Book 4 Chapter 4

The tribulations of Yeomdo begin.

Meanwhile, the Vermilion Bird Squad members, who had recently returned and narrowly avoided burns amidst the enthusiastic welcome and fervent attention of their fellow students, were gathered to strengthen their bonds.

Their friendship and camaraderie, forged through shared life and death, hardships and joys, were profoundly deep and solid, unparalleled by any other.

They had strengthened their friendship by steadfastly enduring the excruciating training at Mount Amisan, and that friendship had been further tempered by their desperate struggle against the attacks of the Green Forest bandits on their way back to the academy. Their friendship, crystallized like diamonds, was now so solid that it seemed unshakable by any external shock. They had become the most trusted individuals within the Cheonmu Academy.

The atmosphere among the Vermilion Bird Squad members, who had no idea that the incarnation of their master, the existence they feared and detested so much, was in their vicinity, was one of cheerful harmony. If they were to learn that their master's news and his incarnation were breathing the same air as them, eating the same rice from the same pot within the same compound, they would surely faint from shock. The mood would instantly turn 180 degrees, and the cheerful atmosphere would inevitably transform into one of being scorched by fire.

Regardless, ignorance is bliss, and they were reveling in happiness. They were now under the grave delusion that the events at Mount Imyeong were merely a distant memory. No matter how difficult and arduous, past events were just fragments of memory. They had changed so much that they could now casually bring up those times as conversation topics over tea.

"Gungsang, do you remember what happened back then?"

As always, Hyeon Un, calling his friend Namgung Sang, opened his mouth. For them, "back then" meant one thing.

"Of course, I remember. It's a memory I can never forget…"

"I remember you running all the way to the mountaintop because you couldn't even chop a single piece of firewood properly."

Namgung Sang smiled bitterly and looked down at the ink ring on his wrist.

"Back then, this thing couldn't have been this heavy…"

"My shoulders felt like they were going to break."

Hyeon Un agreed with Namgung Sang's sentiment. Back then, this bracelet felt as heavy and burdensome as shackles on a prisoner, but now, even wearing it, he felt no significant weight.

"Is this the result of our training?"

Tang Cheol Yeong, who had been listening to their conversation, waved his arms and said.

"It wasn't until after we arrived at the academy and slept for a night that I truly felt what happiness was. Washing off the smell of blood from my body in warm bathwater, sleeping on a soft bed, and then waking up to the sound of a quiet bell in the morning – that's when I felt true happiness."

Hyeon Un seemed to be reminiscing about those times.

"That's right. I still wonder how we endured that hell."

"It's something we'd never do again."

"I still have nightmares about our master suddenly appearing."

"Hey, Noh Hak, that must be a truly terrifying nightmare. How about it, do you think you'll have that dream again tonight?"

"Hey, friend, don't say that, even as a joke. I don't want to have such nightmares again."

Noh Hak shivered, clutching his shoulders with both hands. They all burst into laughter at his jest, unaware that it would become a reality soon enough. And it was this ignorance that was creating their current happiness. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

"Our diet was so tough back then that we relied a lot on Miss Namgung's help."

Hyeon Un said, taking a bite of a neatly quartered apple from the dessert table. It was a feast beyond imagination at the time. Moreover, in the beginning, their cooking skills were so poor that their rice and side dishes were often burnt, and how much they starved.

"What did I do? You all suffered."

Indeed, back then, they had to forage for their own side dishes to eat. They dragged their heavy, shackled feet through the mountains, collecting wild vegetables and hunting game. All their master provided at the training facility was rice and a few spices for cooking.

"I even got caught badmouthing our master by the stream while doing laundry with Dang Mun Hye and got thrown into the stream!"

Dan Mok Su Su looked at Dang Mun Hye, seeking agreement. Dang Mun Yeong nodded.

"Who would have guessed that you'd be standing behind us so quietly, killing your presence? You just pushed me in without mercy."

These were stories from their time at Mount Amisan, where everyone had at least three painful memories.

"Well, maybe Gungsang was the only one who gained something?"

"Why are you bringing me up again?"

Gungsang, Namgung Sang, glared at Hyeon Un, whose mouth was as loose as a gossip's.

"Are you a boulder? Why would I bring you up? I'm simply appreciating your ability to capture the heart of the only beautiful Miss Jin among us. That night was truly filled with beautiful stars."

