The sun, caught on the western mountains, was slowly setting.
Ho Deokchang, the head instructor for the second-year students, stood by the window, silently watching the twilight paint the sky crimson. With his dark eyebrows and square jaw, the middle-aged man finally spoke.
"So, what you're saying is… in short, there's no new information."
"Well, that's about the sum of it."
Bi Ryang, sitting at the table, shrugged and replied.
Ho Deokchang, still staring at the sky, asked, "Was there anything particularly strange?"
"Nothing. Yun Jongseung also confirmed he taught him the Hyeokryeonjang himself."
"Teaching a family's ultimate technique so easily?"
"Well, it was when they were little kids. And calling a martial art of that level an 'ultimate technique' is a bit much. To put it bluntly, isn't it a level you could learn just by hanging around the Hwangsan Yun Family as a guest for a few months?"
"That might be true for a natural-born genius like you."
"There you go again. I told you, I'm not a genius. Just have a knack for it, maybe? That's all. The real geniuses are guys like Jin Cheonrang."
Ho Deokchang flinched minutely. "Jin Cheonrang. You think the Great Killing Star was a genius?"
"Of course. A peerless genius. A man who never properly learned martial arts messed with the Murim Alliance for a very long time, didn't he?"
"An interesting way to put it. However, your statement seems somewhat dangerous. Especially for an instructor."
"Aigoo, if an instructor can't even speak freely, I'd rather just quit."
As Bi Ryang continued to respond in his breezy manner, Ho Deokchang inwardly clicked his tongue.
'Of all people, a guy like that...'
He really wasn't happy with the Headmaster for hiring Bi Ryang. But what could he do? The authority to appoint instructors rested primarily with the Headmaster, so he had no choice but to watch for now. If it really became unbearable, he could ask the Gwanju (Academy Head) to step in.
'It would be better if this guy caused some huge incident.'
Then he would have sufficient grounds for dismissal.
Ho Deokchang let out a light sigh and was turning around when Bi Ryang propped his feet up on the table. It was the very picture of arrogance.
Ho Deokchang frowned openly, but Bi Ryang paid him no mind.
"My turn to ask a question."
"What is it?"
"Why are you so concerned with Namgung Cheon?"
"You're surely aware that he is the flesh and blood of the Great Killing Star."
"I know. Is that the only reason?"
"You said it yourself, didn't you? How much trouble the Great Killing Star caused the Murim Alliance. He is that man's only bloodline, so we have no choice but to keep a close watch."
"Is it Yeonjwaje? Punishing the son for the father's sins, something like that…"
"That expression is unpleasant to hear."
"Or… is there something you're not proud of regarding Jin Cheonrang's death?"
"You!"
Finally, Ho Deokchang couldn't hold it in and roared. He bit out his words, his expression stiff. "Is that statement just now a sign of your distrust in the Alliance?"
"Aigoo, of course not. It's just a rational suspicion. Jin Cheonrang is already dead, so isn't it a bit strange to observe his illegitimate son this closely? It's like you did something terrible to the father and are now terrified the son might get revenge…"
"That's enough. You're crossing the line."
"Whoops, my bad. I admit it this time."
"The current Jianghu is enjoying an unprecedented era of peace. Not only that, but corruption among high-ranking officials is at its lowest point in history. This is only possible because the higher-ups in the Alliance have remained vigilant and maintained thorough oversight. Watching Namgung Cheon is merely an extension of that."
Clap, clap, clap…!
As Bi Ryang clapped, Ho Deokchang ground his teeth.
'This bastard… from the moment he got here…!'
Bi Ryang stood up from his seat. "I've understood your moving speech very well. Please tell those higher-ups to continue protecting the Jianghu."
"You should focus more on acquiring the qualities of an instructor."
"I'll try."
Bi Ryang gave his characteristic, vapid smile. As Ho Deokchang stared daggers at him, Bi Ryang, who had been about to leave, suddenly turned around.
"But…"
"What is it?"
