Chapter 45

Chapter 45

I’ll say it again, though I always do. Let’s talk once more. What does it take to become a master?

Talent and effort are obvious prerequisites. Having a direction suited to one’s martial arts or innate disposition would be even better. Especially crucial are a good environment and proper training.

Then, in the training to become a master, what must one avoid?

That is—

“Becoming accustomed.”

As I opened my mouth to the wandos gathered in the training yard, those standing blankly awaiting today’s session blinked in unison and stared at me. They all looked desperate to train.

Sighing deeply and pressing my brow, I continued.

“Let me say this first. Everyone worked hard this past month. You followed better than expected.”

Time has passed considerably.

It was about half a month ago—precisely 18 days—when Seomun Cheok entered the initial stage of Man-Spear Unity. That means half a month has passed since the first training ended and the second, “Killing Each Other,” began.

In that time, the Muryeonwandos’ level has risen dramatically. Not just Seomun Cheok—Unjin, O Ryeong, Dan Ri-yeon, and two others passed the first training. The rest endured over eighty exchanges. And that’s not all.

Since the second training started, their eyes have been filled with venom. Look at them glaring with killing intent even now. It means the second training is effective.

Yes. That’s the problem.

“Don’t you think it’s time to rest a bit?”

“…No, sir!”

“We can still go on!”

At my question while pressing my brow, the Muryeonwandos, reduced to pure grit, shouted back fiercely. Even now, they eyed each other’s vitals while caressing their weapons.

Of course. For the past two weeks, they’ve been targeting each other’s lives at every opportunity. Even in this moment, they wouldn’t hesitate to strike if an opening appeared.

The training is going well. Yes. Too well. The problem isn’t that.

The issue is these kids are over-immersed in training.

“…Humans aren’t machines. Physical and mental stamina have limits.”

“We’re fine!!!!!”

O Ryeong, hand on her whip’s handle, eyes flashing with killing intent, shouted back. I raised a fist.

“…Shut up and listen, you lunatics.”

“Yes, sir!”

Sighing at O Ryeong’s crisp salute, I thought:

‘Kids so eager they can’t even gauge their own condition.’

Their stamina is probably fine. Though not Uicheon disciples, they’re temporarily enrolled as Uicheon trainees during this period, gaining recovery boosts—I confirmed that.

No matter how grueling the training, they’d wake the next morning feeling light as if they could fly. That enthusiasm isn’t strange. Wanting to defeat the Mujeongwandos and growing impatient is understandable too.

But mental fatigue doesn’t just vanish.

“Effort has limits. Muscles need rest after overuse to grow stronger—same with the mind. If you heat it red-hot, you must cool it down.”

“Wise words! My peers need rest too!”

“Tell the guy who hasn’t found a single sword path and rested all month to shut up.”

“…Yes, sir.”

Glancing at the sulking Seonwoo Gang in the corner, I continued.

“You’ve run hard for a month. To run the remaining month, rest is needed. This applies not just to you but to your seniors’ training too. Objections?”

“…None, sir!”

“Your replies are loud, at least. Good.”

Scanning the silent wandos, I nodded.

“Rest freely today. Read, visit the market—distance is far, but as martial artists, seeing Dongjeong Lake in Akyang would be good experience.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Then gather here by noon tomorrow.”

That should do.

Smiling faintly and turning, a sudden thought stopped me. I hadn’t mentioned something yet.

“Ah, and.”

“…?”

“During this training period, you’re temporarily Uicheon affiliates. If I hear any Uicheon disciple caused trouble in Hwayong-hyeon or Akyang…”

“…What happens then?”

Swallowing hard, Unjin asked. I chuckled and tapped the Uicheon Sword’s hilt.

“You’ll crawl on all fours to the Murim Alliance after training. Understood?”

“…”

“Understood?”

“…Yes, sir!”

Nodding at their delayed reply, I thought: They’re not stubborn fools like the Changcheon recruits—problem children from various sects. This warning should suffice.

“Wangpal Donor! Seohwa Donor! Since we’re at it, let’s grab some liquor!”

“Huh? The bald monk drinks?”

“…You misspoken, Seohwa Donor…”

“You’re right, why correct it? Lead the way, Unjin.”

…They’ll be fine, right?

***

Moments later.

Under O Ryeong’s forceful leadership, all Muryeonwandos were dragged to Akyang, eyes shining as they looked around. O Ryeong shouted ahead.

“I’ve arrived. Dongjeong Lake!”

Shaking his head at her obvious excitement, Seomun Cheok lightly scolded.

“Don’t act like a country bumpkin, O Ryeong.”