It was an uncharacteristic flippancy for a Daoist. Indeed, he was like someone who had mastered the Dao of Love at the foremost Daoist academy in the world. Everyone gathered there knew well what kind of night that was. Namgung Sang and Jin Ling's faces turned as red as persimmons. They were still quite shy. It was fun to tease them, so he couldn't easily stop.

"Ahem, don't tease us like that anymore."

When Namgung Sang said this with a serious expression, everyone burst into laughter.

"Hahahaha!"

The lid of the box containing the deadly poison for the Vermilion Bird Squad had not yet been opened, and it remained precariously poised, ready to be sprung open at any moment. It was the last supper in the calm before the storm. The last warmth of happiness. The laughter of the Vermilion Bird Squad members, unaware of this, filled the room and echoed clearly.

The Vermilion Bird Squad members, completely unaware that the being they feared the most was right beside them, were simply happy. After returning, they had climbed the ranks daily, surpassing the White Tiger and Black Tortoise units in one go, and even drawing with the Azure Dragon unit, albeit not overwhelmingly, their stock was soaring. Their names and reputations grew, and now no one in the academy dared to look down on them; they were subtly revered. So how could they not be happy?

They had no inkling that the dream, ecstasy, and happiness they were currently enjoying were as fleeting as a summer night's dream. They did not yet believe in heaven's harshness. But heaven was even harsher and more cruel than they expected.

Upon returning to his lodging after a day's work, Yeomdo was surprised by an unexpected presence. A full minute had passed since he opened the door and entered. Yet, Yeomdo was surprised that he hadn't sensed the other's presence. He doubted if there was anyone in the martial world who could remain undetected by his senses for so long.

Yeomdo drew Hongryeong without hesitation and swung it. A fiery red sword energy swept through Yeomdo's room. It wasn't a full-power strike, but it was enough to easily damage some of the furniture in the room. As the intense heat swept through the living room, only acrid smoke rose from the innocent wooden furniture. However, there was no sensation of cutting through flesh and bone.

'Did I miss?'

Yeomdo chastised himself with a faint voice that only echoed in his mind.

'Damn, my Sword Flame Qi seems to have weakened significantly. Failure… Could I have succeeded if I had used the Penetrating Sun Flame Jade Kill?'

Yeomdo pondered the reason for his failure. He felt he needed more training.

"Is this a new guest reception method? Your greeting is quite grand. Such a fervent welcome is a bit burdensome. Though it's nice and warm…"

Yeomdo's fervent welcome was about to escalate beyond warmth into a fire. From beyond the room, hidden by the thick smoke, a voice of an uninvited guest could be heard. The voice, remarkably unfazed even by the surprise attack, was one Yeomdo knew all too well. The owner of the voice, whom he had no desire to hear, was none other than Bi Ryuyeon.

"Uninvited guests are an exception."

Yeomdo said curtly.

Yeomdo's previous strike seemed to be special courtesy for an uninvited guest, a formidable skill that would leave most unwanted guests with no bones left. In fact, Yeomdo knew it was Bi Ryuyeon from the moment he sensed the presence. He couldn't have failed to sense the presence of Bi Ryuyeon, who was trying to act as his master.

However, it was true that Bi Ryuyeon was an uninvited guest. Yeomdo did not reveal that Bi Ryuyeon's name, along with Binggeom Gwan Cheolsu, was at the very top of the list of uninvited guests he had compiled in his mind. His personal judgment was that there was no need to stir up trouble by revealing such things.

Moreover, since it was an attempted act and not a success, he casually dismissed it as not something to be blamed for. Of course, if he had succeeded, he would have been happier than anyone else.

The identity of the uninvited visitor was revealed by the moonlight filtering through the window. Yeomdo's expression crumpled agreeably. He had already known that the person who hadn't appeared before his eyes for days, and thus greatly stimulated his appetite, was Bi Ryuyeon, but seeing him with his own eyes was still quite different.

Bi Ryuyeon raised his hand in greeting.

"Hello, disciple."

Yeomdo almost drew Hongryeong and swung it in one breath, unable to suppress his surging anger. However, he managed to suppress the impulse with tremendous willpower. He wasn't sure if he could cleave Bi Ryuyeon in two with a surprise strike. Yeomdo gritted his teeth, thinking he would have attempted it if there was even a 70% chance of success. While Yeomdo felt his willpower, patience, perseverance, and grit increasing day by day, he found such emotional growth entirely unwelcome. It was because it meant becoming unlike himself.

