Chapter 011
"Teacher!!"
"Teacher Sugyeong, are you alright?"
It took about fifteen minutes for Baek Sugyeong—who had been wearing a half-dazed expression—to finally collect himself.
Regaining his senses, he pressed his forehead firmly.
At least he hadn't embarrassingly fainted in front of Jang Hyoun. Should he consider that fortunate? Indeed, humans were creatures of adaptation.
"I've shown an unseemly display. I apologize. I was too shocked."
"Shocked, you say…"
"I believe you've already investigated my background."
At Baek Sugyeong's words, Jegal Yu slightly shifted his gaze.
A silent affirmation.
The glance he directed at Baek Sugyeong was sharp—like an appraiser examining a priceless work of art.
'The Alliance Chief's martial arts have grown significantly stronger recently, so I suspected there must have been a catalyst… but I never imagined he'd gain inspiration from Wudang Sword Hero.'
'Could it be that Teacher Sugyeong is an extraordinary person concealing his abilities?'
The martial world was filled with countless extraordinary individuals.
Whenever crisis befell Murim, masters long lost to seclusion emerged to fight—and die—for it. That was why the martial world's history spanned millennia.
Balance. Peace. Continuity.
Because of that, Jegal Yu couldn't dismiss the possibility that Baek Sugyeong was an extraordinary person living in seclusion.
I need to completely revise my assessment of him.
'It seems he wishes to live as a thoroughly ordinary person.'
If so… I should play along.
Jegal Yu conveyed this thought to Jang Hyoun through mental communication.
—Do you truly believe Teacher Sugyeong is concealing his martial arts, Military Commissioner?
—Yes. I think we should play along with him.
—Hmm… if that's your opinion.
The exchange took place in an instant.
Naturally, Baek Sugyeong was completely unaware of it.
He lifted his teacup.
His heart pounded.
Pretending to be calm in front of martial artists who could kill him effortlessly was exhausting. He could feel his mental strength burning away like incense.
Taking a deep breath, he spoke.
"I'm merely an ordinary bookstore owner."
"If you say so, I have nothing more to say… but—"
Still, it was suspicious.
How many people could stand before the Thousand Hand Sword Sovereign without trembling?
Jang Hyoun's misunderstanding deepened.
'He must be an extraordinary person.'
'Undoubtedly concealing tremendous martial arts.'
That was Jang Hyoun's conclusion.
"However… you still haven't answered my question, Teacher."
Baek Sugyeong froze.
Ah.
The question.
When is the next volume coming out?
He gave a bitter smile.
"Due to several shocking events recently, I've been trying to collect myself. Besides, I already announced a month-long break."
"Alliance Chief."
Jegal Yu tugged at Jang Hyoun's collar.
Jang Hyoun snapped back to his senses and smiled awkwardly.
"Ah—my apologies, Teacher. I was too eager."
"It's fine."
Baek Sugyeong smiled faintly.
Readers clamoring for the next volume—this was nothing new.
Jegal Yu spoke up.
"By the way… in Wudang Sword Hero, our clan is portrayed as very intellectual. Is there a reason?"
"Pardon?"
Before Baek Sugyeong could respond, Jang Hyoun laughed.
"The entire Zhuge Clan is in an uproar. Many have started studying military tactics because of your book."
"Alliance Chief! How could you expose our embarrassment?"
"Haha! Weren't you going to say it anyway?"
Baek Sugyeong felt dizzy.
'Descendants of Zhuge Liang… studying tactics because of my novel?'
His face went blank.
"In truth, the Military Commissioner is an anomaly in the Zhuge Clan."
"That's not something to boast about."
Baek Sugyeong's thoughts spun wildly.
'If Jegal Yu is the anomaly… then what about the rest?'
No. That couldn't be right.
He swallowed his words and forced a strained smile.
'This is driving me insane.'
The Zhuge Clan served as the Murim Alliance's strategists.
If this was their standard…
Baek Sugyeong covered his face.
"Master Jegal."
"Yes, Teacher?"
"Has there been an increase in people learning fan techniques?"
"You know well."
"…Sigh."
Why did it feel like things were spiraling out of control?
Covering his face, Baek Sugyeong sighed deeply.
"Is something wrong?"
"I'm feeling a bit dizzy."
After calming down, he raised his head.
"Before that… I have a question."
"Please ask."
"Why are you holding the bodyguard selection tournament?"
At last, the question he'd been holding burst forth.
"Pardon…?"
Jang Hyoun blinked in confusion.
Baek Sugyeong drank cold tea and set the cup down.
"Do you know how shocked I was when I heard about this while secluded in a monastery trying to write?"
"I just want to live an ordinary life! Ordinary!!"
His voice rose.
"First the old innkeeper, now the Murim Alliance! Do you want me to jump into the Yangtze River?!"
"T-Teacher Sugyeong…"
"If I write about Shaolin next, will they harass me too?!"
A terrible premonition struck him.
He collapsed back into his chair.
"My heart trembles knowing Murim watches my brush. If you don't want me to collapse from exhaustion—inform me before acting."
"Ah… I understand. Please calm down."
Rarely did a martial artist tremble before a powerless commoner.
Baek Sugyeong gulped down tea.
"I apologize."
"No, we understand."
After calming himself, Baek Sugyeong pulled out a book and brush.
Placing them on the desk, he spoke.
"There's another reason I accepted the invitation."
"Another?"
"My knowledge of Murim is limited. May I make a request?"
Jang Hyoun nodded.
"Speak."
"Please allow me to observe the tournament."
Jang Hyoun burst into laughter.
"It would be our honor!"
...
Two swords clanked softly behind a young boy as he followed an old Taoist.
On the road from Mount Wudang to Xuchang.
Master Mujin walked ahead, his expression stern.
Four nights had passed since leaving Mount Wudang.
Looking back at the child, joy bloomed quietly.
'A heaven-sent talent… Heaven has not abandoned Wudang.'
Teach one—he understands ten.
Discuss one principle—he derives five.
Yet who could have imagined the boy had already begun creating his own martial arts?
'Ho ho… Wudang's fortune indeed.'
"Cheongmyeong."
"Yes, Elder."
"Are you tired?"
"No. This is training."
Too mature.
Too steady.
Sending him as Baek Sugyeong's bodyguard carried hidden intent—further enlightenment.
"Have you been reading the Sword Hero's Cultivation Record?"
"Yes."
At Wudang, it was no longer a novel.
It was scripture.
From it came the Demon Sword Pond, the Sword Testing Stone, and new laws at the mountain gate.
The impact of one book.
"To inherit Jin Un's sword through self-enlightenment… remarkable."
"It's thanks to Teacher Sugyeong."
Master Mujin smiled.
"Do not forget your master."
"I won't."
Cheongmyeong gazed at the sky.
What kind of man was Teacher Sugyeong?
"Let's hurry!"
"Yes, Elder!"
They glided forward like clouds.
And so—
Another misunderstanding quietly ripened.