3
6
3.
The long rows of entertainment districts and inns were filled with drunkards.
The streets are packed with women dressed up and out sightseeing, and with men full of vigor who have come out to chase after them.
Once again today, even as the night deepened, people showed no signs of falling asleep.
And in the foothills of the nearby Mt. Hwaun, there were people who could not sleep for a different reason.
“Gasp, gasp, gasp, gasp, gasp.”
Gang Chae-seok, gasping for breath, thought, “I’m going to die.” He turned his head slightly.
Wherever the shadow of fire spread, the leaders and disciples of the Taeeul Sect were all lying face down doing push-ups.
“Hoooh!”
“Aaaah!!”
Forty
Jicheonmyeong, the age of knowing the will of Heaven.
Approaching the age.
But seeing him practicing external martial arts that only children would do while making strange groaning sounds was absolutely dumbfounding…
“Kang Chae-seok! They say you’re the greatest master of the Taeeulmun, right? But is this all you’re capable of?”
Along with a harsh shout, a heavy weight presses down.
It felt like the strength in my trembling arm was about to drain away completely.
But I gritted my teeth and endured it.
If you fall here, you have to put a stone on top and start over from the beginning.
Kang Chae-seok could never fall because there was someone next to him actually performing this training that sounded like a joke.
“……
“Master, are you alright?”
His face was flushed bright red and looked like it was about to explode, so I asked cautiously, and in the midst of that, an answer came back.
“Clan Head Kang.”
“yes.”
“shut up.”
“…….”
His arm bending again after saying that.
The sight of him trembling uncontrollably was utterly pitiful. ‘Damn it, how did things end up like this?’ It started with Kang Yoo-sung.
As the boy returned from the Murong Clan as an exchange disciple and received private instruction from Murong Gang, and as his attainment of enlightenment rapidly increased through the secret manual recovered by the Taeeul Sect, there was no one left to teach Yoo-seong.
The only alternative is that guy Soun…
Far from helping that guy who’s running around frantically at the Murim Academy thousands of miles away, you call him over for the issue of disciple training?
It was absolutely ridiculous.
Fortunately, Jin So-un, who visited during the academy’s break, asked Baek Hae-gwang to provide private tutoring for Kang Yu-seong, and as Hong Mun-gi granted permission, there were no problems with Yu-seong’s education for a while.
However, this led to another problem.
Thanks to Jin So-woon’s teachings, Kang Yu-seong’s achievements had effectively surpassed those of the other clan leaders, with the exception of Kang Chae-seok. ‘No, seriously, what on earth has become of this guy?’ Their humble talents are no match for Kang Yu-seong, though.
However, considering the years I have lived, if I were to fall behind Seongchung to Yooseong, who had not even reached the age of twenty yet, what would become of my dignity as an elder of the sect? I wouldn’t be able to lift my head. Moreover, Yooseong also had a talent for teaching.
The training they practiced among themselves became study, and study, in turn, led to high achievement.
As a result, the children of Taeeulmun were continuing their explosive growth. ‘Phew, why is our sect so lucky with disciples!’ Although the smiles did not leave the sect leaders’ lips, they felt as though a huge stone was weighing on their chests.
If they let their guard down even for a moment, the other children might surpass the achievements of the clan leaders before they knew it.
And around that time, the sect leader Hong Mun-gi was feeling a great sense of crisis.
The atmosphere in the martial arts world is ominous.
With the formation of the Black Dao Alliance, the Black Dao Sects were gradually expanding their influence.
Feeling threatened by the growth of the Black Dao Sect, the White Dao Sects also engage in excessive expansion to demonstrate their power.
Given this situation, days of large and small battles and clashes continued in the martial arts world every other day.
Even though Taeeulmun is currently sealed off, safety cannot be guaranteed indefinitely.
“It is inevitable that our achievements are lower than those of the children, but shouldn’t teachers refrain from the shameful act of hiding behind them in moments of crisis?”
The clan leaders felt a heavy sense of responsibility at Hong Mun-gi’s story.
Therefore, I am thinking of asking Great Hero Baek for a favor.
“Th-what do you mean…! That makes no sense, Master!”
The clan leaders were terrified at the news that the head of a clan intended to receive teachings from a giant of the Dark Path martial arts world.
Anger welled up on Hong Mun-gi’s face as he watched the scene.
“Are you intending to avoid taking the truly important responsibilities just because of your pride?!”
He, who was always benevolent, suddenly let out a loud shout and reprimanded the priests.
“Why does Soun always risk his life and rush into the brink of death! Did the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers enter the academy because of their outstanding talents?!”