"You don't look happy to see me. After so long apart as master and disciple, wouldn't it be too dull and shabby without joy and emotion?"

Bi Ryuyeon said with a broad smile.

"How can I be simply happy?"

Lately, Yeomdo had been agonizing over whether the person he hated most in this world was Binggeom Gwan Cheolsu or the fraudulent fake master Bi Ryuyeon. Three months ago, Yeomdo could have readily declared Binggeom Gwan Cheolsu without hesitation if asked, but nowadays, he wasn't so sure. That's how great his resentment towards Bi Ryuyeon was.

"Wouldn't it be better for your health to be happy, though?"

His tone held a strange nuance.

"What are you trying to say?"

"No. I'm just saying it's better to be happy."

Bi Ryuyeon simply smiled good-naturedly. This made Yeomdo even more uneasy.

"What is it…?"

Yeomdo asked gruffly.

He resented himself for becoming increasingly accustomed to using polite language lately. He wanted to rip his tongue out.

"It's just a simple request."

"A request?"

Yeomdo was certainly flustered by Bi Ryuyeon's sudden request. However, he clearly recognized that he was not in a position to refuse. And even if he refused, Bi Ryuyeon wouldn't just accept it with "Oh, really? Well, there's nothing we can do." What kind of person was he to readily accept Yeomdo's firm refusal? That was utterly absurd.

"It's a very, very simple and straightforward request."

Bi Ryuyeon said with a suspicious smile that could never be trusted. Yeomdo felt uneasy about the ominous smile but didn't show it.

'Don't be flustered. I know well that he wouldn't visit without a reason.'

He repeated this to himself and composed himself. He felt bitter and resentful that he had no choice but to grant the request of the man who called himself his master.

"Alright, what is it?"

"Ah, I just want you to look after a few children."

"Children?"

Yeomdo made a bewildered expression. He wasn't a nanny, so why children?

"Yes, children! They are still immature younglings."

Bi Ryuyeon said with a wide smile. As his ominous smile suggested, his request was by no means simple.

In the wide and grand main hall. Seated on the throne, reminiscent of an iron tower, was a middle-aged man with an aura that overwhelmed all others.

Possessing an unusual aura that commanded respect, he appeared to be in his forties, but he was actually the Lord of Cheonmu Academy, Cheolkwon Ma Jin-ga, who oversaw all affairs of the academy, one of the two major powers of the White Path.

Cheolkwon Ma Jin-ga, the Lord of Cheonmu Academy, had been delighted and surprised by three events this year. Three unexpected blessings had occurred simultaneously – one of which was not among them. It was an event worthy of grand celebration and rejoicing for both the Cheonmun faction and the righteous sects of the White Path.

The first was the remarkable improvement in the Vermilion Bird Squad's skills. Their delayed return to the academy, without any prior notice, had caused much worry among the Cheonmun leadership, but their martial arts prowess after their return was enough to dispel all those concerns. They had transformed astonishingly, as if they had undergone a complete metamorphosis.

When Ma Jin-ga first met the Vermilion Bird Squad members upon their return to Cheonmun, he felt a sense of awe, as if he were facing complete strangers. He then profoundly thanked Master Jin, the Iron Raven, who had trained them. Although the object of his gratitude was no longer present, and the one formerly known as Jin Jo-un, the Iron Raven, now resided in heaven and might not have received the academy lord's thanks, it was not something Ma Jin-ga could be blamed for as he was not a god.

Meeting them again, they had transformed into formidable masters, rivaling the Azure Dragon Squad, the strongest of the Four Guardian Beasts. Ma Jin-ga was overjoyed by their improved skills.

The second astonishing event was the appointment of Yeomdo (Flame Blade) to the Cheonmu Academy's Martial Arts Division. This was an unexpected blessing and a shock to everyone. No one had anticipated that Yeomdo, the lone wolf who was known to avoid interacting with people, would voluntarily express his intention to be appointed to the Cheonmu Academy's Martial Arts Division. His surprise was even greater because it was contrary to Yeomdo's personality, which disdained belonging to any group. Of course, Ma Jin-ga immediately approved his appointment.

Even if not asked, it was a wish granted. He would have welcomed him with open arms even if it required repeated pleas. Thus, he had no reason to refuse. He accepted all the proposed conditions and welcomed Yeomdo as a member of the Cheonmu Academy's Martial Arts Division.

