how much attention the Mount Heng Sect was paying to this event.
“I did not expect you to come personally, Great Hero.”
At my courteous attitude, Song Jeong-mu smiled kindly.
“Heh heh. The Sect Leader personally named me and ordered me to make sure there were no gaps in the event. In that case, of course I had to come.”
I could not help but tilt my head.
Although there was a debt from the Demon Spirit Plateau, had that not already been repaid with the Demon-Subduing Talismans?
I could not quite understand why the Mount Heng Sect was paying such attention now.
“Hmm……. It seems you do not know yourself very well.”
“What do you mean……?”
“Do you know how much profit our Mount Heng Sect has gained thanks to the symbolism of being the Dispelling Evil item chosen by the ‘Black Flame Dragon’?”
“Pardon?”
My eyebrow twitched for a moment at the sudden epithet.
Come to think of it, it seemed Seong Mo-ran had told me something similar not long ago.
Song Jeong-mu patted my shoulder as he explained.
“Not only the Murim Alliance’s bulk orders, but also reservation orders from all over the martial world are flooding in. The Daoists of the main mountain are on the verge of exhausting all their energy producing Demon-Subduing Talismans day and night.”
Judging by his expression, they seemed to be earning far more money than Seong Mo-ran had said.
But why did my stomach hurt a little?
In addition, aside from the Mount Heng Sect making money, I suddenly felt regretful that I had not stockpiled effective Demon-Subduing Talismans.
I had used up most of the Demon-Subduing Talismans I received last time while handling the matter in Sichuan.
“Tsk.”
When I smacked my lips without realizing it, Song Jeong-mu laughed heartily.
“Do you feel it is a waste that we made money?”
I shook my head while mixing in a little lie.
“Of course not. The Mount Heng Sect’s power of Dispelling Evil and Exorcism is not something other sects can easily imitate, is it? I merely regret that I could not buy Demon-Subduing Talismans in advance. The price must have risen a great deal, yes?”
Song Jeong-mu nodded repeatedly.
“Because the speed at which we make them cannot keep up with the speed at which they sell.”
“That is the only thing I find regrettable. I will have many uses for them in the future. I regret that I did not purchase them ahead of time.”
“Hmm…… Is that so?”
Song Jeong-mu stroked his chin for a moment, then continued speaking.
“So you think you will have many uses for Demon-Subduing Talismans even after the Blood Cult incident ends?”
Because my attention was focused on the Demon-Subduing Talismans, I had unconsciously leaked something about the future.
But well, that much should be fine, right?
“Since a martial art of the Unorthodox Path, which the Murim Alliance had already designated as a Forbidden Art, has appeared, who knows what other martial arts are growing in places we cannot see?”
“Hmm……”
I hurriedly wrapped up the topic.
“Please just let the words of an ignorant young fool pass by.”
However, Song Jeong-mu still looked at me with a serious expression.
“No. No, indeed. It is a story spoken by the Black Flame Dragon under heaven, is it not? I must take it to heart.”
“……What influence could my words possibly have?”
Song Jeong-mu slowly shook his head.
“I heard the competitor for this event was a Mystic Gate Formation newly created by the Jegal Clan. We also heard the rumors on our way here and expected that there would not be many participants in this event.”
Then he looked around with a bright smile.
“But what was the result?”
“……Haha.”
“Your words are naturally something to be taken to heart.”
I did not know what that had to do with anything, but in any case, the event was scheduled to end in great success.
By the third day, there was already a difference of more than twice the number of participants compared to the Orthodox Path Association’s event, and on the fourth day, the Orthodox Path Association temporarily suspended its event, widening the gap even further.
Now, if only “Distinguished Guest Invitation” ended cleanly.
The facilities made by the Orthodox Path Association, the stylish chair, and all the Seven-Colored Flower would become mine.
Muhahahaha. It felt as if my aching stomach was recovering again.
As I inwardly smiled while drawing that splendid future.
Song Jeong-mu’s voice flowed in.
“To return briefly to what we were discussing earlier.”
“Yes, please speak.”
“Hmm…… How would you feel about continuing to use the Mount Heng Sect’s Demon-Subduing Talismans?”
Hm? What kind of question was that?
I answered immediately.
