---

**

I shared the remaining stories with Gwangyang.

“Still, I’ve made a few acquaintances. The kids are generally nice. Even with a big age gap, they treat me kindly. There are mostly teenagers, and those in their twenties are few and far between… and there’s just one person in their thirties, like me.”

“Is that person a late starter?”

“No, they say they started early. But they really don’t put in any effort. They were always making excuses. Since they called me Gwang-hyung, I treated them well at first… but it turned out they were gambling behind my back.”

“…Gambling?”

“Yeah. They look scruffy, but they’re a well-off young master from a good family. From what I heard, they are the son of a household that has caused quite a bit of trouble with the local merchants. They kept bugging me to just have fun today… and I haven’t seen them since I cut things off.”

“Hmm.”

I slyly looked up at the building in front of me. Everything looked antique and beautiful, sturdy, and pricey-looking.

Buildings that seemed to signify the status of the Martial Alliance.

“How are the dormitories?”

“There are a total of four dorms… split into new and old buildings. Each of those is further divided into main and annex dorms, referred to as dorms 1 through 4.”

“Is there a big difference?”

“Dorm 1 is just well-off. Each person has a personal maid, and the meals are good… it’s pretty sweet. Dorm 1 is huge, almost like a palace. Dorm 2 isn’t as good, and doesn’t have a dedicated maid, but there’s a managing maid, so it’s not inconvenient to live there.”

“What about the old building?”

“Up to Dorm 3, it’s still bearable. The number of managing maids has decreased, but they still come to clean. The buildings are old but still pretty tidy… and the meals are quite good. It’s right here.”

“What about Dorm 4?”

“Dorm 4… frankly, the state is pretty bad. It’s often referred to as the ‘Death Dorm.’ It’s located on the outskirts of Cheonmu Academy, and it’s quite far from the flowing river. The buildings look like they could collapse at any moment… and students have to handle the maintenance themselves. There’s a cafeteria, but the distribution is so poor that students are forced to work out of necessity.”

“…What kind of academy is that?”

“We thought initially it was just a rumor… but that wasn’t the case. Master. If you’re curious, would you like to come with me to take a look?”

Honestly speaking, I was curious. Whether such a place could exist in an establishment that, on the surface, seemed flawless.

“Maybe later. First, meeting the headmaster is a priority.”

“Oh, by the way, what do you plan to do about Miss Sua? Isn’t she too young to leave here?”

“That’s true, but I’ve heard the age limit for Cheonmu Academy is fifteen.”

“…Are you saying that little girl is over fifteen?”

“Right. She’s exactly fifteen.”

I heard it directly from her. There shouldn’t be any lies.

Gwangyang clicked his tongue.

“I know that if kids don’t eat on time, they don’t grow, but just how long did they not feed her… What kind of parents did she originally have?”

“Well, I didn’t ask in detail, but… they probably weren’t decent folks. Don’t bring up pointless stories around Sua. It might hurt her.”

“…Understood. But still… I worry she might get bullied by the other kids because she’s too small…”

“When that happens, I’ll ask a favor. Gwangyang.”

“W-What? Master is asking me for a favor…! I’ll take care of her like my own daughter!”

Gwangyang pounded his chest. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it! Master! How could I forget what you’ve done for me…!”

“How’s the Georyeok Sword?”

“Ah, that’s… there are some blocked parts. Should I explain it now?”

“No. Let’s review it all at once later. I feel like we need to get moving again. Gwangyang, when Narin comes back, please take care of Sua. Be nice to her.”

“Yes! Master! Have a good trip!”

I left my seat. Mo Yong-hwi, the headmaster of Cheonmu Academy.

Under the supreme lord, there are the Five Stars. Below the Seven Swords, the Nine Dragons fly.

In that famous speculation, there were those known as the Five Stars.

A nickname is not determined simply by the strength of martial arts. It consists of the achievements they’ve done and the stories naturally passed down by people around them.

There might be stronger individuals hiding throughout the martial world. However, just because their names are known doesn’t mean they are weak.

The supreme lord stands in the heavens.

And just below are the five shining stars.

One of those represented the name of Mo Yong-hwi.

“…So you’re Muk Geom.”