“I-I’m not from the countryside! I’m from a city, kinda!”

“What are you saying, O Ryeong Donor? Haha! I heard in Sacheon, potatoes are used as currency!”

“Want to die?”

“…Sorry.”

Sighing deeply at O Ryeong’s trembling fist toward Unjin, Seomun Cheok warned and turned. Akyang’s streets came into view.

‘Not my first time, but…’

More people mean more clients.

As a freelancer for years, Seomun Cheok had visited Akyang a couple of times. Though years ago, the atmosphere wasn’t different.

But now?

Something’s chaotic. Trouble?

Merchants’ touting wasn’t as lively. An oddly unsettling dissonance. Clearly different from before.

It’s a turbulent time. With the Sado Alliance and Murim Alliance at war, Dongjeong Lake—already rife with profit disputes—can’t be safe.

‘Must be cautious.’

Deciding, Seomun Cheok nodded and spoke.

“We’re at Dongjeong Lake, but we can’t stay long. Must return by sundown.”

“I know. Hehe. I planned for that! Wish Seohwa and Wangpal came too!”

“…Plan?”

“Everyone has different places they want to see, right? Time’s limited, places aren’t many. Use it efficiently!”

Pounding her chest proudly, O Ryeong raised her voice.

“First, eat at Nakhwaru, Dongjeong Lake’s specialty. Then tour fabric shops to blacksmith row, see the night market, and return! Perfect plan, right?”

“Blacksmith row makes sense, but fabric shops? We get training uniforms.”

“You drab idiot! Do you know how many uniforms we’ve torn this month?”

“…”

Ignoring the silent Seomun Cheok, O Ryeong smiled wryly. It wasn’t just for their comfort.

“Seohwa fixes them, but we have conscience. They train too—when would she mend everything? We’ll buy clothes. And look at pretty ones too.”

“…Do what you want.”

“Great. Idiot agrees, no objections? Let’s eat! Seonwoo Gang, lead!”

“Always…”

Smiling at O Ryeong’s palm slap on his back, Seonwoo Gang walked the main road. Dongjeong Lake’s scenery unfolded.

Colorful lanterns adorned the streets. Inns bustling despite daylight. Carved boats floating on a lake vast as an ocean.

‘…Pretty.’

Honest impression.

Last time, he had no leisure to admire Dongjeong Lake. Back then, he was a struggling rookie just trying to eat.

Now? Leisure?

Worth trying…

He didn’t know the Mujeongwandos’ training. Even asking Baek Riyun would likely yield “too early.” But their growth this month?

Compared to a month ago, night and day. He alone could guarantee victory against his past self.

‘If we keep this up… maybe.’

Victory might be hard—monsters over there. But if their strategy hit, saving face was possible.

‘Need more training upon return. Curious about the next session.’

Past trainings were extraordinary; this one wouldn’t be easy either.

“Arrived!”

While Seomun Cheok nodded in thought, they reached Nakhwaru. O Ryeong boldly pushed the door. A small server boy dashed out.

“Heroes, thank you for visiting Nakhwaru! How many?”

“Sixteen.”

Frowning slightly at the crowd, O Ryeong asked.

“Seats?”

“First floor’s full. Second too—might wait for sixteen… Hehe.”

Rubbing hands, the boy continued.

“Third floor’s empty.”

“Third floor? Empty?”

“Yes. But third floor’s for truly exceptional heroes only—must rent whole unless…”

“Price?”

“About… this much?”

“…Really?”

“Really.”

At the boy’s spread fingers, O Ryeong looked pitifully at Seonwoo Gang, who smiled wryly.

“Seems tough.”

He’d manage a bit, but return travel funds mattered. Mujeongwandos from prestigious sects could cover privately, but their pockets weren’t deep.

“No choice. Let’s go elsewhere. We’ll come back later.”

“But…”

Shaking his head at teary-eyed O Ryeong, Seomun Cheok headed for the door.

“No tantrums, O Ryeong. We’ll find another place.”

Pushing the door—

“—Then I’ll cover it.”

A cold voice cut in. All turned.

“…Westerner?”

Golden hair like pure gold, blue eyes. At Seonwoo Gang’s mutter, the woman shook her head. Her voice remained icy.

“I don’t like that term.”

“Ah… my apologies.”

“No matter. I’m used to it.”

Sighing softly, she stepped forward.

“I’ll pay for the young heroes’ meal. But there’s a condition.”

“Condition?”

“I join you. And you tell me about the man teaching you… Baek Riyun.”

“…Who are you?”

“Ga Wol.”

Answering expressionlessly, Ga Wol smiled coldly and clenched her fist.

“A wandering tailor. For now.”