These days, the atmosphere at Sanghwa Ru could be summed up in one word.
Ambiguity.
When I-seol was called into the Dark Dragon Sect, the newcomers and I-seol’s subordinates were excited. The newcomers had hopes of becoming Dark Dragon Sect disciples, and the existing subordinates were thrilled about I-seol’s increasing chances of becoming a rumor lord.
However, when I-seol returned from the Dark Dragon Sect, she left only the word that she hadn’t received any rewards, rather than the grand bounties they expected.
The newcomers and I-seol’s subordinates sensed that something had happened inside the Dark Dragon Sect, but they couldn’t fully abandon their hopes.
It seemed like something was going on at the Dark Dragon Sect, but after all, there were achievements to be proud of…
They felt a vague sense of hope while also feeling uneasy about I-seol’s attitude.
I pushed through the chaotic atmosphere and headed up to the second floor.
I-seol, who was sharing refreshments with Hyeok Gi-rin, welcomed me warmly.
“Welcome, Yongji Maeng.”
I-seol detailed what had happened at the Dark Dragon Sect.
I noticed it from the moment she tossed in twenty martial artists to the Sokryeong Sect, but it was evident that Ho Cheon-an was a typical martial artist of the Outcast Faction.
How could one succeed in a battle to solidify a successor’s position with merely twenty elite martial artists?
The meager support basically demanded that if one wanted the position of successor, they had to invest their own strength or external help to achieve results—like trying to take a nap without touching one’s nose.
As the leader of the Outcast Faction, Ho Cheon-an skillfully manipulated power and position to extract benefits.
I wondered about the morality of it, but if one adhered to morality, how could they be called an Outcast?
I-seol was being treated like this despite her accomplishments now.
The Righteous Faction wouldn’t even treat such things as honorable, but regardless, if she had achieved something, then it was standard to reward her appropriately.
Yet, Ho Cheon-an, unwilling to acknowledge I-seol’s contributions, looked down on her for not flaunting them like a petulant child throwing a tantrum and simply dismissed her.
Whether he genuinely felt disdain towards I-seol’s attitude or deemed the benefits insufficient to relinquish the position of minor leader remained uncertain. Still, the outcome remained: I-seol had made contributions, and despite fully knowing the truth, Ho Cheon-an offered her nothing.
This is the reality of the Outcast Faction—strong pride hides an urge to do as one pleases.
I looked at I-seol and asked,
“Have you changed your mind?”
“Do you think I would change it?”
After hearing what transpired at the Dark Dragon Sect, I suggested that since the newcomers and I-seol’s subordinates were full of expectations, they required a clear conclusion.
I suggested letting it be known that this mess came from following my plan.
But I-seol firmly refused my suggestion without a second thought.
That was a few days ago.
“You accepted my advice, so you must also take responsibility for the current situation.”
I-seol exhibited commendable character by defending her subordinates and taking responsibility for the outcomes.
I sighed inwardly. If she were a character from the Righteous Faction, her qualities could be seen as a weapon, but alas, she was from the Outcast.
In the Outcast Faction, one thrived by appropriately exploiting those beneath them and cleverly adapting to be less exploited by those stronger than themselves.
With that in mind, despite pledging to take the blame in her stead, I can’t help but think I-seol may be deemed inadequate as an Outcast.
Just as I was getting frustrated with I-seol’s obstinacy,
“Lord, it’s Eungjo. There’s something urgent to report.”
“Speak.”
“The Imperial Army has appeared in Okgyo.”
“What…?”
Hyeok Gi-rin and I exchanged glances. Finally, the awaited news has arrived. Hyeok Gi-rin sent a signal suggesting he had something to say.
“I will take my leave now. Please converse comfortably.”
“Hmm. No, we should do it together… Understood. We’ll talk later.”
I-seol, thinking it best to first receive Eungjo’s report, let us both go.
“Master, I have something to tell you.”
“What is it, Sajeok?”
“It’s about those trained in ‘that place.’”
‘That place’ must refer to Nangyang. If they were trained there, he must be talking about the Twelfth Squad trainees.
“Those people?”
“Indeed. Some of them received support from the main family.”
“Oh, is that so?”
Will those guys’ time to shine come a bit earlier?
As I pondered, doubts crept in. Most of those from the Twelfth Squad were decent enough, and when I got to know their current situation, I could exploit them like Okryong, but was it really urgent enough to break the current gathering just to relay this news?
It seemed more important to hear Eungjo’s external news.
“So, Sajeok, what did you want to say?”
Before I could finish, Hyeok Gi-rin’s head turned toward the entrance door. Instinctively sensing something, I heightened my awareness as well.
Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap!
“….Footsteps?”
It wasn’t just one or two people; it sounded like at least fifty, no, more than a hundred people. I-seol’s subordinates, along with the newcomers, gathered at the entrance, startled.
“Stand at attention!”
Click! Click!
….What is this familiar voice? What is this déjà vu?
Unexpectedly, I turned to look at Hyeok Gi-rin. He had already concealed himself, avoiding detection. When our gazes met, he shrank his shoulders like a child caught playing tricks and smiled sheepishly, sticking out his tongue.
“Advance!”
Creak! Bang!
Thundering in!
I was left gobsmacked. A wave of military-green outfits poured into the annex. Those wearing eight-sided hats armed with near non-lethal weapons rushed in from the entrance.
“Who are those guys?”
“Wha-What are these?”
The sudden influx of numerous eight-sided hats flustered I-seol’s subordinates and the newcomers, who hastily drew their weapons.
“This is the operation of the Imperial Army’s Jeokgwi Daebyeol!”
“If anyone attacks, they will be considered a traitor!”
The fierce gaze of the eight-sided hats caused I-seol’s subordinates and newcomers, who were frozen in shock, to hesitate.
Seeing the situation had calmed down, the eight-sided hats parted to create a path.
And into that path walked a figure in a red eight-sided hat.
…All eyes fell on Kang Chumo-ru, who was standing leisurely with his arms crossed.
Why are you out here?
In disbelief, I glanced back at Hyeok Gi-rin, but he was nowhere to be found. I panicked and looked around when suddenly Hyeok Gi-rin’s voice echoed in my mind.
[Kang Chumo-ru does not know I’m here.]
Hyeok Gi-rin peeked out slightly from his concealed spot to look at me.
[If you mention Princess once you see me, it’ll be uncontrollable chaos, so I will hide. Please explain things well to Colonel Kang Chumo-ru.]
What the heck?
I was taken aback at being saddled with the task of dealing with Kang Chumo-ru, and Hyeok Gi-rin chuckled at my expression, saying,
[This is a punishment for worrying you.]
Leaving that message, he closed the door.
What did I do?!
As I grappled with the series of incomprehensible situations,
“What is all this commotion?”
I-seol finally appeared.
“I am the leader of the Jeokgwi Daebyeol, Colonel Kang Chumo-ru.”
“….I am Dokgo I-seol of the Dark Dragon Sect. What is all this commotion? How dare you recklessly enter someone else’s territory under the guise of military!”
I-seol delivered her words forcefully, but Kang Chumo-ru remained unfazed and responded.
“I am here to apprehend the traitorous members of the Seohwa Sect who instigated the situation in Okgyo.”
“Traitors…?”
The newcomers gasped, and I-seol bit her lip tightly. She had just heard about the incidents in Okgyo through Eungjo, and it seemed like she began to grasp the current situation.
“To consider mere thugs as traitors is quite an exaggeration!”
“Well, whether it’s exaggerated or not will be revealed through investigation!”
A smirk curled Kang Chumo-ru’s lips. He viewed the world with the confidence that he was superior and took delight in mocking everyone before him.
“Anyway, I have come to capture the instigators of the incident in Okgyo, namely the Seohwa Sect and the Great Dark Sect! How suspicious is it to see so many people gathered in this insignificant annex?”
“Do not speak presumptuously. Is it the rule of the government to treat people as criminals without evidence?”
“Evidence, ha… We can just look for it now, can’t we? Many of those present do not look too pale! Is it you? You?”
The newcomers pointed out by Kang Chumo-ru flinched. I-seol bit her lip in frustration. The Imperial Army had arrived with the news of the Okgyo incident. Without being able to do anything, they were essentially caught off guard.
Kang Chumo-ru, who designed this ambush, surely understood the situation better than anyone.
Thus, Kang Chumo-ru was indeed relishing this opportunity.
“Or perhaps it is the one standing on the second floor……..??”
Kang Chumo-ru, who had been pointing at the pale-faced newcomers, suddenly halted his gesture when it moved toward me.
“…Instructor…?”
I rapidly tilted my head. The moment Kang Chumo-ru uttered the word ‘Instructor,’ my hidden identity would be blown. It was risky to send a message to Kang Chumo-ru while facing I-seol, a Peak Expert.
Kang Chumo-ru was at least perceptive enough! As long as he could restrict the word ‘Instructor’ from leaving his mouth, we could likely have a productive conversation.
“Huh!”
Fortunately, Kang Chumo-ru responded to my sideways tilt. He abruptly straightened and clamped his mouth shut, glaring suspiciously.