Cheonmu Academy was a gathering place for prodigies who could not be taught by ordinary masters. In the current talent shortage, the recruitment of more peak masters to serve as instructors was desperately needed. The current number of instructors was woefully insufficient. This was why countless envoys from Cheonmun were scouring the remote mountains and valleys of the martial world in search of extraordinary individuals.

Therefore, it was an unexpected windfall to have a prominent figure like Yeomdo, whom he hadn't dared to expect due to his temperament, voluntarily express his intention to join. At first, the academy lord himself thought that Soonpung Nadei Na Joong-hae, who brought Yeomdo's message, was momentarily insane and playing a prank.

The third was the admission of a young talent who had already made waves in the martial world before even entering the academy. That talent was Chiljeol Sin-geom Mo Yong-hwi. Knowing that the time was approaching, his admission was considered a foregone conclusion. He was already a renowned young talent, the successor to Geomseong (Sword Saint), one of the Cheonmu Three Stars, at a young age. Naturally, as the Lord of Cheonmu Academy, his interest in Mo Yong-hwi was extremely high. Cheonmu Academy, by its nature, needed one exceptional genius more than dozens of ordinary talents.

However, since it was already provisionally decided, it was not as surprising or joyful as the previous two events. Although the element of shock was diminished, the joy was equally immense. Because of these three events, Cheonmu Academy would develop even further. While lost in thought about the events that had transpired, Ma Jin-ga received a visitor.

Unexpectedly, the visitor was Yeomdo, who had brought him one of the three joys. When the visitor's identity was revealed, Binggeom Gwan Cheolsu, who was present in the main hall for his regular report, suddenly crumpled like a failed artist's canvas. He was not pleased by the sudden appearance of the person he most disliked while at a regular reporting session. He disliked Yeomdo's presence, the only one who could negatively influence his emotional state. However, he did not show it in front of the academy lord. Unlike Yeomdo, he knew how to control his emotions with reason and prided himself on it. Gwan Cheolsu, who always maintained his composure and rationality at all times and places, just like his noble name, was not cold and rational in front of only one person, and his reason did not function properly.

"Welcome, Elder Guo. What brings you here?"

The academy lord, Ma Jin-ga, greeted him with a good-natured smile. In return, Yeomdo, who was performing a light fist salute, immediately scowled even more intensely upon seeing Binggeom Gwan Cheolsu. He hadn't expected that bastard to be here. He would never have come if he had known.

"I am very curious as to what wind has blown Elder Guo to visit here today."

As the visit today was very unexpected, so was his curiosity.

"I came to trouble you because I have one request."

"Oh? I'm curious what kind of request would bring Elder Guo himself to seek me out."

Binggeom's face showed surprise at Yeomdo's awkward statement of a request. His cold reason knew well, regardless of his extreme dislike (bordering on hatred) for Yeomdo, that Yeomdo was not the type to ask for favors.

'A request? For someone who hates to lose and hates to bow his head, a request? What kind of grand request is he going to make?'

The thought of that stiff fellow suddenly making a request stirred a thread of curiosity from the depths of his heart.

"It's not a particularly difficult task. Just one thing is enough."

"Really? What task are you referring to?"

Ma Jin-ga was willing to grant almost any request. Yeomdo was worth it (though he himself didn't realize it because he found it bothersome).

"I would like you to entrust the Vermilion Bird Squad to me."

"The Vermilion Bird Squad?"

Ma Jin-ga's face showed a mixture of surprise and shock, which quickly turned into joy.

"If that's the case, I would even beg with both hands! It's not a request at all. We should be the ones asking for the favor."

The academy lord, Ma Jin-ga, was overjoyed that Yeomdo was offering to take charge of the Vermilion Bird Squad himself. He had wanted to achieve this even if it meant packing his bags and begging. He wanted to ask for it because of the children's talent and potential. But he hadn't even dared to hope for it, as the possibility was almost nonexistent.

'Why is someone who doesn't raise disciples because it's bothersome suddenly decide to take charge of the Vermilion Bird Squad? Is he serious?'

Gwan Cheolsu couldn't believe it. And unexpectedly, a feeling he himself wasn't aware of arose in Binggeom's heart, and before he could even recognize it, it escaped his lips. That feeling was called competitiveness or the will to win.

"Then I'll take charge of the Azure Dragon Squad."

Yeomdo and Ma Jin-ga stared at him with expressions of shock at this sudden, unexpected proposal. They were curious if he was serious.

