***
“Crazy. Crazy. You're really not in your right mind. How can a person do such a crazy thing to this extent?”
“That...... Sa-mae...... even though there are adults, and I am the Senior Brother.......”
“Senior Brother, whatever! Are you really in your right mind? Or not? My goodness, grabbing a sword with your hand? If Great Hero Nam-gung had pulled the sword out there... ugh.......”
Sa-ryeon trembled and then repeatedly struck Jin So-un’s back with her palm.
Seeing that, the Elders and Hall Leaders of the Tae-eul Sect let out a laugh.
Of course, there were people who didn't.
Jin Tae-san and Hong Mun-gi.
Jin Tae-san, who witnessed his son’s crazy act, shouted loudly.
“You stupid guy! Even in a duel with a wooden sword, you don't grab the sword with your hand!”
The sinner just kept his mouth shut.
On the contrary, the Sect Leader asked worriedly.
“Are you alright?”
“The doctor said it's just a small wound.”
Because he grabbed the sword with sword energy with his hand, the wound looked severe because it was torn messily, but since Jin So-un also had a lot of energy poured into his left hand, there was no major wound.
“Ugh.......”
As Sa-ryeon checked the wound again as if worried, Jin So-un added words to relieve Sa-ryeon’s worry.
“It was all based on precise calculations. Because I grabbed it right before the sword went to the end and came back.”
Tak!
Was one hit not enough to relieve her anger?
Tak! Tak! Tak! Tak!
Sa-ryeon’s palm went back and forth between Jin So-un’s neck and back repeatedly.
“What are you doing!”
“Try doing this reckless thing again! At that time, I will cut off Senior Brother’s hand with my sword, not Great Hero Nam-gung’s sword! Do you understand!”
“......I understand.”
As if there were more words left, the Sect Leader opened his mouth when the surroundings became quiet.
“Why did you do it to that extent?”
An unknown emotion, neither blame nor praise, was loaded into his voice.
He was asking the reason why he did not back down even though Jin So-un had already won from the moment Nam-gung-san used the Je-wang-geom-beop.
Jin So-un scratched the back of his head for a moment and said.
“He didn't greet the Sect Leader or anyone else.”
The Elders and Hall Leaders looked at each other and tilted their heads.
“It might just be me who felt that way, but it seemed like he didn't even keep the manners as a guest.”
Hong Mun-gi had a flustered face.
“Did you stake your finger just for that?”
“It's not...... just that, is it?”
Disappointment was full on Hong Mun-gi’s face and the faces of the Hall Leaders, including Jin Tae-san.
Winning the duel with Nam-gung-san was great, but this could not be called a fair victory.
A situation where his finger, no, his entire left hand could have been blown away.
Kang Chae-seok, who had laughed heartily, saying it was a minor wound, turned red and shouted.
“You crazy bastard. You bastard! Still, staking a warrior’s hand on this kind of work!”
At that moment, Nam-gung-san entered quietly.
Because of Kang Chae-seok’s loud voice, no one noticed that Nam-gung-san had entered.
“Was this a minor work?”
Seeing Jin So-un talking back even after doing something worthy of being scolded, the Hall Leaders also started to get angry.
“From the moment Nam-gung-san used the Je-wang-geom-beop, it was your victory! You could have won without losing anything! It wasn't a job to do to this extent!”
“The young disciples were watching.”
“......!”
“......!”
“!!!”
The Elders and Hall Leaders had faces that looked like they had been struck by lightning.
“Even if my finger were to be cut, wouldn't the disciples feel the possibility of the Tae-eul Sect’s martial arts by seeing my sword hanging at the tip of Senior Nam-gung’s neck? Wouldn't they think, 'I must challenge the Nam-gung-se-ga with my sword,' rather than 'If I were born as a child of the Nam-gung-se-ga'?”
No one in the hall could even make a sound of breath.
Hong Mun-gi and Jin Tae-san looked at Jin So-un with complex eyes.
The Elders and Hall Leaders looked at the dusty ceiling and sighed repeatedly, wondering what was frustrating.
