40 – 03# The dagger in the bag (11)

Within each martial art, there exists an ultimate principle and mystery. And stances are akin to a formalized shape, meant to realize those mysteries with ease. For example, in the case of the Emperor Sword Stance.

It is the sword of a Conqueror, imbued with the mysteries of Domination and Weight, and its stances were created to realize that Conqueror’s way. Because those stances were the most efficient way to bring about the Conqueror’s Domination.

Thus, beyond the Five Great Families, the Nine Sects, every sect’s stances undoubtedly possess their own mysteries, as natural as a person breathing and eating.

But there was one man. One who questioned that absolute truth. He wondered. Why bother embodying mysteries within the framework of stances?

Because it’s tradition?

Because everyone else does it?

Ridiculous.

Naturally, that man’s question bordered on utter delusion. Everything in the universe ultimately has a reason for existing. Martial stances in the Murim were not created merely for show.

Because they are the most efficient, and unleash the most outstanding power. Stances were created, and then, through generations, shortcomings were addressed and improved, leading to their current form.

And so, after repeating fruitless efforts, the man was forced to acknowledge the reason and surrender. That is, had the man been merely a genius in the way people often conceive of one.

But he, against all odds, had managed it. At the tender, impossibly young age of twenty. Not confining the essence of martial arts to mere stances and forms, but with movements that were casually, lightly executed.

At times, a sword imbued with the domineering power of the Emperor’s Sword Style; at others, a blade infused with the Tai Chi of the Wudang sect – a martial prowess approaching omnipotence. A sword unburdened by form, akin to a demonic force.

Martial artists, filled with dread, called him thus:

Sword Demon.

◇

The first to notice the anomaly was Peng Hyun-cheol, the head instructor of the academy. A master at the peak of his abilities, he instinctively sensed that something untoward was occurring near the entrance.

After ordering the other instructors to evacuate the trainees, he himself raced towards the main gate at the quickest speed he could muster. Thanks to this, Peng Hyun-cheol was able to witness the scene before it was too late.

A sword technique devoid of any discernible form, deflecting all the incoming hidden weapons, and then, cleaving Instructor Lee Kang-hwi’s neck. A massacre so shocking, it made one doubt their very eyes.

‘That… is it not the Sword Energy of the Moryong Clan?!’

Peng Hyun-cheol belonged to a generation that had personally witnessed, albeit from a distance, the Sword Demon’s overwhelming might as he swept through the righteous factions. In other words, he had experienced the highs and lows, all of it.

He had even sought out the Moryong Clan, whose connection to the martial world had been severed, and crossed swords with Moryong Jin, the clan leader at the time. Thanks to this, Peng Hyun-cheol could immediately recognize the technique.

Flowing Dragon Soaring Sword Art. The sword energy imbued with the ultimate essence pursued by the Moryong Clan. But at least, the opponent was not a martial artist affiliated with the Moryong Clan. Peng Hyun-cheol would never have overlooked that fact.

‘I have personally experienced the martial artists of the Moryong Clan before. But the inner force emanating from this person is on a different level from that of the Moryong Clan.’

If the inner force felt from the Moryong Clan’s martial artists was like a refreshing, clear waterfall cascading through a valley, the power emanating from this man was like a flame burning with avarice.

It was akin to a ravenous ghoul devouring everything in its path. The inner force of a monster, one he had never forgotten even after decades. He thought he would never have to feel it again…

“…Did the Moryong Clan send you?”

“No. Though not unrelated, I am not affiliated with the Moryong Clan.”

‘So, it is the Sword Demon, without a doubt… Damn it.’

Still, decades had passed. He had clung to the slightest possibility, but after exchanging those few words, he was left with no choice but to be certain.

To wield the Sword Energy of the Flowing Dragon Soaring Sword Art, the pinnacle of the Moryong Clan, yet not be a martial artist of the Moryong Clan?

Even in the mind of Peng Hyun-cheol, who had been through it all, there was only one being capable of such a feat. Moreover, the appearance of the old man standing before him felt entirely natural.

