The World’s Greatest Martial Arts Instructor - Chapter 401

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 401. Surprising…

 

 

 

 

 

The training with the Poison Jiangshi continued for three days from then.

 

When that much time had passed.

 

Finally, the cadets were able to endure against the Poison Jiangshi without taking major damage.

 

Ha Mu-baek nodded his head as he watched this sight.

 

The Poison Jiangshi training was sufficient now.

 

That was his judgment.

 

Maengryong Corps Seventh Group faced Ha Mu-baek again today.

 

And they were thoroughly defeated.

 

It was already past dusk, with darkness settling in.

 

“That’s enough for today.”

 

At Ha Mu-baek’s words, the Maengryong Corps cadets collapsed with heavy breathing.

 

Ha Mu-baek confirmed their condition and left the Great Training Ground.

 

The instructors who remained to look after the cadets were Pyeong Deok-jo and a few others who followed him.

 

Namgung Hu observed the entire scene and turned to leave.

 

He had been coming out to watch the Jiangshi training every day until today.

 

This meant he had skipped all of Jamryong Corps’ training.

 

In fact, for him who had already reached the pinnacle realm, Jamryong Corps training didn’t hold much meaning anyway.

 

Since he had already become stronger than the instructor in charge.

 

Namgung Hu had watched the training between the Poison Jiangshi and Maengryong Corps with full concentration from start to finish.

 

He had opened his ki sense wide, trying to somehow adapt to the Poison Jiangshi’s sinister aura.

 

And so.

 

When training ended, Namgung Hu would go to Jamryong Corps First Unit Training Ground.

 

That was when Namgung Hu’s real training began.

 

He would reconstruct the Poison Jiangshi’s movements that he had grasped while watching Maengryong Corps’ training in his mind.

 

After creating imaginary Poison Jiangshi.

 

He would swing his sword toward them.

 

Starting from the Three Talents Sword Technique that had already reached mastery, through Great Flame Sword Technique and Vast Sky Unhindered Sword, all the way to Emperor Sword Form.

 

He executed them all with utmost effort, not treating a single one carelessly.

 

The enemies at the tip of his sword were four Poison Jiangshi.

 

Enemies that Namgung Hu had created himself.

 

While Maengryong Corps cadets formed formations to face two Poison Jiangshi.

 

Namgung Hu was different.

 

Though they were imaginary enemies he had created himself, he faced four simultaneously.

 

Since he could cut them down instantly if he used sword energy.

 

Without even using sword ki.

 

He assumed the exact same conditions as the Maengryong Corps cadets and swung his sword countless times.

 

Even amid the combined assault of four Jiangshi, Namgung Hu didn’t receive a single wound.

 

At least in Namgung Hu’s imagination.

 

After executing all the sword techniques.

 

His entire body was drenched in sweat.

 

Sweat drops flowing down his hands and dripping from the sword tip.

 

The Great Ra Vast Sky Sword, a treasure of Namgung Sega that he had received from Namgung Hwa-u who had newly become Family Head, was continuously dripping with Namgung Hu’s sweat.

 

“Whew…”

 

Namgung Hu let out a deep breath.

 

“I wonder if this is enough?”

 

At least in Namgung Hu’s opinion, it seemed not bad.

 

Training that assumed real combat with Jiangshi.

 

Though it was training that assumed imaginary enemies in empty air.

 

He considered it no different from real combat.

 

“Then now.”

 

Namgung Hu straightened his posture again and raised his sword.

 

The moment he closed his eyes and concentrated.

 

Blue sword energy rose from his blade.

 

And the moment he moved the Great Ra Vast Sky Sword according to Emperor Sword Form’s technique.

 

With just one sword strike, the four Poison Jiangshi were split in half and fell.

 

Namgung Hu’s sword didn’t stop.

 

He continued moving and executed all of Emperor Sword Form.

 

Only after finishing all movements did Namgung Hu sit cross-legged and enter meditation.

