Chapter 56

By evening, the students had gathered at Baekyaksa, beginning their training just like any other day. But tonight was different. Someone had followed them. Jang Man-un had secretly tailed them all the way here. “Baekyaksa?” He muttered under his breath. He had no idea this place even existed. Completely hidden beneath a canopy of thick foliage, the structure was impossible to detect from the outside. The path leading in was crooked, the sky entirely °• N o v e l i g h t •° obscured, and the undergrowth so dense that he had no sense of direction. One wrong step and he would’ve easily lost his way. It was, in every sense, a natural fortress. A perfect spot for hidden training. “Hiding a base in a place like this? Impressive.” Jang Man-un decided that once he seized control of Baekyeong, he’d use this place as his headquarters. He climbed the tallest tree nearby and nestled himself among the leaves, peering into Baekyaksa from above. What he saw stunned him. “Well, well...” At a glance, it looked like a Martial God Sect elite training camp—disciplined, methodical, and highly structured. Most of the trainees were lowerclassmen, but there was at least one who appeared to be from the intermediate class. The lowerclassmen seemed split into three groups, likely according to skill level. To think they were training this seriously. “So it was that bastard Gong Ya-cheon who organized this.” He didn’t like the guy, but seeing this made him grudgingly admit he might be a decent strategist. “Should I give him another chance?” Jang Man-un assumed this entire system had been devised by Gong Ya-cheon. Scanning the area for him, he soon spotted something strange in a corner. Focusing his vision, he realized it was Gong Ya-cheon. “...What the hell?” The guy was twisted into an awkward position, drenched in sweat, his limbs bent in ways they clearly shouldn’t be. “What kind of nonsense is that?” Jang Man-un shook his head, once again reaffirming he would never understand what went through the minds of these academic-track types. He turned his attention elsewhere—specifically to the one he'd come to fight: Seon Woo Baek. Pow! Pah-pang! He spotted Woo Baek sparring fiercely with Jang Un. Each time Seon Woo Baek threw a punch, it sliced through the air with explosive force. Watching this, Jang Man-un’s expression grew serious. Stronger than he’d expected. And judging by the intensity of their training, if given more time, Seon Woo Baek might grow even stronger—quickly. And if he happened to gain some kind of breakthrough? That would be a problem. Not that he’d lose, but things would get tedious. A fight he could end in one hundred moves might drag out to a thousand. And that was just annoying. Why make something difficult when it could be easy? Jang Man-un weighed his options. Should he strike now? But the number of students gathered posed a problem. Especially Jang Un, who was sparring with Woo Baek evenly. 'We agreed to fight fair. Surely he wouldn’t interfere... right?’ Still, even if he did, it wouldn’t change the outcome. Jang Man-un had backup—he never moved alone. He made his decision. Tonight, they would fight. **** “So this is where you’ve been secretly training.” A sudden voice echoed across Baekyaksa, and every student inside instantly turned their heads. “Jang Man-un?” Seon Woo Baek spotted him and his eyes widened in shock. “What’s with that face?” “You followed us?” “Sorry. I was just so curious.” “Curious about what?” “Why all of you show up to class looking like corpses every day.” “Well, now that you've seen it, you should leave.” “I was going to. But I changed my mind.” “Changed your mind?” “The location’s perfect, and you look nice and warmed up. So... what do you say? How about we settle this now?” Seon Woo Baek’s face hardened. So this is what it was... Now he understood what Yeon Woo Jin meant earlier, when he’d told him not to lose. Yeon Woo Jin had known. He knew Jang Man-un was tailing them. He knew tonight’s challenge would come. So that’s why he’d stepped away—no, more likely, he was still watching from