“Of course I would be pleased.”
“Ahem. What if that meant you could not use another sect’s Dispelling Evil items instead?”
I tilted my head.
In my past life, after the Great Righteous-Demonic War broke out, many sects presented their own Dispelling Evil and Exorcism items, but in truth, only a few sects, including the Mount Heng Sect and the Maoshan Sect, provided items that were actually helpful.
Moreover, the Mount Heng Sect’s items showed the most outstanding effect among them.
In other words, it was not even a question that required consideration.
“Naturally, I would continue using only the Mount Heng Sect’s Demon-Subduing Talismans.”
“Is that so?”
At my firm statement, Song Jeong-mu looked somehow pleased and held out three thick leather pouches.
“What is this……?”
Song Jeong-mu stared at me with eyes clearer than ever.
“If you continue using the Mount Heng Sect’s Demon-Subduing Talismans in the future, then the Mount Heng Sect will make sure the Demon-Subduing Talismans never run dry in your hands.”
My mouth fell open.
“Are you serious?”
“Of course. If only you promise……”
“Of course! I will promise, absolutely! Tell them to throw away items from other sects!”
At my intense reaction, Song Jeong-mu instead wore a bewildered expression.
“Ah, ah. I-is that so?”
Of course. Absolutely.
It did not have much to do with me how much profit the Mount Heng Sect made from this matter, but if they would support me with an unlimited supply of Demon-Subduing Talismans, then there was no loss for me at all.
“……But why make such a generous decision?”
“What item you use now leads the trend of the martial world. That is why we intend to secure you first with this support.”
“As expected, a great sect is different!”
No matter how much I said it had nothing to do with me, the fact remained that it was thanks to me, was it not?
Barely suppressing the laughter about to leak out, I asked Song Jeong-mu,
“Oh, right. And by chance, I obtained a piece of Demon-Subduing Divine Wood. Could you perform a ritual so that it can be made into a Protective Talisman?”
“Hm? Well, if the item itself is prepared, it is not that difficult. You truly expect many people who use witchcraft to appear in the future, do you?”
Would it only be witchcraft? Bastards who used even worse Demonic Qi than that would appear too.
Since preparedness prevented calamity, I did not want to be soaked in Demonic Qi and become a Demonic Practitioner. No matter how many items I had, it would not be enough.
At that moment.
Crash, bang.
A commotion arose outside.
“What is it?”
“I will go out for a moment.”
When I opened the door and went out, I saw someone I had never seen before being seized and subdued in the hands of the executive staff.
“What happened?”
“He is someone from the Orthodox Path Association. He kept insisting on meeting Great Hero Song Jeong-mu, so……”
“Great Hero Song Jeong-mu?”
When I jerked my chin, Jang Woo-jae released the Orthodox Path Association member’s Mute Acupoint.
The Orthodox Path Association member hurriedly knelt and shouted.
“P-please let me meet Great Hero Song Jeong-mu!”
“What is the matter?”
“……”
The Orthodox Path Association member did not answer.
Soon, Song Jeong-mu came out and looked at me and the Orthodox Path Association member.
“What matter made you cause such a commotion?”
His face looked rather displeased.
However, as if he had no time to care about that, the Orthodox Path Association member shouted urgently.
“Great Hero! Please hear me out for a moment.”
“Is it urgent?”
“Yes! It is.”
“Then speak.”
“……That is……”
The Orthodox Path Association member glanced once at my face, then shut his mouth again.
Song Jeong-mu’s face hardened in displeasure.
“It seems you have nothing to say. Or perhaps it is not urgent.”
At that indirect pressure to speak here in public, the Orthodox Path Association member’s face turned pale.
In the end, he bowed his head and said,
“N-no. That is not it. P-please help us! A problem has occurred at our event!”
“A problem?”
Puzzlement appeared in the eyes of everyone present, including me.
The Orthodox Path Association member continued with an expression as if he might cry at any moment.
“T-the Academy students cannot get out of the Mystic Gate Formation.”
However, Song Jeong-mu tilted his head instead.
“But…… why did you come to tell me that?”
“T-that is, I do not know the details either, but they combined new equipment with the Mystic Gate Formation……. and it seems that it is shaking the Academy students’ Steadfast Hearts.”