 

Then he began training again in his mental image.

 

Mental image training that he was gradually adapting to.

 

Namgung Hu was thus moving deeper and deeper toward the pinnacle realm.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

Today was another ordinary day.

 

The Maengryong Corps cadets thought this as they finished lunch and gathered at the Great Training Ground.

 

Ha Mu-baek, who had arrived first, was smiling brightly in the shade of a large tree, talking with Han Seol-bing.

 

“Are you really going to bring those things out?”

 

Han Seol-bing said, glancing at the cargo wagon.

 

Ha Mu-baek nodded his head.

 

“That’s why I caught them, isn’t it?”

 

“Even so… Blood Jiangshi are…”

 

Han Seol-bing said with a worried expression.

 

“Are you saying how can those guys who can’t even defeat Poison Jiangshi face Blood Jiangshi?”

 

At Ha Mu-baek’s question, this time Han Seol-bing nodded.

 

“But they weren’t defeated by the Poison Jiangshi, were they? Defeating Blood Jiangshi isn’t those guys’ job. It’s Bongma Corps’ job.”

 

Ha Mu-baek briefly thought of Bongma Corps.

 

He momentarily wondered if those guys had returned safely, if there were any problems at Bongma Corps.

 

But now was the time to focus on Maengryong Corps.

 

“Maengryong Corps’ role is to defend and assist so that Bongma Corps can defeat Blood Jiangshi. They need direct experience with that part. You know what happens if they respond carelessly thinking of Poison Jiangshi, right?”

 

Since there was nothing wrong with this reasoning.

 

Han Seol-bing had no choice but to step back.

 

Wi Ji-gun, transformed into Ji Gun-wi, was standing a step away, just quietly listening to their conversation.

 

Since Ha Mu-baek had deployed a ki barrier, no one else could dare to overhear their conversation.

 

However.

 

Maengryong Corps Seventh Group.

 

Could guess from Ha Mu-baek’s expression while talking that today would be different from yesterday.

 

That bright smile.

 

After such laughter, he always gave them harsh ordeals and trials.

 

“I guess it’s today.”

 

When Dang Jin-san muttered after confirming that smile, Yeon Ha-min nodded.

 

“Around the end of yesterday’s training. The instructor seemed quite satisfied.”

 

At Yeon Ha-min’s words, Dang Jin-san showed a surprised expression.

 

“Can you tell the difference? He looked exactly the same as usual to me?”

 

“Ha-min is right. Elder Brother’s eyes were different.”

 

Ha Seol-ran supported Yeon Ha-min’s opinion.

 

Since even she, Ha Mu-baek’s own younger sister, said so, they had no choice but to accept it.

 

Though they had no idea exactly how his eyes had been different.

 

“So starting today, we’ll be facing Blood Jiangshi?”

 

Baek Ri-pyeong said while looking at the Maengryong Corps cadets gathering in the Great Training Ground.

 

Blood Jiangshi.

 

The strongest jiangshi that Maengryong Corps Seventh Group had encountered in Sanwol Demon Forest.

 

However.

 

It was a jiangshi they could defeat in one-on-one combat.

 

But.

 

It would be impossible for the other Maengryong Corps cadets except themselves.

 

“What do you think will happen?”

 

Nak U-jin asked.

 

“They’ll manage to hold out.”

 

Though it was much stronger than Poison Jiangshi.

 

Considering how they faced Poison Jiangshi yesterday, they wouldn’t go down easily.

 

“As long as they don’t get bitten.”

 

Dan Mok Un-rae’s worried words.

 

If bitten by a Blood Jiangshi, one would become a Blood Jiangshi shortly after on the spot.

 

That was precisely the most terrifying aspect of Blood Jiangshi.

 

“But. In the end, today’s training intensity is going up, right? Then what about us?”

 

The conversation paused momentarily at Dang Jin-san’s observation.

 

“Today will be even harder.”