“Look at yourselves right now! The clothes you are wearing, the food you eat at every meal—everything contains the blood and sweat shed by the children. Are those clothes truly comfortable for you? Does the food go down your throats easily?”
No one in the conference room could lift their head.
“As the power of the Daecheon Merchant Guild grows, Jin Taesan is complaining of difficulties. If the enemies threaten the Daecheon Merchant Guild, will you hide behind the children!”
“If you guys can’t do it, I’ll do it alone!”
There was no further discussion.
No, no one could raise a question.
If you don’t become strong, you will die.
The time has come to face the harsh truth of the Jianghu that I have known for a very long time.
The question was whether Baek Haegwang would actually give the teachings.
I will give it some thought.
As expected, Baek Haegwang expressed his reluctance.
Even though he is staying at the Taeeul Sect as a guest, he cannot simply give teachings to those who are practically no different from strangers.
However, Hong Mun-gi did not back down easily.
Although he has a past as a member of the Dark Way, the conduct he displayed while living in the Taeeul Sect was contrary to rumors and resembled that of a virtuous man.
He also knew well that, due to his gentle nature contrary to his appearance, he felt sorry for Yoo-sung and occasionally gave him secret advice.
Knowing this, Hong Mun-gi earnestly pleaded once again.
He could have been criticized for his brazen behavior, but Hong Mun-gi was that desperate.
“If things continue like this… our sect may face extinction. So… I earnestly beg of you, Great Hero Baek.”
To think the head of a sect would even bow his head.
Baek Haegwang let out a small groan.
And so, a moment of silence followed.
Perhaps his earnestness reached them. In the end, Baek Haegwang agreed.
“Actually, Jin So-woon… *cough*, I did get a heads-up from him. If it doesn’t inconvenience you, I will help as much as I can, even though I am unworthy.”
“Thank you, Great Hero Baek!”
And so, Baek Haegwang became the martial arts master of the elders of the Taeeulmun.
“I thought about it a lot. I wondered how much of the Taeeul Sect’s martial arts I should teach you…”
This is the biggest concern Taeeulmun has harbored since asking Baek Haegwang for help.
As a martial arts master, what Baek Haegwang must teach is ultimately the martial arts of the Taeeul Sect. However, he cannot simply reveal the sect’s martial arts to outsiders.
Conversely, showing suspicion toward the other person while asking for guidance?
From the other person’s perspective, it certainly wouldn’t look good.
but.
“Hmm… I don’t think you need to worry about that for now.”
Surprisingly, Baek Haegwang appeared calm.
“Huh? What do you mean…?”
“As someone who is not a member of the Taeeul Sect, I cannot presumptuously observe their martial arts. Therefore, if you have any questions while studying the Taeeul Jingyeong, it would be better for me to answer them for you. It may be slow, but you will be able to rise higher.”
“Still, please do not worry. I will pass on to you what I have learned, however modestly, throughout my life.”
At the sight of him pinpointing exactly where the other person might feel uncomfortable and being considerate first, and going even further to share his most precious possession.
The members of Taeeulmun, who had looked down on him as a figure of the dark path, shed tears of repentance.
However, there is one thing I would like to ask of you.
To think it was a request from someone like Baek Haegwang, I could have granted it without hesitation, as long as it wasn’t a request to hand over the Taeeul Sect.
Please feel free to speak.
Starting with the clan leader, a spectacular scene unfolded as everyone vied with one another to nod in agreement.
After hesitating for a moment, Baek Haegwang politely began.
“Well… wouldn’t it be a bit difficult to speak respectfully to one another when we are sharing teachings? Moreover, if one only does what they are capable of without learning, it cannot even be considered training.”
I could immediately understand what Baek Haegwang was saying.
Hong Mun-gi nodded even more vigorously.
“Considering our skill levels and the divisions of the martial arts world, this is only natural. Feel free to treat me however you like. No, just treat me roughly.”
Thank you for your understanding.
I look forward to working with you. Hahaha!
I look forward to working with you all the time, hahaha.
And so, when the sun set in Hefei, training began at Mount Huayun.
“These bastards won’t get their act together!!!”… …
Something was strange.
“Huh? Look at the answer? Did you come here to play?”
“What? Internal energy cultivation? You haven’t even erected a pillar yet, and you’re trying to put up the rafters? Go reach the summit of Mt. Hwaun right now!!!”
The gentlemanly Baek Haegwang vanished without a trace, and a demonic instructor appeared to work the clan leaders to death.
“Basics, basics, basics! You don’t have the basics down! Whether it’s the peak or the absolute peak, to advance, you need to have that much deeper roots!”
“Enlightenment? What are you going to do if you attain enlightenment? My body won’t move like a rotten old tree.”
