Chapter 145

The students chatted among themselves, wondering what kind of training this could possibly be. Before long, the intermediate and senior students appeared. The first-years looked at them with eyes full of defiance. “Did you all rest well yesterday?” “...Y-Yes.” Their replies were still half-hearted. Shin Dowoon smirked faintly. “Your eyes are full of fire today.” “Senior, we believe training at home is more than sufficient. When we come to the academy, we’d like at least a little peace.” “He’s right. No matter how much you’re our seniors, this is unreasonable.” “We’ll train on our own. Just let us go.” “Didn’t I tell you? If you beat me—no, if you beat our intermediate students—I’ll do as you say. What, are you holding back because of me?” “That’s exactly it.” “Honest. Good! I’ll step aside. If you can beat the intermediate students without me, I’ll call off the training and give you your freedom.” “Really?!” The first-years beamed brightly, while the intermediate students’ expressions gradually stiffened. Shin Dowoon smirked again. “I meant it. But... you’ll regret it. Are you sure?” “Hell with it! We’ll give it a shot!” “Yeah! It’s a good chance to see if the seniors are even worth learning from!” “We want to see if you really have the skills to teach us!” The first-years thought that as long as Shin Dowoon wasn’t involved, it was worth trying. Shin Dowoon turned around. Sunwoo Baek gave a small nod. “Alright. Let them try.” “Seriously? No changing your mind later and saying it was insubordination or anything.” “Don’t worry. A man’s word is worth a thousand gold in Jungcheon.” “Everyone, let’s do this!” “Yeah!” Their voices rang out, full of youthful bloodlust, and they turned their blazing eyes on the intermediate students. In contrast, the intermediate students showed no particular reaction. “This is easier than I thought?” “What is this? Are the intermediate seniors scared or something?” “Maybe we’re going a little too hard, haha.” “Hey, let’s wrap this up fast. All we have to do is show the seniors a bit of respect, right?” “Exactly! Let’s go!” These were students who had once run wild in the Intermediate Division—without fear, they charged the intermediates en masse. Shin Dowoon spoke calmly to the intermediate students. “Don’t hold back. Make sure they understand what it means to have seniors.” The moment his words fell, the intermediate students lunged forward in unison. Students who had trained in Baekyak House for half a year under unimaginable methods. Now, it was time to show what that training had produced. One intermediate student effortlessly blocked the first of the charging first-years. Then slammed him straight into the ground. Crash—! “Guh-!” The first-year tumbled, not even sure how he’d been taken down. “Wh-What?” As the first-year struggled to get up, he saw it clearly. The way the intermediate students moved as they dealt with the charging first-years. “W-What is this...?” Unlike the chaotic, wild charges of the first-years, the intermediate students moved fluidly, calmly. Effortlessly. Like adults handling unruly children. And “handling” didn’t mean going easy. Crack—! One student’s back arched like a bow, and he flew into the air—then crashed down face-first. Thud-thud-thud—! No movement. Out cold. Knocked unconscious with a single blow. That kid was supposed to be at the Apex-Level. And yet he was taken out in one strike. Crack—! Smack—! Thud—! Looking around, not a single first-year was holding their own. It was a complete beatdown. Then it happened. “Ice Heaven White Jade Hand!” It was Seong Seak from Snowy Mountain Sect, shouting as he counterattacked. Crackle—! A cold frost swept across the ground toward one of the intermediate students. Whoosh—! Flames burst from the intermediate student’s hand, clashing with Seong Seak’s technique. Crack-crackle—! Whoosh—! The frosty white of Seong Seak’s palm turned red with heat—and steam began to rise. Hissss—! “Gah!” Anyone could see it—Seong Seak’s hand was cooking. “Argh! H-Hot! It’s too hot!” Screaming, Seong Seak was blown backward by the shockwave, rolling across the ground. Crash-crash—! Thud—! Twitch—twitch— His body trembled a few times—then went limp. Unconscious. If even Seong Seak, the strongest among the first-years, ended up like that, there was no need to see how the others fared. The disparity was far too great. These weren’t ordinary kids. They were heirs of elite martial families. Talented enough to enter Jungcheon itself. And yet, not one of them could even push back an intermediate student. Watching the one-sided massacre, another first-year quietly collapsed back to the ground. He was about to close his eyes when a face popped into view. “Oh? What’s this? Trying to fake being unconscious?” “Huh? No, I was just...” “You can nap with your friends.” “But I don’t want to sleep...” Grin— A chill ran down his spine. In the next instant, it was like lightning flashed before his eyes—then darkness, and pain. And unconsciousness. **** “Urrrrgh!” “Aaaaagh!” “Sob sob sob...” “Mom!” Screams of pain echoed from every direction. All around, first-years in tattered clothes were dragging themselves across the ground, desperately trying to escape. But the intermediate students grabbed their legs and dragged them back—shoving them into strange formations. Inside the formations, their bodies bent at impossible angles as they screamed in agony. Crackle— “AAAAAAGH!” First-years nearby saw it all and trembled in terror, trying with everything they had to run. But it was no use. One by one, they were dragged into the formations. Each time, more screams tore through the air—shrill enough to rupture eardrums. From a distance, it looked like torture. Thud—! Thud—! All over the training ground, students began foaming at the mouth and collapsing. The intermediates would wake them back up—only to shove them in again. It was merciless. An entire hour passed like that. They were sure they’d been tortured so badly they’d be bedridden for days. And yet— Their bodies were surprisingly fine. No, more than that— They felt... refreshed. The students were bewildered. How could they feel good after going through something so awful? Wait, are we... into this? Are we masochists now? They shook their heads violently, trying to deny