 

Ju U-myeong muttered while steeling his resolve.

 

The Ha Mu-baek they had experienced so far would surely treat them even more harshly by that much.

 

While they were having such conversation, the time came.

 

Ha Mu-baek stepped up onto the platform.

 

At that sight, the Maengryong Corps cadets gathered in the center of the Great Training Ground and formed ranks in formation.

 

“Everyone retreat to the edges of the Great Training Ground.”

 

At Ha Mu-baek’s instruction, the cadets moved swiftly.

 

“Seventh Group, step forward.”

 

At Ha Mu-baek’s instruction, Maengryong Corps Seventh Group tilted their heads and headed toward the center of the training ground.

 

“Watch carefully how to defeat Poison Jiangshi.”

 

Ha Mu-baek spoke briefly to the cadets and then waved his hand.

 

Two Poison Jiangshi flew from the cargo wagon and landed among the Seventh Group.

 

Before they had even formed a formation.

 

“Kraaaah!”

 

“Kuuuuuh!”

 

The Poison Jiangshi, released from their restraints, wildly swung both arms toward the Seventh Group cadets, but.

 

They instantly drew their swords to block the Poison Jiangshi’s attacks and.

 

Quickly formed a battle formation.

 

“Fast.”

 

Namgung Hu let out a quiet admiration while watching that scene.

 

Namgung Yu nodded beside him.

 

Now.

 

It seemed Namgung Yu wouldn’t be able to defeat any one of them.

 

It wasn’t that she had neglected her training either.

 

The Seventh Group, having formed their battle formation, immediately poured attacks toward the Poison Jiangshi.

 

The Poison Jiangshi’s arms flew through the air and their heads quickly fell off.

 

Swords filled with sword energy had instantly cut through the Poison Jiangshi’s bodies.

 

The other Maengryong Corps cadets stared blankly at that scene.

 

To think they could handle so easily what they themselves had struggled so much to face.

 

They even felt deflated.

 

“To cut Poison Jiangshi, you must be able to imbue your sword with sword energy. Before this year ends. I’ll bring all the second-years to that level.”

 

Ha Mu-baek’s words reached their ears.

 

Disbelief appeared on the cadets’ faces.

 

The internal cultivation method they were learning was at most the Three Talents Mind Method.

 

How could they gather internal energy capable of imbuing sword energy with this?

 

Ha Mu-baek paid no heed to the cadets’ reaction and waved his hand.

 

Whoooosh.

 

The Poison Jiangshi’s remains instantly burst into flames and disappeared as ash.

 

At Ha Mu-baek’s signal, the Seventh Group cadets retreated to the edge of the training ground.

 

“Maengryong Corps excluding Seventh Group, to the training ground.”

 

The cadets who had retreated to the edges gathered in formation on the training ground.

 

The moment everyone had assembled.

 

Ha Mu-baek’s eyes seemed to flash brightly.

 

Swoosh! Swooosh! Swish! Swish!

 

Four wooden coffins instantly flew from the cargo compartment of the wagon.

 

Crash!

 

They shattered.

 

Four jiangshi burst out and swung their arms toward the Maengryong Corps cadets.

 

A surprise attack without any warning.

 

It was exactly the same as what the Seventh Group cadets had faced earlier.

 

The difference was.

 

The Seventh Group had faced a Poison Jiangshi surprise attack.

 

These ones.

 

Were facing a Blood Jiangshi surprise attack.

 

Another difference was.

 

For the Seventh Group, Poison Jiangshi had dropped directly down, but for these cadets, jiangshi in coffins had dropped down.

 

From when the coffins shattered until the jiangshi revealed themselves.

 

Though it was a short time, that much leeway was given to them.

 

Their training so far had made the Maengryong Corps cadets not miss that opportunity.

 

The shields raised in an instant.

 

Bang! Bang! Crash! Crash!

 

Blocked all the Blood Jiangshi’s attacks.