In the desolate office, not a single expensive item was visible in the stark atmosphere.

The person who had been sitting there placed the tea down.

A member of the Five Stars.

Changseong (槍星) Mo Yong-hwi.

An unusual figure, remarkably successful with a spear, unlike his sword-renowned Mo Yong family.

Without any intention of hiding his oppressive aura, I bowed my head.

At least, at the entrance of Huaxing.

He was not someone to take lightly.

“I’m honored to meet you, Changseong.”

“Enough with the embarrassing titles. Headmaster is sufficient.”

“Yes, Headmaster.”

He stood up. He stood before me. The face observing me was dignified, but at the same time, very refined.

I had heard that the headmaster gained fame not just through martial prowess, but also because of his appearance…

It’s not inaccurate.

“I’ve heard about your progress. You’ve done an impressive job.”

“I’m embarrassed.”

“Your task here is simple. You will serve as an assistant instructor for the beginner class and teach the students.”

“I’m worried if I can manage this, as my foundational skills are lacking.”

“Show me your hand.”

Just like what the Martial Alliance Leader did before, the same thing happened.

Mo Yong-hwi caught my wrist and frowned. He asked bluntly.

“Is your body unable to contain energy?”

“Yes.”

“…And yet you still hold onto the sword.”

“Yes.”

“Why is that?”

Why, indeed.

I could answer that very simply.

“I wanted to become stronger.”

“…Hmm.”

The headmaster nodded briefly and returned to his seat.

“The instructors share the same dorms as the students. In your case… putting you in Dorm 1 might lead to some friction.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Dorm 1 is where the children of the ruling families and the great houses reside. Since you’ve stirred things up in the Shaolin, it would be quite natural for them to look upon you unfavorably.”

“I see.”

“That said, I cannot place you in Dorm 2 either. Dorm 2 is where those with close relations to Dorm 1 live, so there would also be friction. If I were to choose a suitable place, it would be Dorm 3. There will be some inconvenience in living, but I will assign a personal maid to you.”

“That’s fine.”

“Don’t ignore my kindness.”

It’s kindness, or rather, an oversight.

I could only nod begrudgingly. He reached for the piled documents.

“You will be here for about two months. If there is anything you want to gain, take it all. I won’t stop you.”

“Thank you.”

“There’s just one warning…”

He lifted his gaze.

“Do not enter the special management building. Under no circumstances.”

“…Yes?”

“I won’t explain further. There’s no need to. Just don’t enter. Knowing that much should be enough.”

“…….”

“Welcome to Cheonmu Academy. A martial artist learns about themselves while teaching others.”

Mo Yong-hwi organized the documents.

“Get any lacking explanations from your supervising instructor outside. Muk Geom. Just so you know… don’t cause any unnecessary incidents here. That responsibility falls entirely on me… I personally hope you’ll fade into the background as if you’re not here at all.”

“…….?”

Is this to put me on guard?

Or is it that the relationship between him and the Martial Alliance Leader isn’t as simple as allies?

Before I could decipher the meaning behind his last words, he pointed towards the door.

“The discussions are over. Leave. Jeok-un.”

“Uh… Headmaster.”

“Do you still have something to say?”

“Actually…”

I rambled about Sua.

As if having already received prior notice, he calmly nodded.

“I will allow the child to be placed in the beginner class. The discussion with the Leader has already concluded. However, Jeok-un. I want to ask you something. I heard she’s a child with no connections. A worthless child picked up in the land of Shaolin.”

Has he already finished his background check?

What a shady character.

Mo Yong-hwi nodded slightly.

“Why did you bring such a child with you?”

“…I made a promise but couldn’t keep it, so I brought her to fulfill my responsibility.”

“What promise?”

“I promised to bring her missing parents to her. But that wasn’t possible. They had been dead for a long time. Instead, I took it upon myself to be responsible for her. That’s all.”

“……”

Mo Yong-hwi’s eyes narrowed. I couldn’t gauge the feelings behind them.

The only thing that fell was a silent atmosphere.

“If you’re done here, then leave.”

I stepped out.

The person waiting for me looked at me with narrowed eyes.

My supervising instructor, managing the entire beginner class.

“…You may not know it outside, but I’m your clear superior in here. Jeok-un. My name is Lim Won-pyeong.”