somewhere nearby. If he lost... after being told not to... He didn’t even want to imagine it. He had to win. No matter what, he had to win. Seon Woo Baek took a deep breath. “...Fine.” Yeon Woo Jin had been right. He had foolishly assumed the match would take place later in the week, but here it was—much sooner than expected. Once again, he was reminded just how frighteningly sharp Yeon Woo Jin truly was. “You seem nervous. Want me to give you a moment to catch your breath?” “No need. I’m good. You want a few minutes to warm up?” “That's for amateurs. I’m fine. This won’t take long anyway.” “Arrogance is the worst thing you can bring into a fight.” “Oh? Is that advice?” “I don’t want to hear you whining later that you lost because you underestimated me.” “Cocky, aren’t you?” Sparks flew from their eyes as if lightning were crackling between them. “Let me ask one thing. If I beat you here... does that make me the top of Baekyeong Martial Academy?” “Yes.” “And everyone here will acknowledge that?” “Yes.” Jang Man-un glanced around and gave a crooked grin. “Judging by their faces, even if they do acknowledge me, doesn’t look like they’ll follow me.” “Making them follow you... is your job.” “...Fair enough.” “Then let’s begin.” At Seon Woo Baek’s words, Jang Man-un grinned. “Gladly.” The two moved to the center of Baekyaksa’s training yard. “Jang Man-un, third son of Baekcheon Gate.” He cupped his fists in formal greeting. “Seon Woo Baek, second son of Jincheon Gate.” Woo Baek returned the gesture. “I’ll be using Baekcheon’s signature Heaven-Flying Divine Art.” “I’ll be using Jincheon Taiyi Fist.” With their introductions done, both took their stances. A heavy stillness settled over the clearing. A chill wind passed through the yard. As a single fallen leaf touched the ground— Seon Woo Baek launched forward like lightning. Fwoosh—! Faster than expected, Jang Man-un grimaced and stepped aside, searching for an opening. Both moved quickly, probing each other’s defenses. Then—suddenly—they rushed straight at one another. “Flying Crane Twin Palms!” Jang Man-un struck first. BOOOOM—! Thunder cracked as his twin palms narrowly grazed Seon Woo Baek’s side. The sting left Woo Baek’s ribs numb, but he responded instantly. “Jincheon Twin Tiger Palm!” Twin palms deserved a twin counter. KRRAA-KOOOM—! Another clap of thunder exploded as his powerful strike shot toward Jang Man-un. Then, a chill ran down Woo Baek’s spine. He abruptly pulled his hand back and leapt away. Whizz—! A blur flew past his face—right in front of his eye. Had he hesitated even a split second, he would’ve lost it. Cold sweat dripped down his back. “...Damn. You dodged that? Your reflexes are sharp.” What the hell kind of attack was that? Woo Baek glanced down. A corner of one of the heavy training stones had been shattered. Jang Man-un had crushed it with his foot in the heat of battle—and launched the fragment as a hidden projectile. He had even infused it with aura. Not a trick just anyone could pull off. Was I the arrogant one? Seon Woo Baek bit his lip. This opponent was strong. After all that sparring with Yeon Woo Jin, he’d gotten used to brushing others off. Now he realized just how foolish that had been. He corrected his mindset on the spot and focused. Noticing the change in Woo Baek’s gaze, Jang Man-un gave a disappointed smirk. “Oh? You had a breakthrough already?” Even Jang Man-un was forced to acknowledge it. This opponent... was one of the strongest he’d ever faced. His own expression now grew serious. Looks like I’ll have to show everything I’ve got tonight. Still, he couldn’t help but smile. Was it because he’d found a worthy rival? He wasn’t sure if it was the fight—or the soon-to-be-won title of top student—that had his blood pumping. “I hate waiting, so...” Jang Man-un rushed in again. Seon Woo Baek flew to meet him head-on. Their clash echoed through the clearing. CRACK—! A transparent shockwave blasted outward, rustling the clothes of the students nearby. Boom! Bam! Thud! The two traded dozens of blows in midair in the blink of an