The World’s Greatest Martial Arts Instructor - Chapter 374

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 374. Have You Been There Before?

 

 

 

 

 

Clatter. Clatter.

 

Four horses were pulling a cargo wagon at a brisk pace.

 

Two men sat on the driver’s seat.

 

Ha Mu-baek and Pyeong Deok-jo.

 

They had departed from Gyoryong Hall with a four-horse wagon provided as support.

 

Pyeong Deok-jo, who had watched the entire process unfold, was dumbfounded.

 

It had all happened so smoothly.

 

Nowhere did anyone say to get approval or that they needed to check with superiors.

 

Everything proceeded effortlessly at the mention of “Chief Instructor Ha Mu-baek of Maengryong Corps.”

 

All of this was thanks to Academy Director Peng Do-yul’s order that matters concerning Ha Mu-baek should be handled with discretion first and reported later, unless it was truly a serious matter.

 

Though Pyeong Deok-jo had no way of knowing this.

 

That’s why he couldn’t believe it at all.

 

Maengryong Corps, whose purpose was to raise human shields.

 

He was simply confused that the authority of a chief instructor, not even the corps commander, could be this extensive.

 

Moreover.

 

Where on earth were they going in this cargo wagon?

 

One thing he could tell was that they were currently heading east.

 

“Instructor Ha.”

 

Pyeong Deok-jo, who had been silently following along until now, spoke up.

 

“Where are we going?”

 

Swish.

 

Ha Mu-baek’s gaze, who had been holding the reins and driving the horses, turned toward Pyeong Deok-jo.

 

“Sanwol Demon Forest.”

 

And he gave the desired answer briefly.

 

“Gasp.”

 

Pyeong Deok-jo was startled the moment he heard it.

 

He had to be.

 

It was a place he had never been to even once.

 

“Have you been there before?”

 

“No.”

 

“I understand you’ve wandered Gangho quite a bit?”

 

“I was a third-rate wanderer. I wasn’t foolish enough to go to life-threatening places just because I’d barely reached second-rate level.”

 

Ha Mu-baek gazed at him quietly.

 

“You have the eyes of someone who’s overcome several life-or-death crises though?”

 

“Because I didn’t go to places like Sanwol Demon Forest.”

 

Meaning he would have died if he had gone.

 

Ha Mu-baek chuckled softly.

 

He liked one more thing about him.

 

The ability to objectively assess oneself.

 

People like this were rarer than expected.

 

“You know how to make excellent judgments.”

 

“But now I’m going there…”

 

“Are you afraid you’ll die?”

 

Pyeong Deok-jo shook his head.

 

He had at least a vague understanding of how strong his chief instructor was.

 

Actually, he had only properly recognized that strength recently.

 

Waryong Corps Instructor Un Gyo-tak.

 

Because he had seen how that man was defeated by Ha Mu-baek.

 

“With Instructor Ha here, I probably won’t die.”

 

“You. Why did you come to Gyoryong Hall? Or more precisely, why did you volunteer to be a Maengryong Corps instructor?”

 

“…”

 

Pyeong Deok-jo stared into space for a moment.

 

He had forgotten for a while.

 

Why he had come to Maengryong Corps.

 

“I think it was because I was pissed off.”

 

He answered, searching his memory.

 

Though it wasn’t that long ago.

 

He had forgotten due to the shock he felt after entering Maengryong Corps.

 

This person beside him now, holding the reins.

 

He had forgotten the reason he volunteered to be a Maengryong Corps instructor due to the shock this person had given him.

 

“Why?”

 

“It’s dirty and despicable, isn’t it? Gathering powerless third-rate wanderers and those who don’t even know what kind of place Murim is, then sending them to die.”

 

“Hah.”

 

Laughter escaped him.

 

Because he had the same thoughts.

 

Though he had only figured out what kind of place this was after being assigned as a Maengryong Corps instructor.

 

A mere second-rate wanderer.

 

It was remarkable that he had volunteered to be a Maengryong Corps instructor out of indignation at such facts.

 

Most instructors came here to make money.

 

Corps Commander Moyong Jin-ho was just doing his assigned work hoping for advancement to Jeongcheon Alliance.

 

Someone who became an instructor out of anger at Maengryong Corps’ reality.

 

“You’re right. It is dirty and despicable.”

 

“I heard the monthly salary wasn’t much in the old days either. It’s amazing how they managed to recruit people even then.”

 

“Back then they weren’t being deployed to Sanwol Demon Forest.”

 

Another fact he learned only after becoming a Maengryong Corps instructor.

 

Maengryong Corps was created to serve as human shields for Jeongcheon Alliance, not as human shields for Sanwol Demon Forest.

 

“Even so, being human shields is the same thing, isn’t it?”

 

“It’s the same. Really, it’s a dirty and cowardly act. Unbecoming of a righteous sect.”