Yeomdo's intention to exclusively take charge of the Vermilion Bird Squad was not his own. There was no way Yeomdo would voluntarily take on such a troublesome task. The owner of that intention was none other than Bi Ryuyeon. Bi Ryuyeon was displeased that his disciples, the Vermilion Bird Squad, had drawn with the Azure Dragon Squad. He didn't need the surrounding praise. He could never tolerate an evaluation that his disciples were merely equal to others. The result was a tremendous development that shocked everyone, but he remained stubborn.

He judged that the Vermilion Bird Squad still needed immensely painful training, so he sent Yeomdo without consulting them. He thought it was still too early for him to step in himself. And he also tentatively concluded that Yeomdo would be sufficient. If anything, he could offer help from behind.

Yeomdo, who was forced to take on a task he didn't want, had no particular enthusiasm for it. But that was until a moment ago. From the moment Binggeom, unaware of the full story, declared his intention to take charge of the Azure Dragon Squad, it ignited the embers of Yeomdo's motivation, which had been like dying embers, into a fiery volcano. With Binggeom appearing as a rival, he couldn't afford to be lenient. Yeomdo was determined to make the Vermilion Bird Squad win against the Azure Dragon Squad at all costs. A fierce competitive spirit surged within him.

Meanwhile, Binggeom's sudden proposal greatly perplexed Ma Jin-ga. He hadn't expected Binggeom to volunteer as well. But there was no reason to refuse.

"This is an unexpected proposal. Are you serious?"

Ma Jin-ga asked for confirmation. Even though he knew better than anyone that Binggeom kept his word, he couldn't help but ask again.

"This will be interesting!"

Yeomdo and Binggeom were startled by the voice that suddenly came from behind them and turned around. They looked at the approaching figure with caution, having managed to hide their presence so effectively.

"You've arrived."

It was Binggeom who recognized the other party first and paid his respects. Despite his high position as a great martial artist, his greeting was exceptionally polite.

'What's with that icy character being so polite?'

Yeomdo was filled with curiosity as to what kind of person could make that man, whose neck seemed frozen, so polite.

"Ho ho, please dispense with the formalities. You know as well as anyone that this old man is always healthy. If I receive such greetings every day, I might age even faster. Excessive politeness can be a form of rudeness."

An elder with a fairy-like demeanor smiled broadly. An extraordinary aura that could not be approached flowed around the elder.

A strange pressure that seemed to bore into the soul. There were very few people who could exert such pressure on him. Yeomdo knew very well what kind of person this was. Reluctantly, he admitted that the other party was a supreme master far beyond his imagination.

"Ho ho ho, even time dares not break Senior Gongson's vigor."

Ma Jin-ga, the academy lord, laughed and joined in. This implied that the fairy-like elder was someone who even received respect from Ma Jin-ga.

Only then did the slow-witted Yeomdo realize who this eccentric elder was. And he was surprised.

'No wonder that guy is so polite!'

Binggeom's politeness stemmed from the respect a fellow swordsman had for someone who had achieved a higher Dao before him.

Gongson Ilchwi, the Sword Sovereign. Revered as one of the Four Sword Gods of the martial world alongside Mo Yong-jeongcheon, the Sword Saint, his swordsmanship was said to have reached the supreme realm of immortality. He was currently the head of the elders' council of Cheonmu Academy and concurrently the chief consultant and advisor to Cheonmun. Even Cheolkwon Ma Jin-ga, the Lord of Cheonmu Academy, dared not slight him. He was the only individual within Cheonmu Academy who was not subject to the academy lord's interference.

Even Yeomdo, known for his stubbornness, bowed respectfully this time. Sword Sovereign Gongson Ilchwi was more than worthy of it.

"I have heard much of your esteemed name. I am Yeomdo Gwak."

Gongson Ilchwi's gaze finally moved towards Yeomdo. His face was not as cheerful as before.

"I have heard of your fame, the Fire Spirit Flame Heaven Soul-Snatching Blade. But I heard that you deeply disdain swordsmen, which I find quite regrettable."

Yeomdo's face turned red with embarrassment. He had often disparaged sword users as being weak and feeble when he was angry. Hearing such words from a supreme master of swordsmanship, whom he could not possibly belittle, made even the hot-tempered Yeomdo blush. However, he couldn't lash out with his usual temper given the other party's status.

Gongson Ilchwi did not press the matter further.