“Yes, Senior.”

“I don’t know how your reputation was built, but there are limits to strength without background.”

A well-groomed man clicked his tongue. His eyes were filled with clear animosity.

“Don’t get too cocky.”

With that one line, I understood what feelings he held towards me.

Jealousy and resentment.

It seems my fame isn’t sitting well with him.

“Yes, Senior.”

I bowed slightly. Should I just go along for now?

People can’t always like each other. Even if he acts defiant, it’s up to him, so I don’t want to pose any threats.

I’ll only cut him off if he crosses the line.

I followed him as we moved on, listening to what instructors are supposed to do.

. . .

In the underground training hall.

The woman sprawled out on the floor was panting, brushing away hair stuck to her cheek and cursing with her pretty lips.

“This is insane… why does it feel like the difference has only gotten bigger…?”

“Have you heard the saying that ‘you see as much as you know?'”

Another woman, also drenched in sweat, offered her water.

“What we were witnessing was just the tip of the iceberg. As the level rises, the massive outline gradually becomes clear.”

“No matter what, there should be a limit. After all, we’re all human…”

“Does Ilma look human to you?”

“…Well, that’s true… so I’m not weak, right? Right?”

“Of course. Ryungryeong has gotten stronger. Much more than before.”

Joo Ryeong-ryeong sprang up, gulping down water.

“Ah! I feel alive. Thanks a lot.”

The woman, Black Danhwa, pushed her away.

“Don’t stick to me, Ryungryeong. You smell.”

“I smell?”

“You know, after getting beaten by Ilma, the stagnant energy in your body seeps out with your sweat. It’s basically a ridiculous cleansing ritual. Only Ilma and the Master could pull this off.”

“Hmph. I don’t smell.”

“Your nose is blocked. Clear it out.”

Joo Ryeong-ryeong sniffed and blew her nose.

A solid blob of dried blood shot out.

“…What is that smell?!”

“You didn’t realize until now?”

“Well, I always blacked out after getting hit by the Master. The water poured on me was from Danhwa, right? Huh, that’s wild. Did I have this smell on me? I wasn’t smelling like this before, right?”

“You didn’t smell! It’s just that the energy got all clumped up, so it’s particularly strong this time. Anyway, let’s hurry and wash up. Today’s the first day we’re still awake after the sparring, right? So let’s wash ourselves.”

“Danhwa didn’t pass out?”

“Instead, I feel like my head is going to explode. Who would have guessed that Ilma would be skilled in both martial arts and literature?”

“But still, I like it. It hurts, but… whereas it used to be pain I wanted to escape from, now it feels like a purposeful pain. Plus, I think I’ve gotten a bit stronger?”

“Not just a bit, a lot. Quite some time has passed, you know? I’ve been growing really quickly ever since my dantian was fully healed. Combining martial arts and techniques that I’ve learned before… even Ilma said they were impressive!”

“It’s hard to imagine Ilma being surprised…”

“She twitched her eyebrows in front of me. That was bound to be surprise.”

“Is that true?”

“Absolutely.”

The two of them simply washed up and got dressed. Now this place was more homey than Ilma’s mansion.

After finishing their early morning training, they needed to reflect on what they had at hand. Black Danhwa and Joo Ryeong-ryeong entered Ilma’s study.

“I hate studying!”

“No matter what, you have to do it. Ryungryeong. If you live like an idiot, you’re going to lose a lot. If you want to obtain everything tightly, you need to learn various things.”

“I know… I know… ugh…”

“I’ve never seen someone cry while studying. It’s really something.”

Resigned to necessity, Joo Ryeong-ryeong started studying. But her overloaded brain soon couldn’t take it and she slumped over on the desk.

“Ah.”

She looked at the stacked books and whispered.

A name she missed.

“I miss Jeok-un.”

“…That suddenly got me gloomy.”

“What? Am I not allowed to say that?”

“I want to see him too, but I have to hold back.”

“Ah. I want to see him. I want to see him. I want to see him.”

“One more time and I’ll smack your butt.”

The studious Black Danhwa wrote a few more words. Then she too slumped down like Joo Ryeong-ryeong. As the two beauties sighed, glancing employees whispered as they passed by.