 

At Ha Mu-baek’s agreement, Pyeong Deok-jo showed a somewhat relieved expression.

 

During his time at Gyoryong Hall.

 

He had never been able to openly express these inner feelings of his.

 

Just knowing there was someone who shared his thoughts made him happy.

 

Who would have thought that person would be Ha Mu-baek.

 

“So. What did you come here to do out of anger?”

 

At this question directed at him again.

 

“Well, I tried to help at least one more person return safely.”

 

Pyeong Deok-jo answered, vividly recalling his thoughts at the time.

 

“The result?”

 

At the continued questioning, Pyeong Deok-jo hung his head.

 

“It was ignorant hot-bloodedness. At my age too. Instructor Zhuge and others… there were definitely people who cared about Maengryong Corps.”

 

How surprised he had been when he first saw shield technique training last year.

 

And this year he was surprised once again seeing Bright Style.

 

“My skills were far too lacking. Weak enough to be inferior to cadets.”

 

A bitter smile lingered around Pyeong Deok-jo’s lips.

 

A cadet stronger than an instructor.

 

He was referring to the cadets of Seventh Group that Ha Mu-baek was in charge of.

 

“Those kids are the strange ones.”

 

Ha Mu-baek said so, but it wasn’t comforting at all.

 

Because he knew well what the Seventh Group cadets were like when they first entered the academy.

 

They had caused such a commotion with Jamryong Corps 1st Unit, so how could he not know?

 

“And. Your skills have also improved tremendously compared to when I first saw you last year.”

 

The words that followed.

 

At those words, Pyeong Deok-jo couldn’t help but smile slightly.

 

Because his efforts had been recognized by the instructor Ha Mu-baek.

 

If someone acknowledged the results of his deadly efforts, he couldn’t help but feel good.

 

Especially if it was from a strong person like Ha Mu-baek.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Even in group training, the instructor works harder than the cadets.”

 

The praise continued.

 

“You flatter me. Even though I’m an instructor, I’m weak, so I did that just to survive.”

 

Pyeong Deok-jo’s response.

 

“Other instructors, during preliminary training, were obviously forcing themselves to follow along while holding back curses. But Instructor Pyeong. You were different. I could see you were desperate to become stronger yourself.”

 

“Because I’m weak.”

 

“You seem to want to become strong.”

 

Pyeong Deok-jo nodded at Ha Mu-baek’s words.

 

Among warriors who wield swords, who wouldn’t want strength?

 

Wasn’t everyone’s dream when they first picked up a sword to become the best under heaven?

 

Most people face their limitations, acknowledge their talents, and settle for reality.

 

But Pyeong Deok-jo was still struggling.

 

That appearance caught Ha Mu-baek’s eye.

 

“You started martial arts late, didn’t you?”

 

“Yes. Someone like me, an ignorant fool, had no way to learn martial arts. Even what I have now, I could only learn because fate barely reached me. Elder Brother Cho is my lifelong benefactor.”

 

He didn’t know who Elder Brother Cho was.

 

But it seemed like the person who taught him martial arts.

 

“But why are you going to Sanwol Demon Forest?”

 

This time Pyeong Deok-jo asked.

 

He had originally intended to ask this.

 

But answering Ha Mu-baek’s questions had taken him on a long detour.

 

“Even you said you’ve never been to Sanwol Demon Forest, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Then how many people in Gyoryong Hall have experienced Sanwol Demon Forest? Among all the instructors, I mean. Including the Academy Director.”

 

“…”

 

Pyeong Deok-jo couldn’t answer.

 

Because he couldn’t guess.

 

“Most haven’t been there. Yet we’re sending cadets to such a place. It’s absurd. The cadets are being driven there without even knowing what they have to fight.”

 

Pyeong Deok-jo nodded.

 

It was true.

 

And at the same time, he felt ashamed.

 

That he had volunteered as a Maengryong Corps instructor, saying he would help the Maengryong Corps cadets, despite never having been to Sanwol Demon Forest.

 

“So. I want to show the cadets what kind of creatures are in Sanwol Demon Forest. If they see and experience it directly, they’ll be somewhat mentally prepared, won’t they?”

 

At Ha Mu-baek’s words.

 

Pyeong Deok-jo recalled what Ha Mu-baek had done in Muchang after receiving support for the wagon.

 

He went to a place that made wooden coffins and purchased enough coffins to fill most of the wagon’s cargo space.

 

The remaining space was barely enough for two people to sit or lie down.

 

Not knowing the destination was Sanwol Demon Forest, he wondered what it was for.

 

And even when he heard about Sanwol Demon Forest, he thought surely not.

 

“Are you planning to catch and bring back the jiangshi that are said to be in Sanwol Demon Forest?”

 

Ha Mu-baek affirmed Pyeong Deok-jo’s question.

 

“Well, that’s not even difficult.”

 

But the answer.

