38 – 03# The dagger in the sack (9)

It was a messenger from the Seonmu Academy who pounded on the gate so abruptly this early morn. Stripping away the flowery language, the gist was this: an unsavory incident had transpired between the students, the *gwando*.

Their argument proposed that settling these simmering resentments and misunderstandings through a martial contest, a *bimu*, would be more conducive to harmony between the *gwando* and the academy itself. Ignoring, for the moment, the fact that we were not, strictly speaking, academy members.

It was, to put it crudely, akin to striking first and apologizing later. The gall of asking if we might consider seeking accord through a *bimu* was truly laughable. Like administering poison and then offering the antidote.

“I refuse. I have neither the time nor the inclination to dance to their tune.”

“Eh? But for the sake of appearances, and to save face…”

“Do you believe such paltry face-saving is of any consequence? Begone, before my eyes tire of you.”

Face? Important, certainly. Even outside the realm of martial arts, within modern society, the weight of face is far greater than one might think. But to claim it is *everything* is another matter entirely.

I have not lived my life so fruitlessly as to bow my head for a mere matter of face. At least not to the point where I would disregard right and wrong because of it. Even if the opponent were of the Righteous Sect.

“They were the ones who provoked the conflict in the first place. And now, rather than offering a proper apology, they presumptuously suggest a friendly spar? Their audacity knows no bounds.”

“Is that the esteemed Grandmaster’s firm stance?”

“Indeed. Though you need not relay that specific sentiment verbatim.”

“Do you fear repercussions now, perhaps?”

The messenger, arrived as he was, wore a undisguised sneer. Clearly reading his intent, I realized I no longer needed to treat him with any pretense of politeness.

A flash, a *balgeom*, the sword drawn from its scabbard like lightning. He remained oblivious, still smiling, even as the blade slid from the saya and neared his throat.

Yes. As if time itself had faltered.

It was only when the cold steel kissed the air inches from his neck that realization dawned, his smile vanishing, replaced by a stark look of alarm. I openly mocked him.

“I intend to visit Seonmu Academy myself to lodge a formal complaint. I trust that, as a prestigious member of the Righteous Sect’s Martial Alliance, they will extend a courteous welcome to a guest.”

“You… you think you can get away with speaking to us that way?!”

“Of course. And is not the proof of that fact, your throat yet remains unsliced.”

“…”

“The only reason you still draw breath is because you cannot deliver my message if you die. Now, remove yourself from my sight.”

At my words, laced with barely suppressed killing intent, the messenger paled, nodded frantically, and fled through the gate without so much as a backward glance. This is why speaking politely never works.

“Master! Are you alright?!”

“I am unharmed.”

“It… it sounded like you were having a rather heated discussion.”

With the matter resolved, my disciples emerged from the shadows where they had been observing. Where to even begin explaining this to them? The thought of simplifying it for their young minds gave me a headache.

“Nothing important. The academy came suggesting a *bimu*.”

“And? What did you say?!”

“I refused, naturally. Why would we indulge their whims?”

“A snort was my reply to Namgung Yeon’s worry-laden concern. From the start, it was the Sunmu Academy’s pupils who instigated the trouble. And now, acting as if doing us a favour, they request a sparring match?”

“They seek harmony through combat? Let’s concede that for argument’s sake. But shouldn’t they apologize for their rude behavior first?”

“I’m alright, Master!”

“Nay, *I* am not alright.”

If we were complete strangers, perhaps. But my disciple suffered an injustice. How could I, as her master, simply sit idly by? Only a proper apology will satisfy me.

“But the opponent is the Sunmu Academy, backed by the orthodox Murim Alliance, isn’t it? I fear things might escalate because of me, Master.”

“Namgung Yeon, junior sister.”

“Yes?”

“Do not presume to dispute what Master has decided.”

Unable to bear watching Namgung Yeon try so hard to dissuade me, Sua issued a warning with a chilling gaze. I appreciate her support, but she was so fierce that Namgung Yeon was visibly frightened.

“Calm yourself, Sua. Namgung Yeon speaks out of concern for me.”

“I apologize for meddling presumptuously, Master.”

“Do not fret too much. I shall only speak a few words and return.”

I am not a fool. The Sunmu Academy is directly managed by the orthodox Murim Alliance, so the instructors must be at least Pinnacle stage, or even reached the realm of Hwagyeong in the worst-case scenario.

