Chapter 32 – The Dagger in The Bag (3)
Sword Demon (劍魔,).
A nickname that anyone involved in the martial arts world would have heard at least once, regardless of whether they belonged to the evil or righteous sects. Although he was a figure who had been active several decades ago, almost reaching legendary status.
Nevertheless, the reason why the Sword Demon was famous throughout both the evil and righteous sects was none other than his path of domination. In the past, the relationship between the righteous and evil sects wasn’t particularly good.
However, unlike now, they weren’t considered mortal enemies. Until the appearance of the Sword Demon, the evil sect simply had more numbers than the righteous sect. The difference in quality was extremely severe.
While the righteous sect had solid foundations such as the Five Great Families and the Nine Schools, the evil sect at that time had only the Four Evil Masters at best. Even that wasn’t of high caliber.
Rather, the evil sect was more akin to being unilaterally oppressed by the righteous sect. Just look at the martial artists affiliated with the evil sect, like the Yangtze River Bandits or the Forest Brigands, they were almost like thieves.
[Who would dare block the path I walk? Even if it were the Jade Emperor from heaven who stands in my way, I would gladly cut him down!!]
It was then that the Sword Demon appeared in the evil sect like a comet. Despite being young enough to have just started wearing a traditional hat, he had already reached the peak realm – a genius that would never be seen again.
Originally, the peak realm was known to be achievable only after consistent effort over a long period, and indeed, this wasn’t far from the truth. It’s just that there were always exceptions.
And that exception happened to be the Sword Demon, a martial artist from the evil sect, not the righteous one. The Sword Demon unified the previously disorganized evil sect with overwhelming power, and also taught martial arts.
Formidable evil sect schools like the Sichuan Tang Clan, once among the Five Great Families and a symbol of poison arts, and the Black Doom Sect, which rivaled them, were established by the Sword Demon.
It was commonly said among martial artists that the history of the evil sect was divided into before and after the Sword Demon. And indeed, those words were far from empty talk.
Among the pinnacle masters in the righteous sect, only the Sword God (劍神,), who was the leader of the Martial Alliance at that time, could stop the Sword Demon who walked the path of domination.
That power was a humiliation never to be repeated for the martial artists of the righteous sect who secretly thought the evil sect wasn’t even worth considering as enemies, let alone rivals. Yet it also made them feel awe, despite being enemies.
[Though inferior to the Sword God, the Sword Demon is clearly a worthy rival.]
[So there’s no shame in other masters being defeated.]
[After all, aren’t those in the evil sect also bearing the name of martial artists?]
Of course, there was some intention to alleviate the shame of defeat. After all, if one were to disparage the Sword Demon, those who were defeated by him would become even lesser.
It could be said to be a very righteous sect-like way of handling things.
Thanks to this, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that there wasn’t a single person in the martial arts world who didn’t know the name of the Sword Demon. That was why Yang Mi-yeon had personally taken action.
Cheongok Pavilion was the finest pleasure house in Hanam, boasting elegance and formality befitting its reputation. Even the Five Great Families or the Nine Schools would find it difficult to secure a place there.
But if the person in question was the Sword Demon, that was a different story. A legend of the evil sect and a figure who had made history. With his return, running barefoot to welcome him would still not be enough.
‘Undoubtedly, the only place worthy of hosting someone of the Sword Demon’s caliber is our Cheongok Pavilion.’
Yang Mi-yeon had immense pride in the Cheongok Pavilion which she managed as a madam. Her strict criteria for guests also stemmed from that mountain-like pride.
With movements that exuded grace and courtesy, Yang Mi-yeon smiled at Mu-myung. However, Mu-myung didn’t even bat an eye and said.
“I apologize, but I will look for lodging elsewhere.”
“Was there something that displeased you?”
“I just don’t like pleasure houses.”
‘Besides, it’s not really a suitable place for children.’
Naturally, the idea of visiting a pleasure house with children was completely absurd in Mu-myung’s mind. However, Yang Mi-yeon interpreted his words differently.
‘Does the great warrior remain as solid as stone when facing women? Indeed… He’s of a different caliber than those self-proclaimed masters of the righteous sect.’