"Well, peace in the Jianghu, eradicating corruption. That's all good."
"...?"
"But, as it happens, I've become the instructor in charge of the Blue Dragon Class students, right?"
"So?"
"If anyone messes with my innocent students… I have no intention of forgiving them, no matter who they are."
"...!"
For a moment, Ho Deokchang froze stiff and swallowed hard. It was only for an instant, but Bi Ryang's gaze had felt as cold as a raging blizzard. An incredible, indescribable pressure. It wasn't a direct aura like Salgi or Tugi, but a strange atmosphere that emanated from Bi Ryang himself.
Of course, immediately after, his unique breezy smile erased that pressure as if it were a lie.
"Haha. How was that? With this kind of resolve, am I qualified as an instructor?"
"…Splendid."
"Then I'll be taking my leave!"
As Bi Ryang left, Ho Deokchang collapsed into his chair and sighed.
'Somehow… that was draining.'
Rain was falling in Wuhan.
Namgung Cheon listened to the sound of the rain outside the window and buried his face in his bowl, slurping down the noodles.
Slurrrp! Slurrrp!
Immediately after, he picked up a Wang-mandu (king-sized dumpling) with his chopsticks and stuffed it into his mouth.
Chomp, chomp. Chep, chep.
'It's been a while, but this is delicious. Noodles are the best on a rainy day.'
As if pleased by Namgung Cheon's reaction, the Ghost King approached, beaming.
"Lord, is the food to your liking?"
"It's great. At this rate, business should be good."
"Hahaha! I may not look it, but I've got some skill."
"I know. I told you to set up a Banjang in Wuhan because I wanted to taste this food."
"How did you know about my cooking skills?"
"Well, I heard from my father."
"I see. But, about that tribute payment…"
"Why? Does it weigh on your conscience that you're paying too little? Don't worry about it. We're friends. Well, I did invest heavily when you had nothing, so I can see why you'd think that…"
"Uhm, Lord… that's not it… If you could just reduce the tribute a little…"
Tak.
Namgung Cheon stopped eating, put his chopsticks down, and his expression hardened. "Let's take down the sign. And repay the entire investment immediately…"
"Aigoo, why are you being like this? Haha! It was a j-joke, keuhaha!"
"Right?"
"Of course! Five-tenths is hardly enough for our Lord, who invested so generously when we were penniless."
"True. I think so too. Then should we raise it to six-tenths?"
"L-Lord… that's a bit…!"
"I was joking too."
"Keuhaha! As expected, our Lord is good at joking, too!"
As the Ghost King laughed foolishly, Namgung Cheon laughed along. Then, a question suddenly occurred to him.
"By the way, what's with the restaurant name 'Gwiwang Banjang' (Ghost King Restaurant)?"
"Doesn't a well-fed ghost look better? It means that if you die after eating my food, you'll look so good you'll become the king of ghosts."
"Well, you've tried hard to spin that, at least."
"I have many other reasons, too. For example, if two people are eating and one dies, they become a ghost and the king's…"
"Enough. Why is everyone eating and dying? Who's going to eat here with peace of mind?"
"Sh-should I change it?"
"It costs money to change the sign now. Leave it. More importantly, what about the thing I asked you to look into?"
This was the main point.
Namgung Cheon had the Gwiwangchae members set up their restaurant in Wuhan, near Yongcheongwan. It was convenient for him to drop by, use their information network, and fill his stomach for free.
The Ghost King nervously glanced around, then lowered his voice. "According to what we've secretly found out, the instructor's real name is Bi Ryang, age thirty-two. His appearance is so handsome it makes women's hearts flutter, and his unique white hair suits him…"
Ttaak!
The Ghost King grabbed the back of his head with a pained look. "Keuk! Wh-why?"
"Stop setting the mood and muttering things I already know. Get to the point."
"Ah… yes. It turns out, before he even came of age, he reached the level of a Jeoljeong-gosu and was called a 'Rising Star of the Murim.'"