“Is something going on…?”

“But really, isn’t she too pretty?”

“She’s even kind.”

“If only I could hold her hand once, I wouldn’t need anything else.”

Black Danhwa, who was resting her chin on her hand, suddenly lifted her face.

Her beautiful brow wrinkled slightly.

“*Sigh*… I was holding myself back this whole time…”

“Do you think the other girls are the same as us?”

“Haven’t you heard? Eun Seol-ran is always walking around with a frown these days. How about Baekma? Last time I saw her, it looked like she was about to die. She asked me about Jeok-un’s whereabouts… I didn’t know anything, so I couldn’t answer.”

“Ugggh…”

“As the various faction leaders have disappeared following the Master, the current sect is being run by the vice leaders, right? As such, the management structure is changing soon, so many people are coming and going. While serving under the current Master Ilma, I happened to meet Nine Heavens Jade Woman Geum Seoryeon, and she asked me where her disciple went.”

“That woman is still on about that?”

“It seems Nine Heavens Jade Woman’s martial prowess has increased, compared to before. It seems she sharpened her blade? She’s a bit… on the same level as Ilma. A personality that can’t live without gaining what she finds appealing.”

“Sounds a lot like me.”

“I’m the same way.”

The two exchanged glances before once again grabbing their brushes.

“Still, we have to work hard… to see Jeok-un… but how’s Baekma doing these days?”

“I heard her skills are skyrocketing… but I don’t know the details. Last time we met, she didn’t really talk about herself. However, her martial prowess was clearly different. Unlike before, she felt really sharp… It was nerve-wracking when she was in front of me.”

“Everyone’s working hard…”

“Each of us has a goal. Baekma is with the Blood Sea. Eun Seol-ran is seeking vengeance…”

“And we…?”

“We’re after Jeok-un.”

“That’s right.”

A voice suddenly interrupted.

“Ryungryeong. Isn’t that a bit one-track-minded? It’s better to have more romantic experiences. How about looking for a good man nearby? Someone like me.”

Black Danhwa and Joo Ryeong-ryeong turned their heads.

The information merchant from the Full Moon, Black Wind, stood at the door with a grin. He stylishly tipped his hat.

“Been a while for both of you?”

Black Danhwa answered grumpily.

“How long has it been since you last sent us on a mission, and now you show up?”

“…No, I went to gather information with great effort… you still don’t know how to have manners? Ryungryeong. You’re not joining in on that too, are you?”

“Who are you?!”

“…It’s me! Black Wind from the Full Moon! We were lying together in that clinic!”

“Quit talking nonsense. I was alone in the bed.”

“We’re talking about the same ward!”

Black Wind, huffing, spun around.

“Just leave it and go. Tsk.”

“Leave the information behind. Are you forgetting we’re customers of Full Moon? Do you want to see our badge?”

“…Ah, seriously! Why did I even give that to you before?”

Grumbling, Black Wind pulled out a document.

“I’ve collected information on Jeok-un as requested. It seems he’s been quite the troublemaker at the Martial Alliance.”

“…Is he safe?”

“It seems he’s been deeply involved with Bul-jun from Shaolin… but it looks like his life isn’t in danger. We don’t have much of a network in the martial world, so it was tough to gather information. You should commend me.”

“Bul-jun? So he fought with one of the four representatives of the orthodox sect? I know that person… and he’s okay?! Huh?!”

“If you keep stalling, you’ll die. Hurry up and say it.”

“…Can you at least be a bit kinder to me…?”

“Why should I be kind to you?”

“…….”

Black Wind scratched the back of his head.

“Anyway, I’ll tell you from now on, so listen closely. I mean…”

“That story. I want to hear it as well.”

Black Wind flinched. His darting eyes met someone else’s.

The most dangerous person in the current Demon Cult.

The Heavenly Demon.

Ilma.

She nodded her head.

“What is Jeok-un doing now?”

“Didn’t Ilma leave to go to the Demon Cult earlier?”

“What? A shadow slipped into the mansion, so I returned.”

“What…?! You’ve penetrated my extreme stealth technique…?”

“It’d be odd not to recognize something so loud. Hurry up and say it before I rip your mouth open myself.”

 

---