No, there is undoubtedly at least one of them there.

That a mere Pinnacle stage martial artist like myself should single-handedly pick a fight with such an academy?

Obviously, such a thing would be absurd. Therefore, I intend to resolve it with words.

‘Still, it is an academy run by the orthodox faction in name. Surely, they won’t draw swords from the very beginning, will they?’

Their hospitality was a touch lacking, true… but in the end, they let us leave with all our limbs intact, so, well.

◇

Presumption is ever the downfall of men.

Though it is a great misfortune for Mumyeong, the Sunmu Academy was turned inside out the moment the messenger returned. The legendary Sword Demon of the Demonic Sect himself would visit Sunmu Academy?

An oblivious fool might wonder what all the fuss is about. However, it would merely be a display of his own ignorance. The Sword Demon was a symbol of terror to the orthodox faction.

During his reign as the Overlord of the Demonic Alliance, he invaded not only the sects belonging to the orthodox faction for ridiculous reasons, but even the Five Great Clans and the Nine Sects, causing countless slaughters.

Of course, the orthodox faction was not foolish. They desperately tried to combine their strength and subdue the Sword Demon, but each time, they suffered even greater losses due to the Sword Demon’s overwhelming power.

The old instructors who personally experienced the Sword Demon’s overwhelming strength at that time could not help but display excessive concern, to the point that others might think them ridiculous. For they had personally experienced that power.

“Why all the fuss? I have heard of the name Sword Demon, but… isn’t that just an old story by now?”

“No matter how great the Sword Demon may be, surely his reputation is exaggerated somewhat. Besides, hasn’t our orthodox faction grown stronger than before?”

A young instructor named Lee Kang-hwi had been advocating for overwhelming him with force since yesterday. He has a flaw in his quick temper, but otherwise, his reputation is good.

“It is good to be full of vigor, but courage without knowledge of one’s place is merely recklessness, Instructor Lee Kang-hwi.”

“Surely, you’re not seized by fear at the sight of just one man?”

“Mind your manners! Do you think this is a marketplace?!”

“Enough, all of you! Internal strife will avail us naught in these dire times.”

Lee Kang-hwi’s rash words threatened to ignite discord among the instructors, but the old instructor who’d initially rebuked Lee Kang-hwi roared, barely quelling the brewing conflict.

“Judging from the messenger’s words, it seems the Sword Demon did not come here seeking battle.”

“Do you truly believe that? Did he not draw his sword and threaten us directly?”

“That is true. However, if he truly intended to attack, he would not have allowed the messenger to return alive. That would have been to his greater advantage.”

Furthermore, the old instructor had only glimpsed the Sword Demon from afar, but he knew, from the whispers circulating through the Righteous Alliance, that the Sword Demon was not some mere cowardly villain.

“Thus, I believe it is best to meet him directly and resolve this through discourse.”

“To be cowed by a single man. The world will laugh at us.”

“Perhaps that is preferable. Better that than to inflict irreparable harm upon our disciples through rash action.”

“But…!!”

“Instructor, I said I will resolve this through discourse.”

At the cold voice, devoid of all emotion, Lee Kang-hwi finally fell silent. He was one of the few masters in the Seonmu Academy to have reached the pinnacle of skill, and the one who oversaw the Academy.

It wasn’t through the use of killing intent or inner force that he imposed his will. He simply possessed the power to silence others with a single word. Ultimately, Lee Kang-hwi was forced to yield.

“My apologies.”

“It is well that you understand now. Return to your posts and stand by. I will meet with the Sword Demon myself and attempt to negotiate terms.”

This won’t do. If things proceed in this manner…

While everyone else acquiesced and obeyed, only one man, Lee Kang-hwi, displayed open objection. He’d thought the Righteous Sect had rotted to its core… but even rotten, it seemed there were still timbers holding it upright.

‘I have no choice, then. I did not wish to resort to this method.’

To reignite the deep-seated animosity between the Righteous and Unorthodox Sects, a suitable spark was needed. And the Seonmu Academy would serve as more than ample kindling.

“To shatter the old ways, and usher in a new era.”

Muttering those ominous words under his breath, unheard by anyone else, Lee Kang-hwi set off with a resolute expression. Soon, a thick killing intent began to emanate from his eyes.