“If it’s an interrogation, I am willing to cooperate.”
I opened my mouth, and Kang Chumo-ru seemed to regain his composure. He rubbed his cheek and stared at me for a while before his expression returned to one of authority.
“Jeokgwi Daebyeol!”
“Ugh!”
“From Gunmyeong, we are going to move out from this stronghold! Request cooperation and prepare your station!”
“Aagh!”
“And you…! Oh no! You! Since you said you would cooperate with the interrogation, you should follow me!”
Hey, doesn’t this guy not get it? He’s pointing at me like that, but then suddenly acting all polite; it’s confusing the newcomers!
Kang Chumo-ru hurriedly exited the annex, and the Jeokgwi Daebyeol members climbed up to apprehend me.
However, they had no choice but to halt their steps.
It was due to the overwhelming pressure emitting from I-seol.
“How dare you… my subordinate…!”
I-seol unleashed rage like a manifestation of fury! The members of the Jeokgwi Daebyeol startled and crouched, readying their non-lethal weapons when I quickly placed myself between I-seol and them.
“It’s alright!”
“What are you saying! Are you suggesting I just stand by and watch them take you away?”
“Nothing will happen.”
“How can you say nothing will happen!?”
I-seol gazed at me with intense eyes.
“It’s alright. Trust me. Nothing will happen.”
As I met her calm gaze, I-seol clenched her fists and bit her lip, trying to control her emotions. After barely restraining her fury, I-seol looked at me with desperate eyes.
I-seol stepped closer and grasped my hand tightly.
“Really, really, will you be safe? If not, I will do whatever it takes…!”
“Yes. Nothing will happen.”
I-seol’s hand shaking around mine felt like a delicate flower, yet as expected from a Peak Expert, her palm bore the marks of training. The contrast between her gentle exterior and hardened palm made me feel… Gradually, her hand slipped away.
“…I will trust you. Truly trust you, Yongji Maeng. So… please don’t betray my trust.”
I nodded silently. After I-seol took a step back, the members wearing red eight-sided hats surrounded me. I-seol flinched as she saw them lock my arms fitfully, but she didn’t take further action.
Thus, I was dragged into the main building of Sanghwa Ru.
“What about the Captain?”
“He’s requesting cooperation from the lord of the stronghold. Please wait a moment.”
As soon as I heard that, the members holding my arms roughly forced me to kneel. I could have resisted, but I felt no particular need to, so I let them do as they pleased.
Whack!
One of them shoved my head harshly into the ground. What’s with this excessive suppression? I mean, Iseol just helped me moments ago; why are you acting like this?!
“Hey, did you see that beautiful woman sending that guy longing looks?”
“Wow, honestly, I’ve never seen such a pretty woman in my life.”
“Damn it! While we’re running in circles because of those traitors, he gets to bask in the company of such a beauty!”
“Bastard! Hey, bend his arm even more!”
They pulled my arms roughly with a sense of emotion.
“What are you doing? I’m just complying, and you’re treating me like this.”
“This guy still hasn’t come to his senses! Hey! Tie him tighter!”
“You think that beauty is still protecting you? Just thinking about it makes me even more jealous, no, infuriated!”
I sighed. At least it seemed Kang Chumo-ru maintained a strict military discipline among these Jeokgwi Daebyeol members.
Though feeling a sense of resentment from their emotional treatment, given the current state of affairs, the Jeokgwi Daebyeol could at least be perceived as adhering to strict regulations.
In this day and age, it was typical for people to immerse in degradation or assault under the pretense of making someone compliant.
“The Captain is starting the interrogation! Bring him in!”
The members who subdued me rushed in to straighten me up.
The place I was dragged to resembled a VIP room. Kang Chumo-ru maintained a serious expression, trying to carry the weight of his position.
“Close the door and step back.”
“Yes, yes!”
A tribesman who appeared to be working at the stronghold hurriedly closed the door to the VIP room and exited. Since it was a high-end stronghold’s VIP room, once the door closed, external noise was cut off, making it unlikely for anyone outside to learn of the events unfolding within.
One of the members who had captured me kicked my knees.
Whack!
“Kneel!”
Though I wobbled slightly, I held my ground. Earlier, I complied obediently, but kneeling in front of Kang Chumo-ru felt a bit off.
“This guy…!”
“Stop! Stop!! Freeze!”
Kang Chumo-ru’s demands had the Jeokgwi Daebyeol members standing at attention. Until the door closed, he had reinforced his authority sternly, but once inside, he swiftly took a non-lethal weapon out and freed my bindings.