"Are you serious about what you said?"

Sword Sovereign Gongson Ilchwi asked Binggeom Gwan Cheolsu in a sharp tone. No one dared to utter falsehoods in front of him.

"Of course. If Elder Gwak takes charge of the Vermilion Bird Squad, I will take charge of the Azure Dragon Squad. That would be fitting."

"Hmph, it still seems disadvantageous for you. Why don't you recruit one more person?"

Despite Yeomdo's venomous words, Gwan Cheolsu didn't even bat an eye. He possessed immense pride, believing he was better than Yeomdo. If Yeomdo had heard this, he would have been furious.

"Isn't it my place to say that, not yours? When have you ever beaten me? This is the first I've heard of it."

Binggeom hit Yeomdo where it hurt the most. He had touched upon his worst wound, which still hadn't healed even after twenty years.

"What? Are you done talking?"

Yeomdo bristled, but he couldn't act rashly in front of the esteemed and authoritative academy lord. Cheolkwon Ma Jin-ga was a supreme master whom even they had to defer to. One could not simply become the lord of Cheonmu Academy, one of the two major powers of the White Path martial world, without sufficient skill, character, experience, and resourcefulness.

Furthermore, Sword Sovereign Gongson Ilchwi was also present. He had no choice but to suppress his anger inwardly.

"I believe both of you understand what it means to become a former master."

Ma Jin-ga quickly intervened to defuse the increasingly tense atmosphere. Both Yeomdo and Binggeom nodded in agreement. Of course, they both understood the meaning clearly. It meant they would become like parents to them, responsible for their entire lives.

"Then I will ask the two of you."

"I will be your witness!"

Sword Sovereign Gongson Ilchwi volunteered to be a witness. It was undoubtedly exciting to watch the disciples of the renowned Yeomdo and Binggeom compete, nurtured with their utmost care.

After Yeomdo, Gwan Cheolsu, and Sword Sovereign Gongson Ilchwi had all departed, Ma Jin-ga was left alone in the main hall. Only when he confirmed that no one was around him did Ma Jin-ga speak.

"Well, is everything proceeding without issue?"

"Yes, Academy Lord. Everything is proceeding smoothly so far."

The voice came from behind the backdrop, located behind the throne.

Who would dare converse with the Lord of Cheonmu Academy, Cheolkwon Ma Jin-ga, without revealing themselves from behind his back? Just that alone made it easy to guess that the other party's status was extraordinary.

"Thank you for your diligent surveillance."

"You are too kind. It is my duty."

The voice from behind the backdrop was exceptionally polite. Although he did not reveal himself, it was evident that he did not lose his manners.

"So, how are the children? Are there any useful ones?"

"Yes, Chiljeol Sin-geom Mo Yong-hwi can certainly be considered a phoenix among chickens. Seeing him in person, I can confirm that the rumors circulating in the martial world are not false."

Ma Jin-ga burst into laughter at the man's praise.

"Ho ho ho, that child is truly exceptional. I have high expectations for him."

Mo Yong-hwi's admission was one of the things that pleased him most this year. It was natural for him to be so delighted.

"And… one more thing…"

The man behind the backdrop trailed off. A face came to mind, but he quickly shook his head.

"What is it? Is there another dragon-phoenix talent who has impressed you?"

"Ah… no. It's not certain yet, so I'll report it later."

"It must be quite an individual to confuse your judgment. I will look forward to it."

"I apologize."

He felt a moment of embarrassment, as the expectation for that individual was highly likely to end in disappointment. He regretted speaking up.

"By the way, have you seen any suspicious signs within the academy?"

"Yes, none so far."

"Be careful. We are receiving reports almost daily about unusual activities from the Machon Pavilion. The existence of spies has been a constant problem every year. They are definitely somewhere."

Even within Cheonmu Academy, spies were frequently infiltrated. In the current state of martial world affairs, where both sides were in a stalemate, information gathering was paramount. In such a situation, infiltration by agents was inevitable. Just as they sent spies, there was no reason they wouldn't send them. History had proven this. This game of hide-and-seek was an annual event, but it could never be taken lightly. The man hidden behind the backdrop was tasked with the role of the hunter searching for spies.

"Always be careful not to expose your identity. Secrecy is paramount in surveillance."

Knowing that he was not the type to forget, Ma Jin-ga reminded him once more.

"Understood!"