Only Kang Chae-seok grumbled and broke the frozen atmosphere.
“......They would have been terrified and tried to run away seeing the finger being cut.”
Jin So-un just replied with a smirk.
“If even one out of a hundred thinks of such a possibility, if they continue to carry on the spirit of the Tae-eul Sect, I think my finger has paid a sufficient price.”
“Keu-heup!”
Kang Chae-seok ran out of the building, covering his face and wrinkling his brow, as if something had burst out suddenly.
People looked at Kang Chae-seok and saw Nam-gung-san standing outside the door.
“Have you come?”
When Hong Mun-gi acknowledged him, Nam-gung-san, who was about to nod, soon raised a polite Po-gwon-ji-rye.
“Young people will have things to talk about.”
At Hong Mun-gi’s words, Jin Tae-san, the Elders, the Hall Leaders, and even Sa-ryeon rose from their seats.
On the way out this time, no one tried to talk to Nam-gung-san or act to look good.
“.......”
Nam-gung-san silently and quietly put down the Cheon-jam-sa, the wooden box, and the Chil-chae-bo-ju.
Then, after consistent silence for a long time, he opened his mouth.
“Losing to the Nam-gung-se-ga is not a shameful thing.”
“Losing to the Tae-eul Sect is also not a shameful thing.”
“Was the Tae-eul Sect that kind of sect?”
“Is the pride of the Nam-gung-se-ga based on powerful strength?”
“!!!”
“If the secret technique of the Nam-gung-se-ga is cut off and the Chang-gung-mu-ae-geom-beop disappears, isn't losing to the Tae-eul Sect a shameful thing?”
“.......”
Nam-gung-san’s face, which had been dignified, was full of shame.
“The same goes for us. We have not abandoned our pride just because we do not have powerful martial arts.”
“......A finger, I lost my determination from the beginning.”
Nam-gung-san suddenly expressed a polite Po-gwon-ji-rye.
“I hope you will forgive the rudeness I showed in the Tae-eul Sect the other day and the ugly behavior I showed in front of you, the junior, with broad generosity.”
Jin So-un also rose from his seat and took the Po-gwon-ji-rye with his bandaged hand.
“You have shown sincerity, and I have even received an apology, so I will forget the past. Please also forget the rudeness shown by this lacking junior in the meantime.”
When the greetings between them ended, Jin So-un asked.
“Then what will you do about the entrance token? Is there another place where you can obtain it?”
“Do you want to bet on the entrance token again?”
“How could that be?”
Nam-gung-san looked at Jin So-un intently with a somewhat meaningful face.
“I think you don't have to worry. ......Because somehow, I think things will work out well.”
“Yes?”
Hong Mun-gi tried to lift the liquor bottle to fill the empty cup.
Ttorureu.
But the liquor bottle had already been emptied by Kang Chae-seok, who was weeping beside him.
“.......”
Hong Mun-gi could not even think of blaming Kang Chae-seok, who was shamelessly emptying the liquor and crying, and twirled the empty cup.
Jin Tae-san, who went out to fill the liquor bottle emptied by Kang Chae-seok, entered holding a liquor jar he had hidden tightly and said.
“Why are you acting so pathetic and collapsing?”
“Leave him be. How troubled must his heart be.”
Hong Mun-gi filled his cup to the brim as soon as the liquor bottle was filled.
“Heu-euk. Senior brother, aren't you ashamed? That a guy who hasn't even reached the age of twenty is thinking and acting like that for the Tae-eul Sect.”
Kang Chae-seok kept filling the liquor bottle even while sobbing.
“Even the Elders and the Hall Leaders stuck their faces in Nam-gung-san’s quarters once. I was ashamed of myself while listening to So-un’s story.”
“I told you to stop!”
Jin Tae-san tried to stop him, but Hong Mun-gi agreed with his words.
“I was also ashamed.”
“......Why are you even doing this, Sect Leader. I know very well how hard you have tried for the Tae-eul Sect.”
“Have I done anything?”
“Do you think I don't know that you swing your sword at the training ground of the Dae-hyeon-jeon every night even now?”