 

Didn’t it seem like that wasn’t the only purpose?

 

Just as he was having such doubts.

 

“You said you wanted to become strong, right?”

 

Just hearing Ha Mu-baek’s question, a chilling sensation ran down Pyeong Deok-jo’s spine.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

“Here is the amount delivered this time.”

 

Cheon Gi-buk, the Sect Leader of Gongdong Sect, came to find Yeon Ja-gyeong.

 

It was to deliver the White Flower Purple Light Grass sent from Bongma Corps.

 

Yeon Ja-gyeong looked at it with pleased eyes.

 

It was the largest amount so far.

 

Now this would become the raw material for the deadly Acid Attack Poison.

 

It had almost.

 

Nearly become useless.

 

Because the culprit who caused the incident in Namman was targeting Yeo Hong-gi’s sect.

 

Yeo Hong-gi had returned to Cheondok Valley to prepare for that.

 

They had received a considerable amount of Purple Light Acid Attack Poison and antidote.

 

But they didn’t know the manufacturing method.

 

Since it contained Cheondok Valley’s secret techniques, they couldn’t demand the manufacturing method as well.

 

If Yeo Hong-gi had died in Cheondok Valley, it would have truly become useless.

 

But.

 

Ha Mu-baek dealt with that culprit, Ak-jeok.

 

That troublesome bastard.

 

‘Sometimes he can be helpful…’

 

Moreover, now he wasn’t even a troublesome bastard anymore.

 

Because they had the Purple Light Acid Attack Poison.

 

Hadn’t he been poisoned by it and lost all his internal energy?

 

And with everything resolved, Yeo Hong-gi would return soon.

 

They needed more White Flower Purple Light Grass.

 

It was the Purple Light Acid Attack Poison that could neutralize Ha Mu-baek.

 

The more of such deadly trump cards, the better.

 

Although it was a poison they started researching to deal with Ha Mu-baek, there was no law saying it had to be used only on Ha Mu-baek.

 

“The amount has increased quite a bit.”

 

At Yeon Ja-gyeong’s words, Cheon Gi-buk smiled broadly.

 

“They say they found a new natural habitat. There have been recent changes in the jiangshi movements, and they discovered it while tracking those.”

 

Cheon Gi-buk spoke proudly.

 

Yeon Ja-gyeong nodded.

 

‘Blood Cult’s Il-no. He certainly keeps his promises.’

 

He was someone who knew how to make deals.

 

A transaction to provide sacrificial victims to maintain the jiangshi population in Sanwol Demon Forest in exchange for a stable supply of White Flower Purple Light Grass.

 

When the poison that Blood Cult had secretly tested in Muchang was rampaging.

 

They had discussed the method of proceeding through secret correspondence exchanged with Il-no for the transaction.

 

Yeon Ja-gyeong demanded from Il-no.

 

That the White Flame Purple Light Grass came first.

 

Due to that coordination, the timing was delayed once again.

 

In the end, it was Blood Cult’s Il-no who raised the white flag.

 

As a result, they were able to harvest such a large quantity of White Flame Purple Light Grass.

 

So.

 

Now it was Yeon Ja-gyeong’s turn to keep his promise.

 

“Excellent. With this much quantity, it seems we can now also focus on the Bongma Corps’ original mission. New matters may arise soon.”

 

Cheon Gi-buk, who had been smiling at Yeon Ja-gyeong’s praise, tilted his head at the following words.

 

New matters?

 

“There’s something I’m currently pursuing. Regarding Sanwol Demon Forest.”

 

Yeon Ja-gyeong added.

 

“What that might be… wouldn’t it be better to inform the Bongma Corps Leader in advance so he can prepare?”

 

Cheon Gi-buk asked cautiously.

 

‘Ha Mu-baek. Who would have thought your antics would prove helpful.’

 

Yeon Ja-gyeong recalled that time.

 

The incident when his son was attacked by jiangshi and died screaming.

 

At that time, Ha Mu-baek had headed to Sanwol Demon Forest with Yeon Ha-min and the Maengryong Corps cadets, citing field training under instructor discretion.

 

For the purpose of luring his son and the Yeon Family warriors.

 

Il-no’s secret letter demanding sacrificial lambs.

 

The moment Yeon Ja-gyeong read it, his son’s incident came to mind and he had raged.

 

The moment he suppressed his anger due to the need for White Flame Purple Light Grass and devised a method.

 

His son’s incident came to mind again.

 

So, he had set the timing for around the end of Hatuje.

 

But it kept getting delayed due to various matters on each side.

 

If they pushed forward in earnest from now, it might be around the Dongtu Festival.

 

“It’s about Gyoryong Hall. The cadets seem to struggle only within too narrow a well, then suddenly get thrown into the wide world after graduation.”

 

“Ah…”

 

At Yeon Ja-gyeong’s words, Cheon Gi-buk let out a low exclamation.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————