With the final report, the presence behind the backdrop disappeared. Cheolkwon Ma Jin-ga, Lord of Cheonmu Academy, quietly sank back into the throne and murmured.

"Be careful, Hong…"

The Vermilion Bird Squad members, who were currently the center of attention of all the students and martial artists of Cheonmu Academy, looked at the man standing before them with eyes filled with various emotions. The man who declared himself their dedicated master, a man who proved his qualifications with a fearsome aura emanating from his entire body, was none other than Yeomdo.

The Vermilion Bird Squad members recognized the man standing before them the moment they saw him. No matter how vast the martial world was and how many eccentric individuals there were, no one possessed such a unique appearance as Yeomdo.

Seeing the bodies of the Vermilion Bird Squad members stiffen with tension, it seemed they were encouraged by the fact that they could learn martial arts from Yeomdo, one of the five great sword masters of the world, even if they didn't show it.

"I am Yeomdo, who will be in charge of your special instruction from now on."

After looking around at the Vermilion Bird Squad, Yeomdo introduced himself first. His tone was filled with power. His voice was as resonant as a lion's roar.

"Disciples pay their respects to Master."

All sixteen of them bowed in unison. Their reverence was profound. Indeed, Yeomdo exuded an extraordinary aura befitting his name.

"Children!"

"Yes?"

"It's bothersome to fight you one by one, so come at me three at a time."

Yeomdo said. His tone was rough, unlike that of a renowned martial arts master.

"Are you serious?"

It was baffling for them to be told to attack after only a few words of greeting. However, Yeomdo was serious.

"Do you think I have time for idle chitchat with you? I need to know your abilities to decide your future path!"

The Vermilion Bird Squad members felt their pride wounded by Yeomdo's words. No matter how powerful Yeomdo was, they considered being told to attack in groups of three to be a great insult.

"What are you waiting for? Attack."

At his words, all the Vermilion Bird Squad members sneered. Even if Yeomdo was a peak master, they didn't believe he could handle the attacks of three of them simultaneously. The harsh training at Mount Amisan was no joke.

"Are you alright?"

Hyeon Un's words were meant to consider the elder's safety and health, but Yeomdo interpreted them as dismissive.

"Stop talking and attack."

There was no way they could refuse after being urged this far.

"Then be careful!"

The first to challenge Yeomdo were Namgung Sang, Hyeon Un, and Noh Hak. They surrounded Yeomdo in the Tian, Di, Ren formations of the Three Powers Formation.

"Shall we begin?"

"Hup!"

With a battle cry, a fearsome aura erupted from Yeomdo's entire body. An ordinary person would have been paralyzed by the fierce aura and unable to move. A shiver ran down the spines of the three.

Only then did the Vermilion Bird Squad members feel with their skin that they could not afford to underestimate him. Namgung Sang unfolded his family's secret sword technique, the Hundred Lightning Sword Style, and swept into his right flank.

"Hundred Forms, Ten Thousand Thunders!"

A white sword energy rose from the tip of his sword, pressuring Yeomdo. Indeed, his studies at Mount Amisan were not in vain. Unlike his softness, a strange killing intent lingered at the tip of his sword.

"You're quite good!"

But being good was just that. As Yeomdo casually swung Hongryeong in his right hand, the white sword energy could not be found.

Seizing the opportunity while Yeomdo's right hand was occupied, Hyeon Un unleashed sword energy from the left with the Songmun High Sword.

"Nine Palaces, Consecutive Rings!"

Realizing that other methods wouldn't work, he used the Nine Palaces Ring, which was considered the strongest of the secret sword techniques excluding the Grand Ultimate Rainbow Sword, with all his might. Nine streams of blue sword energy pressed in on Yeomdo three consecutive times. Seizing the moment, Noh Hak, who had been waiting for an opportunity while wielding his Qingzhu Rod – also known as the Ball-Striking Staff – joined in.

"Connected Hands, Connected Flowers!"

An elaborate transformation occurred at the tip of the Ball-Striking Staff, wrapping around Yeomdo's entire body. Namgung Sang, who had been stunned when the initial strike returned to nothing, rejoined.

"White Heat, Falling Thunder!"

In the whirlwind of sword energy and wind, Yeomdo's eyes blazed with intense light.

True Red Seventeen Flames (Jin Hong Shi Qi Yan) – Eighth Form of Enlightenment (Wu Yi) – Sword Flame Qi (Jian Yan Qi) – Flame Wind (Yan Feng)!