 

However.

 

“Ugh.”

 

“Urgh.”

 

“Hah.”

 

“Eek.”

 

The power beyond the Maengryong Corps cadets’ expectations made them slide backward.

 

Flustered voices flowed from their mouths, but.

 

The other cadets raised their shields and swords.

 

They pressed the jiangshi that had suddenly appeared.

 

Before they knew it, the cadets had formed a battle formation.

 

It was truly a fast response.

 

“Amazing…”

 

Namgung Hu let out pure admiration.

 

“In group combat, even Jamryong Corps and Waryong Corps might lose to Maengryong Corps.”

 

Namgung Yu also spoke as if he agreed.

 

Based on their current level.

 

Since Poison Jiangshi couldn’t be cut without sword qi, only cadets from Jamryong Corps and Waryong Corps could cut them.

 

However.

 

No matter how much they thought about it, they couldn’t picture the cadets of Jamryong Corps and Waryong Corps breaking through Maengryong Corps’ shields.

 

Of course, if Namgung Hu were there, the story would be different.

 

But the other side also had seven cadets from Group Seven.

 

No matter how much Namgung Hu had reached the pinnacle realm, they didn’t think he could break down the formation that Group Seven had just shown.

 

“He really is an amazing person. Instructor Ha.”

 

At Namgung Yu’s words, Namgung Hu nodded his head.

 

Namgung Hu had experienced it firsthand.

 

Meanwhile, the four jiangshi and Maengryong Corps cadets were engaged in fierce combat.

 

It was truly a hard-fought battle.

 

The Maengryong Corps cadets had also realized these weren’t Poison Jiangshi.

 

But they had no leisure to pay attention to that.

 

They had learned, both physically and mentally, that it was better to swing their shields once more, their swords once more, rather than spend time wondering what kind of jiangshi they were.

 

Therefore.

 

The Maengryong Corps cadets had no leisure to examine the mouths of the newly appeared jiangshi.

 

“They don’t have any.”

 

“None.”

 

“They’re gone.”

 

The Group Seven cadets watching that fierce battle from the edge of the training ground could examine the Blood Jiangshi’s mouths.

 

Four entities.

 

All of them had no teeth whatsoever.

 

It looked like someone had completely smashed and pulled them all out.

 

Of course, there was only one person who would do that.

 

Ha Mu-baek.

 

“Level-appropriate customized training? He really tailors it well.”

 

Dang Jin-san muttered as if grumbling, as if admiring.

 

When they first encountered Blood Jiangshi in Sanwol Demon Forest.

 

They hadn’t received such consideration.

 

It was consideration that only Ha Seol-ran had received at the time, since her martial arts realm was lacking compared to other cadets.

 

Now all the Maengryong Corps cadets were receiving it.

 

At that time.

 

Ha Mu-baek had said this.

 

It wasn’t because Ha Seol-ran was his younger sibling, but because her martial arts level was such that he had pulled out all the Blood Jiangshi’s teeth.

 

As if proving those words.

 

He had thrown four jiangshi into the middle of Maengryong Corps without warning.

 

But all their teeth had been pulled out.

 

“But what kind of jiangshi are those? This time too, all their teeth have been pulled out?”

 

Namgung Hu confirmed the Blood Jiangshi’s mouths and asked his elder sister Namgung Yu.

 

She had also confirmed the jiangshi’s mouths.

 

In the case of Poison Jiangshi, their teeth had remained intact.

 

So he must have intentionally pulled out all of those creatures’ teeth.

 

Just like with Death Jiangshi.

 

“They’re faster and stronger than Poison Jiangshi, but all their teeth have been pulled out. Blood Jiangshi.”

 

Namgung Yu answered calmly.

 

For the ordinary martial artists of Bongma Corps, these were the true threat of Sanwol Demon Forest.

 

For the ordinary warriors of the Bongma Clan, these are the ones who pose the true threat in the Sanwol Forest.

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