“What?? The Five Dragon Peaks stage? Ha! I wondered why Jin So-un was a lunatic, but I guess this insane way of thinking is a tradition of the sect?!”
Intense external training and practice of techniques until exhaustion.
And then, once I was completely exhausted, the duel with Baek Haegwang began.
The training continued to be so intense that even Kang Chae-seok, who had suffered in the Murim Alliance, could not easily endure it.
“When the roots deepen, the tree grows tall. The reason you didn’t know the method until now is that you hadn’t rooted yourself that deeply!”
“Gasp, you’re kidding. A balance of internal and external energy? Damn it, isn’t that why you’re useless at both internal and external energy!”
“Then what do you do? Just keep rolling until you die! No, just die! Don’t worry, just die!”
As if putting his words into practice, Baek Haegwang pushed things to the absolute extreme.
The intensity of the training was so grueling that some even fainted.
“Don’t worry. I’ve finished talking with the King of Hell.”
However, when Baek Haegwang gave him a little massage and pressed a few pressure points, he suddenly opened his eyes wide.
“Ugh…”
“Ugh…….”
As a result, I am in a situation where I cannot pass out even though I am exhausted.
As days continued where they taught children during the day and endured such treatment in the evening, before even fifteen days had passed, everyone began to feel their lives were in danger.
“Munju……
Sir, *cough*! Hmph… Even so, this isn’t right…
all.”
“P-Master, please say something to him as well……. Senior Brother Geum, *Screaming*…… He didn’t do anything all day, but he bled from his nose endlessly.”
Something is wrong with this. Who on earth would do this kind of training…
Because… … .”
Hong Mun-gi, who was about to scold those who were groaning, fell silent at the sight of the clan leaders, who had become emaciated in just a few days.
Actually, I couldn’t say anything because they asked for help first, but it is also true that I had a feeling something was off.
However, a man’s word is worth a thousand pieces of gold.
And, the clan leader’s dignity
Mount Tai
The law was the same. I couldn’t back down here.
I will keep my word!
The shoulders of the clan leaders, who had been wearing earnest expressions, slumped.
Nevertheless, admiration burst forth at the sect leader’s steadfast determination as he stood firm at the forefront like a mountain…
“but!”
“??”
I won’t stop you from going and talking! Bow!
“No! I won’t stop you!!!”
“……!!!”
“Ahem……!”
For some reason, the clan leaders felt that the clan leader’s back looked very small.
Nevertheless, now that the clan leader had given permission, I had to find a way to survive.
The clan leaders put their heads together for survival.
For now, we cannot discuss it in the evening.
“You are absolutely right. It is evil… no, it is a human being who forcibly wakes up even a person who has fainted and makes them run.”
“But…… I wonder if we can even have a conversation when the Sect Leader isn’t stepping forward…….”
Didn’t they say that necessity is the mother of invention?
How about visiting during the day?
Is it daytime?
“Yes. Um… I was just saying that Master Baek’s attitude seems to change drastically when he is with his wife and daughter, his family.”
“Even so, would the Demon Lord… no, Master Baek really care that much?”
But isn’t there no other way?
It was a ridiculous thought, but with their lives hanging in the balance, people pinned their hopes on even the smallest glimmer of hope.
Once the decision was made, execution was swift.
Led by Kang Chae-seok, high-ranking clan members visited Baek Hae-gwang.
He, who was having tea with his wife, calmly welcomed the clan leaders.
“welcome.”
Kang Chae-seok and the clan leaders were dumbfounded by the sight of Baek Hae-gwang bowing his head respectfully.
The shock did not subside easily, as I had just heard my fill of profanity I had never heard before last night.
Welcome. Shall I bring out some tea?
And next to him, Seop So-jeong stood up, showing a smile like a gourd flower.
How could such a pure and innocent woman be the consort of that crazy… no, Master.
“Oh, no. It’s alright. I just plan to chat for a moment and then leave.”
Oh, what a shame.
While Seop So-jeong’s beauty was one thing, what was truly hard to get used to was Baek Hae-gwang’s attitude.
“What brings you here?”
Losing one’s mind… no, I mean, it’s almost like a completely different person.
The demonic face reflected in the shadows was nowhere to be seen, and he was smiling kindly, like someone who had never once done anything bad in the world.
Kang Chae-seok, suffering from cognitive dissonance, finally managed to get to the point.
Ahem, ahem… actually, I think the training is a bit too grueling.
“oh!”
Seop So-jeong was startled and scolded Baek Hae-gwang.
“Aren’t you perhaps pushing the Taeeulmun members too hard?”
The people of Taeeulmun could not hide their anxiety, fearing that insults might be hurled at them for defending Seop So-jeong.