“.......”
Hong Mun-gi’s martial arts talent, no matter how well seen, could not become more than ordinary.
Nevertheless, the reason he could not let go of martial arts was not because of individual achievement or desire.
Because in the end, if there is no development in his martial arts, there is no development in the Tae-eul Sect.
“Everyone is trying hard. Such hearts gather and the Tae-eul Sect develops even more. There is no need to feel guilty or responsible.”
“Damn it! Why are you so confident having contributed so much to the Tae-eul Sect!”
“Me?”
Jin Tae-san shrugged his shoulders.
“Isn't Jin So-un my son.”
“......Damn it.......”
Kang Chae-seok drank liquor repeatedly.
“On the way, I saw that the light in Bu-saeng-dang was still on.”
“Are the children practicing until this time?”
“They are learning that strange So-cheon Sword Technique from So-un.”
“Is that so?”
“I don't know if we should stop them. It is clearly the So-cheon Sword Technique, but isn't it overflowing with too much killing intent?”
“Wasn't that taught by you?”
At Kang Chae-seok’s words, Jin Tae-san shook his head.
“Me? Do you know how much my martial arts achievement is?”
Hong Mun-gi, who had been listening quietly, spat out as if sighing.
“Isn't it that the child researched it himself?”
“Yes? No matter how much the So-cheon Sword Technique is a basic martial art.......”
“Actually, I was surprised because there are many points similar to the So-cheon Sword Technique I was researching. Of course, the So-cheon Sword Technique So-un uses is closer to perfection. Anyway, how much effort must that child have made to achieve that level of accomplishment at such a young age.”
“This damn guy. Was running out of Bu-saeng-dang just martial arts practice?”
Kang Chae-seok emptied the liquor bottle with that excuse as if he were annoyed.
“Leave him be. Isn't it good news that the children have become interested in basic martial arts for a change?”
“That is true.”
“More than that, isn't there something we should do for So-un.”
Kang Chae-seok, who took his mouth off the liquor bottle, said as if shouting.
“We must do something! He is a guy who has dedicated his life to the Tae-eul Sect like this, shouldn't we push him at least a little so we can be less ashamed.”
“.......”
Hong Mun-gi, who nodded, looked at Jin Tae-san and said.
“How about giving So-un the position of Great Disciple?”
“.......”
Jin Tae-san could not answer with a stiff face, and Kang Chae-seok nodded as if excited.
“That’s a very good idea! If that guy becomes the Great Disciple, the children will follow him even more, and later on, special admission.......”
Just as Kang Chae-seok was talking excitedly, Jin Tae-san cut off his words and said flatly.
“It is a matter to think about.”
“Huh?”
In a strange situation where Kang Chae-seok supported and Jin Tae-san opposed, Hong Mun-gi asked.
“What are you worried about?”
“Isn't the Great Disciple in the same position as the Sect Leader among the disciples. If he has to perform mandatory service in the Murim-maeng, Gye-cheol-yeong might not care about the Tae-eul Sect members. Moreover, the Great Disciple is an existence that might have to lead the sect in the future. You must also consider Sa-ryeon.”
“This...... this stupid!”
“You should not give it away while intoxicated with emotion.”
Hong Mun-gi, who stopped the huffing Kang Chae-seok, continued.
“If So-un goes to the Murim Academy?”
“.......”
“So-un has already proven his skills while competing with Nam-gung-san. I think he will not be pushed by Gye-cheol-yeong. As for Sa-ryeon...... Sa-ryeon will also not have much opposition to this decision.”
“They say the Gye-ryong Merchant Group Leader requested spiritual pills from the Huashan Sect again. It probably won't be the Seol-mae-dan, but if Cheol-yeong’s internal energy increases dramatically, won't Cheol-yeong eventually be selected?”
Kwang.
Kang Chae-seok, who was listening to the story, struck the table.
“What are you doing now!”
“I am speaking coolly. Do you think I want to refuse a good thing for my son?”
“That wouldn't be it. Aren't you worried that the sponsorship money from the Gye-ryong Merchant Group will be cut off right now!”