“Then I shall find you a residence to stay in Hanam.”
Thanks to this, although Yang Mi-yeon was refused service by Mu-myung for the first time in her life, she showed no signs of displeasure. Rather, she tried to help wholeheartedly.
She knew that if she upset him due to unnecessary pride, it would be like burning down an entire thatched house. The existence of the Sword Demon was, without a doubt, like a natural disaster.
How could mere humans dare to go against a calamity that could overturn heaven and earth? One could only dread the flow, protect oneself from being swept away, and go with the current.
Even this small encounter would surely be useful somewhere if the other party was the Sword Demon.
◇
The place acquired from Yang Mi-yeon resembled a martial arts school more than an inn. Beyond the outer wall was a spacious training ground, and behind it were quarters for people to stay.
However, its scale was so small that it would be belittled as trivial compared to the Sunmoo Academy. Nevertheless, it was more than adequate for Mu-myung and his disciples to hone their martial arts.
Mu-myung hadn’t expected to receive such a valuable gift from someone he had just met. However, this was one of the gifts Yang Mi-yeon had in mind from the beginning.
“Can we really use this place?”
“Yes, you can. No payment is required.”
“I don’t understand. Why are you helping us this much?”
At this point, even Mu-myung couldn’t help but be cautious of the other party’s intentions. It was too good to simply accept such hospitality. There must be some plot behind it.
“How could I possibly want anything from the great swordsman? Just grant this humble girl one request someday.”
“If that request crosses the line, I’ll have to refuse.”
“Even just that promise is enough for this humble girl.”
Though it felt strangely calculating, Mu-myung couldn’t refuse such good conditions. For now, he had no choice but to accept Yang Mi-yeon’s kindness.
According to what he heard, this place was originally one of many traces of the evil sect’s efforts to establish schools to counter the righteous sect’s Sunmoo Academy. She explained that.
The evil sect had tried to establish schools in more than ten cities, including Hanam, but they failed due to various issues such as lack of talent and funding problems. Only this one remained.
“But since you have disciples under you, I judged that this place would be more useful than a mediocre inn, so I wanted to give it to you.”
“I appreciate the consideration.”
“This is nothing at all.”
Afterwards, Yang Mi-yeon had people fill the place with all necessary daily items before leaving. As a result, the only people left in this spacious place were Mu-myung, Sua, and Seolhwa.
“She definitely has ulterior motives, Master.”
“I don’t like that woman.”
“I know that too. But we can’t pass up such a good opportunity, can we?”
Although Mu-myung couldn’t predict Yang Mi-yeon’s intentions at all, the gift was too good to rudely refuse. It wasn’t bad for honing martial arts.
Additionally, the residence wasn’t a worn-out thatched house but a proper one. They would no longer have to endure the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Of course, if he were alone, he could have endured it.
But now, Mu-myung had two children to be responsible for. So, putting aside the troublesome worries for now, he chose to explore the residence with his cute disciples.
Indeed, everything that should be there was present. There was also a small study-like place, and the storehouse was piled high with straw dummies for practice and old wooden swords.
“This should be fine to use for the time being.”
“Master, I have one question, if I may?”
“What is it?”
“Are you planning to take on more disciples here?”
Surprised by the unexpected question, Mu-myung looked at Sua slightly bewildered. However, Sua’s expression as she looked at Mu-myung was more serious than ever. Well, taking on new disciples…
He hadn’t even thought about taking more disciples in the first place. Even if he wanted to, he wasn’t in a position to accept disciples at the moment. Mu-myung’s current level was at best only at the peak realm.
At the very least, he should be at the transformation realm, able to freely use sword energy, before deciding whether to accept more disciples or not. With his current state, where he could only use sword energy, he would only embarrass himself.
“Is there really a need to take on more?”
“That’s a relief… I was a bit worried, Master.”
“I like Sua and Master the best too!”
“Yes, Seolhwa. I like you both the best too.”
Sua finally let out a sigh of relief at Mu-myung’s confirmation. The moment they entered this martial arts school, she had worried that she might be displaced.
“…Is someone there?”
At least until the next day.
Until someone knocked on the main gate.