However, unlike them who flinched, Baek Haegwang nodded readily.
“I see… It was a bit too strenuous training, then.”
I thought they would curse at me, asking if I couldn’t even endure that, and if the men had nothing better to do than hide behind women…
When Baek Haegwang displayed a sensible attitude, the people’s faces brightened as if they had seen a small glimmer of hope.
“Yes, Great Hero. I’m worried that at this rate, someone is going to get into serious trouble.”
Seop So-jeong also helped by holding her husband’s arm.
“You! If you harm the Taeeulmun members, I won’t stand idly by!”
“Ugh…….”
It is clearly a situation where Baek Haegwang has been pushed to one side.
Moreover, Baek Haegwang was also wearing a troubled expression.
The people of Taeeulmun inwardly cheered, saying that everything was done.
however.
“Phew… I am sorry. Since that fellow Jin So-un has consistently endured training three times as grueling as what you all received, I assumed that the elders of the sect would be able to withstand at least that much.”
The clan leaders’ bodies stiffened at the words that came out of Baek Haegwang’s mouth.
“I suppose it is unreasonable to do that kind of training every time…”
Baek Haegwang continued speaking while stroking the teacup.
“I was curious myself, so I asked once why they go to such lengths.”
“Do you know what that guy said then?”
The story of Jin So-un that I had never properly heard before.
The people of Taeeulmun came to hear those honest inner thoughts only through Baek Haegwang.
“That guy So-un said he wants to be at a level where he can protect his own people, no matter what enemy he faces.”
I told you that becoming the best in the world is a difficult task.
The clan leaders bowed their heads.
Baek Haegwang let out a pale chuckle as he looked down at the water in the teacup.
“And as I did, I thought to myself. Such a truly young fellow… he must have been struggling with the thought that he wasn’t being protected by anyone.”
Just how deeply wounded must Jin So-un have been while witnessing the humiliating days of the Taeeul Sect all this time?
It just can’t be helped, everyone lives the way they were born.
Being looked down upon or ignored—you just have to let it slide and live on.
How resentful they must have been of themselves for having taught them the life of a loser.
Jin So-un throwing himself forward as if to burn himself up.
It was precisely because the adults themselves did not take responsibility.
“……”
Has anyone ever cared for their disciples and worried about the future of the Taeeul Sect as much as Jin So-un did?
I was so ashamed of myself for complaining about my body getting damaged after only a little training.
Baek Haegwang continued speaking.
“To be honest, I may have gone a bit overboard. Given the current atmosphere in the martial arts world, it is impossible to predict how long this era of peace will last. Moreover, the fact that the actions of the various sects began to intensify following the Mukrim incident was also a contributing factor.”
The soft-spoken story pierced my heart more deeply than the profanity I heard last night, leaving me with questions.
Do they really have the right to feel pain?
Do you have the right to say it is painful?
Baek Haegwang bowed his head.
“I was moved by his devotion to Taeeulmun… I must have been hasty without realizing it. I apologize.”
When the clan leaders realized that Baek Haegwang had such intentions in manipulating them, they could not just stand by.
No, if you were standing, you weren’t a person.
dump.
“We are sorry, Great Hero Baek! Please forgive us for our foolishness!”
“““Please forgive me!””
The people of Taeeulmun knelt down in unison, holding their bows, and shed tears as they realized their foolishness.
“Ugh… I will never complain about how hard this is again. Please make me work harder!”
“I’m going to die from training. Until I die, no! Please make me work even after I die!!”
That night.
Bang! Tutter-tutter-bang!
Dozens of lumps of iron fell in front of the Taeeulmun people.
Hong Mun-gi, who had been looking forward to the news that the clan leaders were going to speak with Baek Hae-gwang, asked with a flustered expression.
“Th-what is this?”
“What else could it be? It’s a steel ring. Put one on each hand and foot.”
“Are you saying you train wearing this?”
“You said you wanted me to roll you around? Until I die, no, even after I die?”
Hong Mun-gi quickly turned his head.
I am asking Kang Chae-seok and the other clan leaders, and the guys who went to see Baek Hae-gwang.
What on earth is going on!
If you have a mouth, say something…
However, no one made eye contact with Hong Mun-gi.
From now on, anyone who talks back will have an extra iron bullet added to their loadout.
Hong Mun-gi realized something while watching the sneer Baek Hae-gwang.
“Hah, you’re whining that it’s hard just because you did a little bit? And you waited until my wife was there to do that?? Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to explain that to her?!!”
You really messed with the wrong person.
and.
“Consider yourselves all dead from now on! You worthless bastards, worse than mole crickets!!!”
I should have stopped those damn clan leaders.