“......In front of hunger, there is eventually no loyalty or sense of belonging. If the Tae-eul Sect cannot provide food right now, more than half of the disciples cannot even eat one proper meal a day. What will you do about them?”
“Th, th...... this!”
Kang Chae-seok could not continue speaking and sat in his seat.
Silence fell in the hall.
No one could easily open their mouth in front of the heavy responsibility of food, clothing, and shelter.
“Is that really all?”
“......That is the biggest problem.”
“Then let us give So-un the position of Great Disciple.”
“Sect Leader!”
Hong Mun-gi continued calmly.
“He staked his finger. To remove the sense of defeat from the children’s hearts. Isn't a hand like life to a martial artist? He staked his life, to prevent the Tae-eul Sect’s honor from being thrown into the dirt. If we don't let a child like this lead the Tae-eul Sect, who on earth should lead the Tae-eul Sect?”
“......It is not a matter to be decided emotionally like that.”
“No, it is not an emotional decision. If money is the whole problem, I will do courier work and earn money to bring it.”
“Sect Leader!”
“Yes! Good! I will do it too! No, I will gather all the Hall Leaders and set up a courier service, so do it!”
Kang Chae-seok and Hong Mun-gi smiled and clinked their cups without knowing Jin Tae-san’s burning heart, and even held out a cup to Jin Tae-san.
Eventually, Jin Tae-san, who sighed, held the cup.
“I will also manage the money coming in through courier service, so know that.”
One Gap-ja (60 years)!
A lump the size of a baby’s fist was firmly caught in the Dantian.
The Dae-yeon-sin-dan’s reputation seemed to be well-deserved, showing off its existence and creating one Gap-ja of internal energy at once.
“Finally...... I have achieved it.”
A tremendous amount of internal energy that I could not even dream of in my previous life.
In this life, it was just the beginning. Thanks to an unexpected encounter, I reached one Gap-ja faster than I thought.
I swept up all the spiritual medicines in Anhui Province, but there were still many spiritual medicines in other provinces.
Before the regular exam of the Murim Academy opens, time was too short to scrape them all together as much as possible.
‘I must depart as soon as the special admission test ends.’
The moment I thought that and entered the Tae-eul Sect.
The appearance of unfamiliar people I saw for the first time filling the training ground with weapons equipped entered my eyes.
‘Gye-ryong Merchant Group?’
People wearing the martial arts clothes of the Gye-ryong Merchant Group were standing around as if protecting Gye Yeon-seok, and Gye Yeon-seok was having a serious conversation with the Sect Leader on the platform.
I approached Sa-ryeon, who was looking at the two people with a worried expression on one side.
“What’s the matter?”
“......Where on earth have you been coming from now?”
“I came after individual practice. It’s not like it’s a big deal that I’m not in the Tae-eul Sect.”
“It’s a problem because it’s a big deal.”
“Hmm? What does that mean?”
I asked back at Sa-ryeon’s story, which I couldn't understand, but Sa-ryeon just looked at the training ground without answering.
“Sect Leader Hong! How can you do this to me! Are you really going to break your promise like this?”
Gye Yeon-seok was expressing both desperation and anger like someone who had lost their Kye-don.
“Merchant Group Leader Gye. You are mistaken about something. The selection authority of the Great Disciple is the unique authority of the sect!”
“From the beginning, who is there other than our Cheol-yeong who has that qualification!”
I was stunned.
‘Great Disciple?’
That was a position that was originally being weighed between Gye-cheol-yeong and Hong Sa-ryeon.
Having authority comparable to the elders of the sect and at the same time accompanying responsibilities.
When dispatched to the Murim-maeng, the Great Disciple’s words were the Sect Leader’s words.
Usually, the position of Great Disciple is given to the disciple who will enter the Murim Academy.
Because only then can they become cadres and take care of at least one more of the other junior disciples.
In my previous life, Gye-cheol-yeong became the Great Disciple, and because of that, we became Gye-cheol-yeong’s limbs and worked hard as servants to the children of the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Clans.