eye. Tap! Tak! Tak—! Seon Woo Baek and Jang Man-un dropped to the ground after their fierce clash. Both of them were smiling. Jang Man-un spoke first. “That was fun. Fighting you is... genuinely fun.” “I feel the same.” Through that last clash, Jang Man-un had realized something. Fighting Seon Woo Baek was enjoyable. “For you... I’ll show everything I’ve got.” At his words, Seon Woo Baek took a stance as well. “Same here.” The way they looked at each other—it was like old friends, long-standing rivals reunited. **** An entire shijin—two hours—had passed since the duel between Jang Man-un and Seon Woo Baek had begun. Their clothes had long since turned to rags, their hair wild and tangled. Both showed clear signs of exhaustion. “Huff... Dammit. We’ve gone this far, and still no winner...” Jang Man-un looked at Seon Woo Baek with disbelief. “I’ve still got a little left in me.” At that, Jang Man-un snapped. “So do I!” “Doesn’t look like it. You’re barely standing.” “Look who’s talking—your knees are shaking.” “Hoo... Yeah, you’re right. I am barely standing. This’ll be my final strike. If you can endure it... the win is yours.” Seon Woo Baek’s words made Jang Man-un chuckle. “Shit... you admit it so cleanly, I don’t even know what to say.” Whirrr— Energy began to gather in Seon Woo Baek’s palm. Seeing that, Jang Man-un raised his own hand, drawing in his aura as well. But then—he lowered it again. “Dammit... I can’t even manage a final attack... I lost...” As soon as Jang Man-un acknowledged defeat, Seon Woo Baek dispersed his energy and collapsed to the ground. “You couldn’t have said that a second earlier? I just squeezed out every last ounce of strength I had.” Thud. Jang Man-un slumped down beside him. “I lost, so whatever you want, I’ll do it. Just say the word. If you want me gone, I’ll leave.” At that, Seon Woo Baek gave a faint laugh. “You already left Black Tiger Academy to come here—where else would you go?” “Wouldn’t I just make things uncomfortable for you if I stay?” “There’s no such thing. Not between friends.” “...Friends?” “Isn’t that how it works? You fight, then become friends.” “...Friends, huh.” The word felt unfamiliar. He realized he’d never had anyone in his life he could truly call a friend. “...Friend...” Jang Man-un smiled softly. It was a nice word. “We’re friends, right? Or was that just me?” Seon Woo Baek’s question startled him. “No! Me too! I think so too! Friends...” “I’m dead. Let me just lie here for a second.” As Seon Woo Baek lay back on the ground, Jang Man-un’s expression abruptly hardened and he tried to stand. But his body, drained and aching, refused to cooperate. Seon Woo Baek noticed the sudden change in his demeanor, confused. “Stop!” Jang Man-un shouted at someone in the distance. Everyone turned to look—and saw a group of warriors dressed entirely in black. “What the—who are you?” Jang Un instinctively stepped forward, but Jang Man-un shouted urgently. “Don’t! It’s dangerous!” “You know them?” “They’re the shadows of Baekcheon Gate... the Secret Shadow Unit.” At that name, every student present froze. They’d all heard of the Secret Shadow Unit of Baekcheon Gate. The human butchers who carried out every filthy deed for their sect without hesitation. “Young Master, why would you reveal us like this?” “What are you doing here?!” “We came bearing a message from the Gate Master: you are not allowed to lose.” “...What?” “The original order was to just leave him crippled. But since you’ve revealed us... we’ll have to kill them all now.” “No! Absolutely not! I won’t allow it!” “You seem to misunderstand. We follow only the Gate Master’s orders. Escort the young master.” “Stop! I said STOP!” Jang Man-un screamed. This was the first time he’d found someone who truly understood him. “Run! All of you, run!” The students could tell—this wasn’t what Jang Man-un wanted. Even so, none of them panicked. They stood still, calmly facing the Secret Shadow Unit. “...What is this? Are they frozen in fear?” The leader of the shadow unit tilted his head. “No,” came a voice. “They’re calm... because we’re here.”