"Boom!"

As the three renowned martial arts techniques intertwined in the center, a massive explosion erupted with a bright red light. A fierce shockwave, along with dust, engulfed the surroundings.

The outcome was decided with all three of them collapsing on the ground, having endured immense impact. It was a surprisingly anticlimactic end. Yeomdo, ever since his confrontation with Bi Ryuyeon, never let his guard down against an opponent. This time was no different. Yeomdo had defeated the three of them sequentially with all his might.

"You're still far from ready! I will surely and thoroughly remodel you. So that you never lose to anyone. Hahaha!"

Looking at the three sprawled ignominiously on the ground, Yeomdo let out a wild laugh. Yeomdo decided to vent the stress he had accumulated from Bi Ryuyeon through the Vermilion Bird Squad members. Moreover, with the competition against Binggeom, there was no room for moderation. He would only berate and relentlessly push them.

Only then did they realize that their second nightmare had arrived. Their ignominious sprawled forms seemed to foreshadow their ominous future.

"Is this the right place?"

The day after the three of them, who had attacked as a group, were thrown away without even scratching a single hair of Yeomdo, the gentle-looking young man, Yun Jun-ho, was on his way to find Yeomdo with a letter.

When Bi Ryuyeon decided to entrust Yeomdo with a task, he also decided to entrust the mentally handicapped Yun Jun-ho of Mount Hua. He thought that Yeomdo's boldness and impulsiveness would be effective for the timid Yun Jun-ho. Moreover, training with the Vermilion Bird Squad members would deepen his understanding of swordsmanship. Without it, it was difficult to expect significant progress from Yun Jun-ho. While it wasn't impossible with just himself, Hyo-ryong, and Jang Hong, it would require considerable patience to see results. Bi Ryuyeon found that most bothersome.

Therefore, Bi Ryuyeon judged that Yun Jun-ho needed a bold, drastic prescription and implemented this plan. To be honest, he simply dumped the task onto Yeomdo because he was bothered.

Bi Ryuyeon knew Yeomdo wouldn't like Yoo Jun-ho, who had learned swordsmanship, but he wasn't the type to care about such details. Come to think of it, most of the Vermilion Bird Squad members were swordsmen, and there were few who used blades. Yeomdo's temper was vivid in his mind, but he easily dismissed it with a clear conscience.

Yun Jun-ho, relying on a single sheet of paper roughly written by Bi Ryuyeon, was astonished to learn about the person he had to meet. The opponent was none other than Yeomdo, the famous incarnation of flames or the Fire Spirit Flame Heaven Soul-Snatching Blade – though that was just sweet talk. In the common folk, he was more famously known as the "Burning Scoundrel" or "Flame Demon King."

Yeomdo's expression crumpled ominously as he received Bi Ryuyeon's letter, which Yun Jun-ho handed over with trembling hands. Yeomdo's expression, resembling that of the King of Hell, made the timid Yun Jun-ho want to cry. He was grateful that Bi Ryuyeon cared about him, but he could have done without this. Yeomdo needed some time to calm his temper.

After finally suppressing his surging anger, Yeomdo glanced at Yun Jun-ho, who was stiff with tension, and pointed his chin towards the Vermilion Bird Squad members.

"Yes… Yes!"

Even so, Yun Jun-ho, being perceptive, quickly scurried over to the Vermilion Bird Squad members and lined up. Whether it was due to being overwhelmed by Yeomdo's power, or as a lesson from the previous day, the sixteen Vermilion Bird Squad members stood in orderly lines. Having heard of Yeomdo's notorious reputation, and having briefly experienced it, they couldn't help but be disciplined.

The Vermilion Bird Squad members looked at the sudden appearance of a first-year novice with questioning eyes, but they did not dare to bombard Yeomdo with questions and annoy him.

"I am Yun Jun-ho, who will be receiving training with you all from today. End."

There was no further explanation. Even Yun Jun-ho was ruthlessly denied the opportunity to introduce himself. If they wanted to know more details, the Vermilion Bird Squad would have to expend their own effort and words to find out in return for that labor. It was a very troublesome and laborious task.

With all seventeen gathered, Yeomdo began the lesson he was reluctant to teach. Naturally, Yeomdo's tyranny also began.

"Are you prepared?"

Yeomdo spat out the words as if he were grinding them between his teeth. Yun Jun-ho's knees felt weak for no reason.