An extraordinary inner force, the Sword Energy of the Moryong Clan’s Flowing Dragon Soaring Sword Art, coupled with an appearance that could only be described as elderly. As he faced the old man, Peng Hyun-cheol felt his lips growing dry.

“But the most important fact has not been heard. Who are you?”

“…I am Peng Hyun-cheol, the head instructor of the Seonmu Academy.”

“I see.”

One of only two masters at the peak of their abilities in the Habuk Peng Clan, and a martial artist holding the position of head instructor at the Seonmu Academy. Even after hearing Peng Hyun-cheol’s name, the Sword Demon casually nodded, as if it were nothing.

“I wish to ask about this situation. What has occurred here?”

“You do not suspect me?”

“If you harbored murderous intent towards me, I would not be standing here unharmed.”

It wouldn’t do to be overly humble, not with the Sword Demon himself before me. If it came to blows, I knew I wouldn’t last long.

Therefore, the wisest course was conversation. Provoking him would mean the end of me, and the young cadets behind me, all swept away.

◇

A fearsome-looking elder had appeared.

Just after I’d killed that madman who’d summoned assassins to frame me. In that moment, the old man appeared, and my heart near stopped. In the martial world, there’s an old saying:

Beware elders and children.

By modern standards, it’s practically nonsense. But in the martial world, with all manner of oddities, it’s not entirely wrong. Elders, in particular, were often hidden masters.

And a child with an old soul should be regarded with suspicion. It could be an ancient monster who has regressed into a child’s form. Especially that old man in front of me. He was something else.

‘His build… must be nearly eight *cheok* tall.’

Nearly eight *cheok*, a towering height, and muscles to match. A man who looked ready to enforce his threats with his very being, staring at me with a hardened expression…

Naturally, I couldn’t help but feel tense. Luckily, however, it didn’t come to a confrontation. The elder chose conversation over drawing his sword.

Furthermore, the gatekeeper, bless him, did his best to explain the misunderstanding. Fortunately, I managed to clear my name of the murder charge without too much trouble.

In a pavilion at the heart of the academy’s pond, Paeng Hyeon-cheol and I sat facing each other. Due to the unpleasant incident that had just occurred, the academy had temporarily closed its doors.

“The cadets have been sent back, then?”

“Indeed. Such an unfortunate event took place. I couldn’t possibly maintain a normal façade, could I?”

“A fair point.”

“The other instructors have also been dismissed. Now, would you be willing to tell me what happened?”

“Before that, there is something I must receive.”

The crazy man’s sudden attack had delayed it, but the whole reason I had come to the academy was for one purpose. Situation or not, I had to collect what was owed.

“Your cadets attacked my disciples. I came to receive an apology for that.”

“I am sorry. I apologize on behalf of the foolish cadets.”

“You don’t need to apologize, Daeshyeop. I would prefer if those clueless cadets apologize to my disciples themselves.”

“…I will arrange a meeting for that shortly.”

And the matter was resolved more easily than I had anticipated. I never expected them to apologize so readily. I guess not everyone in the orthodox sects is rotten to the core.

“I trust that is not a lie?”

“I, Paeng Hyeon-cheol, swear upon my name.”

“Then I have no choice but to believe you.”

“I believe that is enough about that… shall we return to the main subject?”

“Please.”

Without adding a word of falsehood, I told Paeng Hyeon-cheol everything that had just transpired. As I spoke, a look of puzzlement grew on his face.

“A sudden ambush, you say? And even with assassins?”

“That is so.”

“I do not doubt your words, Great Hero, but Instructor Lee Kang-hwi was well-regarded even within the Academy. Though his temper was quick… he was hardly the sort to hire assassins to strike a complete stranger.”

It seemed this Lee Kang-hwi was quite the promising talent in the Academy. For that tiger of a master to defend him so strongly… I cleared my throat, continuing.

“If that isn’t doubt, then what is it?”

“It merely means there’s no reason for him to do such a thing, wouldn’t you agree?”

“There is a reason. He was a spy, affiliated with the Demonic Cult.”

“…Did you just say the Demonic Cult?”

Where do I even begin to explain this…