Chapter 273. The World of Justice and Chivalry. Murim (2)

Unmukwan.

This place, managed by the righteous faction, is known as the most combat-oriented martial arts academy among the Five Great Families and the Nine Great Clans.

The reason is simple.

Kunlun Sect, located in Qinghai Province, is the closest to where the Heavenly Demon Cult resides.

It is the bulwark of the central plains that first faces the Demonic Cult’s advance into the central region.

Even amidst the blood-soaked Great War of Good and Evil, Kunlun remains standing, maintaining the pride of the righteous faction.

It is the symbol of clouds and dragons, ‘Kunlun (崑崙).’

‘I’m tired of wasting my time on futile efforts.’

The master of Unmukwan, Jongmuryang, started his day as usual by checking the list of people seeking to enter the academy.

The war with the Empire is still ongoing, and with the Demonic Cult having just ended its closure, unexpected variables could arise at any moment.

Outstanding talents are always in short supply, no matter how many there are.

However, it was rarer than finding beans in a drought to find someone worthwhile among those knocking on the doors of Unmukwan.

“What about the ones personally selected by the Martial Alliance this time? They’re not from prestigious families, but I saw some kids from relatively well-known martial arts families.”

Jongmuryang asked Taesonggwan, who was standing next to him.

Taesonggwan, an elderly man, was practically the steward of Unmukwan, handling everything from major to minor matters.

“Yes, they learn quickly, but they’re too young. It’ll take a long time before they’re fully matured.”

“As expected, if we want to use them urgently, we have no choice but to bring in wanderers or ruffians.”

Although he didn’t like resorting to such tricks, avoiding the eyes of the headmasters…

To achieve results, one cannot be picky about the methods.

Above all, to counter the Demonic Cult, we must set aside things like ethics and humaneness.

“In our case, quantity takes precedence over quality, doesn’t it? In that sense, we can procure as many expendables as needed. Even today, over 300 people have flocked in.”

“Hmmm. The more sword fodder, the better.”

Jongmuryang nodded.

Soon, the two men left the inner quarters and headed to the training ground.

Bustle, bustle!

The training ground was already crowded with countless people.

Tsk.

Jongmuryang clicked his tongue harshly.

‘I’m not even hoping for first or second-rate, but at least give me some mid-third-rate fighters. Am I asking for too much?’

He thought he had set his expectations low, but seeing it in person was beyond disappointing.

Of course, any skilled individuals would head to the prestigious central martial arts academies backed by their families rather than coming to this backwater academy for an identity token.

At that moment.

‘Hmm?’

Jongmuryang’s narrow eyes slightly widened.

In front of him, he sensed a considerable aura.

Three men and a masked person.

The man at the front, smiling foolishly, seemed unimportant, but the others were not ordinary.

‘Ho. It seems there are some kernels among the chaff.’

This might turn out to be quite an interesting test.

“Taesonggwan.”

“Order, Master.”

“Start the test immediately. I want to see the results as soon as possible this time.”

Jongmuryang sat down with eyes filled with anticipation.

“I am Chilseongcheongeom (Seven-Star Heavenly Sword), ‘Cheondoak.’”

“Oh. To think I’d meet the owner of the seven swords ruling over Cheonghae. I am Cheongho. People commonly call me ‘Raeryeongungeom (Thundercloud Sword).’”

“Oh! I’ve heard of you, indeed. You are also quite renowned, ha ha ha!”

“I am Mujeoksingeon (Invincible Divine Fist), ‘Taeryong.’”

“No way. Even the famous Taeryong is here!”

“To meet the protagonist of that sensational incident in Murim in person…”

“This will surely be the most intense test in history. With so many skilled people gathered, my heart is already pounding.”

Everyone was busy introducing themselves.

The loud laughter was enough to make one’s ears ache.

“What’s Chilseongcheongeom? And what about Raeryeongungeom? Are they masters who survived the Great War of Good and Evil? Wolyoung, do you know them?”

Jinhyuk asked casually.

“I’ve never heard of them either.”

“They’re supposed to be great figures ruling Cheonghae?”

“To me, they seem more like kids burdening their parents.”

“No, there’s definitely something to them.”

It’s hard to claim a nickname like Invincible Divine Fist without confidence in one’s abilities.

Just looking at them, one can sense their intense aura, reminiscent of my own past when I declared ‘The sun is setting.’

Instinct tells me.

They must be the real deal.

Or at least, they must be.

“They say they were involved in some major incident. Surely, there must have been some terrifying plots and secret clashes.”

“Come to think of it, I heard a supply cart heading to the Heavenly Demon Cult was robbed recently. It was a cart without escorts since it was entrusted to servants.”

“…Hmm. Judging by their demeanor, they seem like hidden masters.”

Jinhyuk scratched his cheek.

“Regardless of nicknames, I don’t like these clothes at all.”

Alice looked displeased, eyeing the clothes bought at the market before coming here.

Given her penchant for fancy and antique styles, it might indeed feel bland.

“Bear with it. Your usual outfit would stand out too much here.”

“But I prefer a crown. And a fur cape. And a golden staff too!”

Does she want to play as a little queen?

I’d love to lock her in a stroller.

Though Alice kept whining, Jinhyuk let all the complaints slide through one ear.

I’ll buy her a hairpin or something later.

At that moment.

“Attention!”

A shout came from the platform.

“The identity token test for Unmukwan will now begin.”

Taesonggwan, with a solemn expression, looked down at the training ground.

Everyone’s gaze focused on him.

“Each of you received a brass coin upon entering, didn’t you?”

