Book 6 Chapter 2

Biryunyeon's Bomb Declaration

What is a proverb?

A short phrase containing a lesson or satire,

it contains the wisdom of our ancestors who

cleverly make even trivial things into warnings.

There is a proverb related to the generosity (?) of time, that "even a rat hole will have its sunny day." (Is that so?)

Time is gold. Of course, there's also the saying to treat gold like a stone, but let's set that aside for now; this is a saying that expresses the preciousness and high value of time.

However, there are many people around us who disregard the value of time. We are startled to realize that too many people do not recognize the golden value and irreversibility (?) of time, which, like lovers wearing their rubber shoes backward, never returns once it's gone. But…

Completely unrelated (amazingly, it's not related even by a sliver), as if to prove the infinite continuity of time that doesn't stop, the date promised to the Suzakudan (Vermilion Bird Squad) was approaching with every passing moment.

However, even the severe pressure of the approaching decisive battle was but a drop in the bucket (a bird's foot's blood) compared to the pain of the special training that wore down bones and burned flesh every day.

The members of the Suzakudan faced each other with tense expressions. They were now connected by an invisible bond, more than anyone else, through the special training fueled by Yeomdo's burning passion, which bruised their bones and flesh and left their entire bodies mangled daily. They had reached a point where they could communicate with just gestures, without needing words.

There was no other way; the only unique method to survive the fierce heat emanating from Yeomdo's merciless and unfeeling beloved sword, Hongyeom (Crimson Flame), was to exhibit the virtues of cooperation and mutual aid.

The autumn of falling leaves had already passed, and not long after the cold north wind descended and the world was covered in white by the first snow.

With the arrival of early winter, when leaves fall and the weather grows cold, the decisive battle was right around the corner. Conversely, Yeomdo's "wang daguri" (king's beating), disguised as special training, was increasing in intensity. However, the Suzakudan members, tempered like swords refined by thousands of hammer strikes on an anvil, could now endure it relatively well. They were inwardly proud that at least they weren't screaming about dying.

Whether it was due to Yeomdo's unique Hwaryeong Shingong (Fire Spirit Divine Art), the Geomyeomgi (Sword Flame Qi), or the sweat, which could fill at least three barrels, shed during the arduous training, the training grounds were always filled with a scorching heat after the sessions ended. This was the case even though a chilling north wind was blowing fiercely in winter.

Although piles of fresh snow were left unmelting in various places, there was no trace of snowflakes around their training grounds. This was proof of their dedication to training. It was easy to see how much Yeomdo had pushed them.

After the arduous and strict special training, Biryunyeon's sudden and unilateral announcement was enough to shake the minds of those gripping their sweat-soaked bodies and aching limbs.

"Huk!"

"Yes?"

"Is… is that really true?"

The Suzakudan members, without exception, politely inquired if they had hearing impairments.

"Are your ears clogged? I clearly said it!"

Biryunyeon's tone was tinged with impatience, as if he didn't want to repeat himself.

"But the content is so questionable in its authenticity that it's a problem!"

Namgung Sang, as the representative of the Suzakudan, spoke their minds.

"Heh heh! You lack faith. I did not teach you like this…"

Biryunyeon spoke like an old martial arts master who had experienced all kinds of battles, in mountains, on water, and in the wilderness.

The Suzakudan's current feelings must also be understood.

A team battle!

While it sounded good to call it a team battle, if you looked at it from a slightly different perspective, it was no different from a brawl.

Biryunyeon's unilateral announcement was as follows:

The main gist of the announcement was that the Suzakudan and the Cheongnyongdan (Azure Dragon Squad) would fight as a group of 32 people, regardless of gender, in accordance with an agreement between their respective masters. To put it elaborately, it was a team battle; to put it simply and concisely, it was a brawl.

"M-Master Yeomdo really agreed to such terms?"

He didn't want to believe it. Namgung Sang asked again, wanting confirmation that he was dreaming. However, his wish was very simply cast aside by Biryunyeon.

"Why, it's simple and convenient, isn't it? How great is it that we finish it all at once instead of fighting sixteen times, which is bothersome."

16 versus 16!

It sounded as if he had pushed for a team battle simply because it was troublesome. And for his own convenience. (Although, looking at the background, that was indeed the case.)

"But then it won't look good! A team battle…"

Biryunyeon's relentless scolding fell upon Namgung Sang, who was hesitating and backing down.

"Foolish! Haven't you learned your lesson yet and are you still concerned with appearances? What's important is substance, not appearances! We don't fight sixteen times. We end it in one go. Why? Because we despise pettiness and inconvenience!"

In truth, based on preferences, only Biryunyeon disliked inconvenience.

In reality, even when two groups engaged in a martial arts competition, it was the custom, the standard, and 'common sense' to have one person at a time come out and fight, and then play with numbers based on wins and losses. But, a team battle, which had no precedent, came out of nowhere…

In a word, it was like thunder from a clear sky. To utter such thunderous words so nonchalantly and without guilt…

As always, Biryunyeon's thoughtlessness was truly admirable. How else could everyone have no choice but to look at the situation with their hearts pounding, given Biryunyeon's words backed by Yeomdo?

Of course, reality doesn't change just because you don't believe it or don't want to believe it.

At this point, the Suzakudan had not yet realized how advantageous a position they had secured.