“Sa-mae. Did the Sect Leader say he would give the Great Disciple position to Sa-mae?”
“......?”
Sa-ryeon looked at me with an expression of what kind of nonsense I was saying.
“Suddenly, why did the Great Disciple position become a problem?”
“......It’s because of you, Senior Brother.”
“Me? Why?”
At that moment, the things I had done so far flashed through my mind.
Bringing the Gu-jung-geom from the Cheol-geom-mun, and not stepping back even an inch against Nam-gung-san’s sword.
“Sect Leader Hong! Are you doing this because of the work at the Cheol-geom-mun? Didn't I tell you! At the Cheol-geom-mun, our Cheol-yeong could not step forward because he belonged to the Gye-ryong Merchant Group!”
Conversely, Gye-cheol-yeong did not step forward even at the Cheol-geom-mun, and rather became the cause of inciting the fight.
Compared to that, the things I had done were.......
‘Perfect excellent Great Disciple material.’
However, from the Sect Leader’s position, it was a °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° problem that could not be easily selected.
If I become the Great Disciple, the Gye-ryong Merchant Group, which already seems to have its heart turned away, might completely cut its hands off.
If that happened, the Tae-eul Sect’s economy might collapse in an instant.
Of course, because I have the arrangements and the Chil-chae-bo-ju I prepared, that wouldn't happen, but still, from the Sect Leader’s position, it was the same as making a huge decision.
“In the end, aren't you playing tricks to interfere with our Cheol-yeong’s admission to the Murim Academy!”
At Gye Yeon-seok’s rude words, Hong Mun-gi eventually let out a sharp rebuke.
“Watch your mouth. Merchant Group Leader Gye! From the beginning, admission to the Murim Academy is an opportunity given to all disciples of the Tae-eul Sect. Even if Cheol-yeong cannot become the Great Disciple, if his skills are proven, isn't it sufficient that he can enter the Murim Academy!”
The reason Gye Yeon-seok is obsessed with the Great Disciple is because a bonus point as a Great Disciple is added during the admission process.
Since the Great Disciple was also proof that he had legitimacy within the sect, he had to have the Great Disciple position in a situation where even one point was regrettable.
“Keueu......!”
Gye Yeon-seok, who was pushed in the argument, glared at me with resentful eyes.
“Good! If it continues like this, I will also immediately cut off the support I send to the Tae-eul Sect!”
At the words like a bolt from the blue, worries were full on the faces of the Hall Leaders, as well as the Elders.
“Did you see me, Gye Yeon-seok, as someone you could use and throw away as you please, Sect Leader Hong? Go back to those days when you couldn't even eat one proper meal of porridge a day, and wore clothes that were indistinguishable from beggar members! Then you will be able to know how foolish your choice was!”
Those with many worries could not hide their uneasy expressions from early on.
Confusion lingered on Hong Mun-gi’s face and Jin Tae-san’s face, but they tried not to show signs of shaking.
The atmosphere of the training ground where silence had settled due to anxiety, nervousness, anger, and hostility.
When the young disciples were secretly breathing even while reading the eyes of such adults.
A voice that broke the silence was heard.
“Then can I do that in your place?”
At the voice that suddenly intervened without understanding the atmosphere, Gye Yeon-seok turned his head back with murderous eyes.
“Who is it! Who dares to play tricks on the Great Event of the Gye-ryong Merchant Group!!”
How sharp Gye Yeon-seok’s voice was, the warriors who came with him started to draw their swords one by one and shed their fighting spirit.
“Trick? I don’t play tricks like that. Did you forget that?”
“What?”
A middle-aged man appears with a relaxed voice.
A simple yet luxurious appearance, and unlike Gye Yeon-seok, simple ornaments.
A dignity-filled attitude that naturally flows from a posture straightened upright.
“Y, you are here.......”
Gye Yeon-seok’s mouth opened as wide as a hamper.
At that time, a girl with a white face and a beautiful smile poked her head out from behind the man.
“So-un Oppa~!”
The man’s identity was Wang Geum-san, Wang So-so’s father.