“Come to think of it…”

“Yeah, they gave me a black coin.”

“I got one too. Is this it?”

People began taking out the small coins they had kept in their pockets.

The surface of the coin, made of black iron, was engraved with the character ‘Tu (鬪),’ meaning battle.

“You have half a si (1 hour). Within that time, anyone who collects five or more coins, including their own, will pass the first test. Whether you kill or not doesn’t matter, so if you’re scared, step back now.”

“F-Five coins…”

“That means we have to take down at least four people.”

“Hmmm…”

Heavy groans echoed.

The number of people gathered here was roughly 300.

To collect five coins, only about 60 would advance to the second test.

While fierce competition was expected, passing the second test would at least guarantee a third-grade token, so it wasn’t all bad.

At least if one passed this first test, the purpose of coming here would be achieved.

That was the common thought among all present.

The atmosphere grew tense, and their eyes shone sharply.

Srrng.

Clang!

As they steadied their breaths, the sound of various weapons being drawn echoed from all directions.

Typically, in such situations, strangers are targeted first.

Instead of those exchanging nicknames and pleasantries, naturally, they’d aim for us.

‘They must think we’re easy targets.’

Wolyoung and Alice have particularly small and slender frames.

They probably look easy to overpower with a little effort.

Moreover, Jinhyuk, appearing lethargic and defenseless, seemed like an even easier target.

“If you hand over your coins quietly, you won’t get hurt.”

A group of men approached as if they had been waiting for this moment.

It was the same bunch who had just introduced themselves as Chilseongcheongeom and Raeryeongungeom.

“With great power comes great responsibility. I have no desire to wield force against the weak.”

Of course, the man with the nickname Mujeoksingeon was also there.

Wow.

Seeing them all together, it feels like watching Murim’s version of the Avengers.

Their dignified looks and aura could rival even the leaders of the Martial Alliance and the Heavenly Demon.

Alright then…

Jinhyuk poked Chun Yoosung in the side.

“Yoosung.”

“Kugh… What is it?”

“It’s no good. They’re calling you a pushover who wouldn’t even beat a stray dog from the Beggars’ Sect. That’s a bit harsh, right?”

You have to go and show them the true taste of the Sword Saint.

I can’t tolerate this.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Why should I dance to your tune? Besides, you can easily handle them all by yourself. Why are you telling me to do it?”

“Because… I have this.”

Jinhyuk activated a status window.

A familiar figure appeared there.

Chun Yoosung.

Specifically… Chun Yoosung in a high-quality French maid outfit.

“Should I upload this on the Korea University board? Spreading the word that the ice-cold mascot of Korea University’s pre-med, Chun Yoosung, has a secret hobby?”

The video that made it to the Hall of Fame during the fight with Antraad was edited at Chun Yoosung’s request.

But this is different.

There’s no mosaic or editing…

…It’s the pure ‘original.’

“You… had that?”

“Of course. Why would I throw away such a precious thing? I made about 3,000 copies. If anything happens to me, it will be uploaded worldwide immediately.”

“You… damn bastard!”

A deadly aura emanated from Chun Yoosung.

Naturally, Jinhyuk wasn’t intimidated.

“Once during the freshman orientation, once during the club activity, once during the end-of-semester meeting. Finally, once more at the graduation ceremony. Everyone will enjoy it together. Isn’t that right?”

“You will never die peacefully. I’ll sell my soul to the devil if I have to and kill you.”

Chun Yoosung, fuming, finally lowered his head as if resigned.

The devil, huh…

[The deity ‘Decaying Heart’ shakes its head quietly.]

It’s probably impossible.

Now that even the devil can’t do anything about his situation.

Srrng!

The sword gleamed with a brilliant light.

Chun Yoosung walked to the center of the training ground with a stiff face.

“So, you’re the one who looks the strongest in that group. As expected, you step forward. I am Cheondoak of the Seven-Star Heavenly Sword…”

“Shut up.”

Chun Yoosung interrupted him.

“I’m in a very bad mood. So swing your sword instead of flapping your mouth.”

“Refusing to even state your name and rushing to fight. That’s how amateurs lose, overwhelmed by emotions. As your senior in Murim, I’ll give you the first three moves.”

Shlak.

“…Huh?”

The Seven-Star Sword shattered into pieces.

His pants were cut, revealing his undergarments as a bonus.

The sword strike was so fast it couldn’t even be seen.

Cheondoak still didn’t understand what had happened.

Instead, a familiar liquid was running down his pant leg.

“Ho. I finally meet someone worthy of my Invincible Divine Fist. Come, take this. First move! ‘Fist King Mu… Guaaah!”

Those were the last words the giant left behind.

Wow.

People can fly that high?

Jinhyuk admired as he watched Mr. Taeryong soar high into the sky.

Even with the title ‘invincible,’ it wasn’t a complete lie.

Seeing his limbs twitching after being thrown 10 meters high and slamming into the ground.

Almost simultaneously.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

The platinum-stone floor of the training ground began to crack like a turtle’s shell.

[Chun Yoosung activates the unique ability ‘Song of the Sword’!]

“Spit out all your coins or whatever. Before I kill you all.”

Chun Yoosung, stressed to the extreme due to the video, emitted a terrifying aura.

“Yoosung. We only need about 16 coins for our share. Take it easy, alright? Remember, you’re a doctor, not an undertaker.”

Though he said this, it probably wouldn’t be heard.

He didn’t kill them outright, but the scene of the once dignified Murim warriors crying and running was quite a spectacle.