reality. Then Shin Dowoon spoke. “What you all just went through was a formation that strengthens your physical constitution.” “Huh? Strengthens our constitution?” “That’s right.” “Wait, you didn’t do all that because you hate us?” “Huh? Of course not. Why would I hate my adorable juniors?” He said it was a formation to temper the body. “When you came out, your bodies felt refreshed, didn’t they?” “Y-Yeah...” “Try circulating your Qi. You’ll feel it. Your body’s changed.” The students stared at Shin Dowoon in a daze. “We all went through it. This is just another form of training—so understand it that way.” “Wait—so... does that mean we’re doing this again tomorrow?” “For a while, yes.” Their faces turned ashen. And Shin Dowoon grinned. “Go home tonight and try circulating your Qi. If you really don’t want to do it, then you don’t have to come here tomorrow.” We don’t have to come starting tomorrow? The students looked at Shin Dowoon in shock. “I only dragged you here today to give you a taste of what this training is like. You’ve experienced it—now whether you join us or not is up to you.” Is he serious? “Then we’re done for today. Dismissed.” Still unable to believe what they’d heard, the students cautiously began exiting the training ground. Even as they left, they stayed on edge, watching every movement around them. Once they had put some distance behind them, they broke into full-on sprints, fleeing with everything they had. Watching them run, Shin Dowoon smirked faintly. Let them run now. Once they get home and try circulating their Qi, their minds will change. If they truly desired strength, they would come. And if they didn’t? That didn’t matter. Anyone without the will to become strong wasn’t needed. Pat, pat— Someone tapped Shin Dowoon’s shoulder. When he turned, Sunwoo Baek was there, patting him lightly on the shoulder. “Good work.” “Not at all, sir!” “How many do you think will show up tomorrow?” Shin Dowoon thought for a moment, then replied. “Probably at least half?” “Half, huh... That’s generous. The deadline is three days. Only accept the ones who come back within three.” “Yes, sir!” “Then let’s head to training ourselves.” “Yes, sir!” **** When Seong Seak returned home in rags, the Mushincheon Branch members of the Snowy Mountain Sect went into a panic. “Y-Young Lord! W-What in the world happened?!” “Did something happen at the High Division?” “Did the seniors bully you? If someone did this, just say the word and I’ll go deal with them this instant!” Amid their frantic commotion, Seong Seak waved a hand. “It’s nothing serious. Today we were determining the top student among the new class at the High Division. That’s all.” “Oh! You had the match on the very first day?” “Yes. It just worked out that way.” “And did you win, Young Lord?” “Yes.” “Hahaha! I knew it! Of course you’d be the one to take that spot!” “Congratulations!” “Now all that’s left is to conquer Baekyeong and become the number one in all of Mushincheon’s High Divisions!” “That’s right! That’s right! Jungcheon doesn’t even matter at this point. Being the best in Mushincheon is a more valuable title!” “Exactly!” Everyone chatted excitedly, congratulating Seong Seak on becoming the top of the first-years. But Seong Seak’s expression wasn’t bright. The branch leader raised a hand to quiet everyone and asked calmly, “Are you alright?” At his question, Seong Seak gave a tired smile. “Uncle /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ Wang, I’m fine. I just exerted myself to take first place today, so I’m a bit exhausted.” “Ah, I see. I’ll have them prepare hot water. Get some rest and recover your strength.” “Thank you, Uncle Wang.” The branch leader—whom he called Uncle Wang—dismissed the others and stepped back. Left alone, Seong Seak sat in silence, staring at his palm, recalling the events of the day. My Ice Heaven Technique melted instantly, and my hand was nearly cooked. It was humiliating. For someone who had mastered ice techniques, an opponent who wielded fire was a natural enemy. But today, not only had he lost, he had nearly been burned. No matter how he thought about it, it made no sense. How could someone be that strong? It wasn’t like his opponent was from some prestigious sect. His own cultivation level was Extreme Apex, Second Star. And yet in Baekyeong, there were plenty who surpassed even that. And not even among the seniors—those were intermediate students. Clench— Seong Seak’s fist tightened. —Go home and circulate your Qi before you decide. Shin Dowoon’s words resurfaced. Circulate my Qi? He must’ve meant: check the effects of that torture—that training. He didn’t even want to think about it. But... it was true. His body did feel lighter. Should I check, just for a moment, before I wash up? Entering his room quietly, Seong Seak spoke. “I’m exhausted. I’m going to do a bit of Qi circulation to recover—don’t let anyone come near.” “Yes, sir!” The guards tensed and began keeping watch in every direction. Inside, Seong Seak poured himself a cup of tea, sat calmly in the center of the room, and crossed his legs. Then he began to circulate his Qi. A short while later— Hooo— He exhaled stale energy and opened his eyes. Seong Seak’s expression was one of shock. “My inner energy... increased?” He hadn’t taken any elixirs. More than that—the act of circulating his Qi had become easier. It felt like he’d gone from trudging through a crooked trail to sprinting along a smoothly paved road. Even the time it took to circulate his Qi had shortened. Staring down at his clearly changed body, Shin Dowoon’s words came back to him again. —Try circulating your Qi before you decide. Now he understood why that was said. Still... that pain... The hellish pain he’d gone through today made him hesitate. Then, feeling the dull throb in his palm again, he clenched his fist. Damn it...! I’ll never let myself feel that humiliation again. Even if it meant suffering through more of that pain—he wanted to grow stronger. He never wanted to feel that same powerlessness again. Fine. Let’s do this. That damned pain—I’ll endure it. Even if it kills me, I’ll endure it. —We all went through it too. Shin Dowoon’s words echoed once more. Yeah. The seniors must’ve grown strong by enduring this very same process. I can do it too.