The eyes of the Jeokgwi Daebyeol members widened. It was no wonder; their leader was hurriedly freeing me with urgency—the situation must have seemed bewildering to them.
“I greet the Instructor!”
Kang Chumo-ru saluted and said. As I rubbed my wrists, which bore the harsh marks from binding, I replied to Kang Chumo-ru.
“Colonel, I am merely an outcast without any official capacity. You have no reason to salute me.”
“What do you mean? Regardless of rank, you will always be the eternal Instructor of our Twelfth Squad!”
…What’s with this kid?
I was slightly taken aback.
Why?
Just like there are soldiers seeking revenge against superior officers back home, it wouldn’t be too surprising to encounter trainees eager to strike back at me, even though I was once an instructor.
Even without any ill feelings, I would have to engage in a class relationship with Kang Chumo-ru and the Jeokgwi Daebyeol, both of whom have departed the Golden Guards and moved to the Imperial Army, meaning it wouldn’t be warranted to maintain a contrived relation with an instructor who may not have favorable connections.
“Haha, I merely taught you a little.”
“…Instructor…!”
When gazing into Kang Chumo-ru’s eyes, I found myself wide-mouthed. An overwhelming wave of passionate emotion swept over me.
“Don’t play innocent with me! Instructor! Everyone hears about it!”
“…What?”
“Jae Sang-hae organized the Comrades Association to share news among Twelfth Squad members! After you and the Family Head left, we learned what happened! Our trainees are soaring with their wings because you chose to forsake your position as Instructor and return as an outcast!”
Did these guys actually form a Comrades Association?
Dumbfounded, I gaped, while Kang Chumo-ru spoke with fervor, tightly gripping his red eight-sided hat.
“This eight-sided hat! This red attire! I sensed it was given too easily! The fact that you passed this red attire and eight-sided hat to me serves as irrefutable proof that you were prepared to sacrifice from the beginning! This Kang Chumo-ru, along with the Twelfth Squad trainees, will never forget that kindness!”
Kang Chumo-ru shouted out with tearful eyes as if he could burst into tears any moment.
“The Instructor is! Forever the Instructor of the Twelfth Squad! All members of the Comrades Association have sworn to acknowledge you as our eternal Instructor!”
For a while, I recalled Okryong’s practices. I had thought it was merely a habit of calling everyone Instructor, but it appeared they had made such a promise in the Comrades Association.
I envisioned Okryong, who remained respectful even after being diligently worked to no end in the storehouse, and then cast a sidelong glance at Kang Chumo-ru. Looking at him, could he really be that capable?
“Are you truly willing to treat me as an Instructor for life?”
“Of course! I, Kang Chumo-ru! Swear to the Huang Nation as a soldier!”
“…Is that so, Kang Chumo-ru trainee?”
“Ugh!”
With a smile spread across his face, Kang Chumo-ru shouted.
“Then kneel.”
“…What?”
“I told you to kneel, trainee.”
Kang Chumo-ru froze when he saw my head tilt slightly.
“Ugh!”
He hurriedly dropped to his knees.
The Jeokgwi Daebyeol members were left with their mouths agape, frozen in shock.
“What are you doing? Your superior is kneeling; you’re going to just stand there?”
Kang Chumo-ru bellowed when the Jeokgwi Daebyeol members blinked in confusion.
“What are you doing, you scoundrels! Kneel immediately!”
“Ah, ugh!”
U-r-r-r-!!!
Only after Kang Chumo-ru’s shout did the members who captured me finally collapse in unison.
I settled into the seat where Kang Chumo-ru had previously been seated, crossed my legs, and massaged my wrist.
“Geez, there I was, captured without resistance, yet here I am, being treated like this. These red marks on my wrist would last for a week, right?”
They flinched.
Kang Chumo-ru and the Jeokgwi Daebyeol members trembled. I thought to myself that Kang Chumo-ru was quite useful. First of all, I needed to inform him that Hyeok Gi-rin was here, and now that I had their elite division from the Central Command in hand, I would exert pressure on the other sects of the Sadoryeon as well—there would undoubtedly be many ways to use them.
So, imposing my authority once or twice wouldn’t hurt.
It wasn’t like I had received any offense during the suppression or that I had endured any ugly jealousy from the men involved.
I, Ho Cheon-an, would not be petty over something that hadn’t crossed the line and merely blended a little emotion in the official duties.
Yet, if I didn’t point such things out, it was true that I wouldn’t improve either.
If they decided to treat me as their eternal Instructor, I must impart teachings to those trainees.
“Lift your feet.”
“Ugh!”
The VIP room of Sanghwa Ru echoed with screams for a while.