"Oho?"
"After that, he joined the Murim Alliance's Jilpungdae (Gale Force Unit) and was repeatedly promoted at high speed. He went through the Cheonradan (Heavenly Net Corps) and the Cheongrangdan (Blue Wolf Corps), rising to the position of Cheolhyeoldaeju (Iron Blood Unit Captain). They say he was only twenty-five at the time. Isn't that something?"
"Iron Blood Captain at twenty-five… Impressive."
"Yes, I've never seen a guy like this either."
The Ghost King shook his head. It was understandable. The Cheolhyeoldae (Iron Blood Unit) was, in effect, the Murim Alliance's representative strike force. Just becoming a member in one's twenties was a huge accomplishment, but to become the Captain at only twenty-five meant he was a truly great talent.
"And after that?"
"This is where it gets a bit strange."
"What is?"
"He was active as the Iron Blood Captain for exactly one year, and he reportedly achieved numerous great merits. But after that one year, all information on him is suddenly cut off."
"He didn't continue as the Iron Blood Captain?"
"No. From the age of twenty-six, he was suddenly demoted to a trivial post in the countryside."
"Hmm. For how long?"
"About two years."
"And after that?"
"He returned to the Murim Alliance headquarters and joined various organizations, but he kept causing trouble and was repeatedly demoted."
What kind of case was this? A man praised as a Rising Star of the Jianghu is suddenly demoted to a trivial post for two years, only to return as a troublemaker?
This guy really is interesting.
"Keep going."
"Yes, he was demoted continuously until he ended up as a regular martial artist in the lowest-level organization of the Murim Alliance."
"What kind of trouble did he cause?"
"It seems he has a rebellious streak. Mostly things like insubordination."
"I kind of like that part. Continue."
"Well, from here on, it's as you know. He was kicked out of even that lowest organization, fooled around, and then came to Yongcheongwan as an instructor."
"Hmm, I see. You've dug up quite a lot. Well, there are some missing parts, but."
"Uhm, so, about that. We spent quite a bit of money digging for information through various dark channels. About the first month's tribute, if you could somehow…"
True. He could understand. In the Jianghu, information was money. To gather this much, the expenses must have been significant.
Namgung Cheon nodded. "Alright. I'll lower the first month's tribute to four-tenths."
"Huh? Not waiving it?"
"Hm? You want me to take down the sign?"
"No! We will pay the four-tenths! Thank you for your consideration!"
"Don't mention it."
See how conscientious I am. I even consider the circumstances of my subordinates. I wonder if I'll go broke like this.
Just as the Ghost King was muttering his heartfelt thanks and about to return to the kitchen, the main door burst open, and a crowd of students poured in. They were all soaked from the rain.
The Ghost King and his subordinates… no, should he call them the Ghost King and his Jeomsois now? To avoid confusion, Gwi-soi (Ghost-attendant) seemed convenient.
Anyway, they all brightened at once and shouted, "Welcome!"
With the sudden rush of customers, the Gwiwang Banjang became busy.
"Aigoo, you're soaked!"
"We'll bring something to dry you off!"
"Please, sit over here!"
But the students' reactions were oddly lukewarm. Every one of them glanced at Namgung Cheon, then, as if by agreement, filled the seats and created a hostile atmosphere.
Whether they were aware of this strange flow or not, the Gwi-sois were just busy carrying spoons, water, and towels.
And finally, Beolkeok!
Four people appeared, throwing the door open violently. Jo Gangmin, Gwak Cheolju, Song Wongyo, and Baek Rihyang.
As they appeared, the students who had arrived earlier looked at Namgung Cheon with vile smiles.
Namgung Cheon let out a shallow sigh. Just when I thought they'd been quiet for a while.
"Namgung Cheon, so you were here?" Song Wongyo sneered as he approached.
Namgung Cheon put down his chopsticks and asked, "Did you come here because you were curious if it's really possible to get beaten so hard on a rainy day that you raise dust?"
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