Chapter 10
At first, I paid attention to Cho-ryeong because she was a year younger than my little sister. Her bright smile, even within the dark environment of the Black Market, had a way of lifting people's spirits. Despite her youth, Cho-ryeong was perceptive and surprisingly thoughtful, knowing precisely when to speak and when to stay silent—a skill likely honed by her difficult past.
I didn’t rescue Cho-ryeong from the Black Market out of pity. She earned her way out by pulling her weight, and I rewarded her accordingly. Of course, I won’t deny that we had developed a bit of a bond. Through our conversations, we came to understand each other's situations and found a sense of connection. However, this connection wasn't romantic—she wasn’t my type, and I appreciated her more as a sisterly figure who was loyal and affectionate.
So when I saw that pale-faced bastard strike Cho-ryeong across the face, my body moved on its own.
We were standing right in front of the Martial Alliance, with many eyes watching, but I couldn’t just stand by and forgive what he had done. I didn’t care what his reasons were—no one had the right to mistreat a defenseless woman simply because she was a courtesan. Especially not when that woman was under my protection.
*Bang!*
Using the Yama Explosive Movement Technique, I propelled myself forward, flames igniting at my feet as I closed the distance between us in an instant.
*Crack!*
I grabbed his wrist and twisted it, breaking it on the spot. I wasn’t thinking about anything else—I just needed to destroy the hand that had dared touch Cho-ryeong.
“Aaaargh!”
“....”
But this wasn’t enough. The price for touching someone under my protection couldn’t be so small. If I had already broken his hand, the next step was to take his throat. I prepared to use the Yama’s Brutal Technique to crush his windpipe, but I was interrupted by the people around him—he must have been some rich kid.
“Young master! Step back!”
One of his bodyguards drew his sword and swung it at my arm, forcing me to withdraw. The young master escaped from my grip in the chaos.
If they wanted to interfere, I’d just have to take care of them all.
*Whirr!*
I darted into the personal space of the bodyguard who had swung at me.
Using the Yama’s Hundred and Eight Techniques, I launched a flurry of close-quarter strikes, spinning and hammering his torso repeatedly.
“Guhh!”
The bodyguard’s body shuddered before crumpling to the ground. Beyond his fallen form, I could see the young master again. I kicked off the ground to close the distance, but two more bodyguards stepped in to block my path.
‘How annoying.’
I realized that holding back wouldn’t work here.
*Yama's Flame Wave*
Flames burst from my arms, spreading through the air as if to engulf the entire world. The bodyguards recoiled in fear as if they had seen a ghost, but the path wasn’t clear yet.
*Thunk!*
I took a step with the Fire Flow Step.
*Whoosh!*
I reached the bodyguards and struck them in their abdomens with my palms, flooding their insides with my intense yang energy.
“Aaaah!”
Unable to endure it, the bodyguards collapsed, writhing on the ground. Finally, the path to the young master was clear.
I took another step forward with the Fire Flow Step. This time, there were no more bodyguards to interfere.
*Thunk!*
*Whoosh!*
I stood before the young master, who had fallen to the ground and was scooting backward on his bottom, terrified.
A pitiful sight—but it wasn’t enough to make up for what he had done.
I reached out my hand. He would have to pay the price for laying a hand on Cho-ryeong.
“Stop!”
“Brother!”
*Thud!*
My hand halted just before it reached the young master’s throat. He was trembling, wetting himself as he sat on the ground.
‘This should be enough.’
Jegal Su-hyeok was holding my wrist. I pulled back my hand and looked at him.
* * *
‘Impressive.’
Jegal Su-hyeok was struck by the scene before him.
Ma Hyeok, one of the rising stars from Sichuan and a hopeful candidate for the 8th-level Martial Alliance exam, was crawling on the ground with his hand shattered.
He was the eldest son of the Mu-pung Escort Agency, one of the highly regarded escort agencies, and yet, an unknown candidate named Yi Si-woo had taken him down in an instant.
‘No, he toyed with him.’
The bodyguards accompanying Ma Hyeok weren’t just random thugs; they were seasoned escorts who had spent over ten years in the field. Yet, they couldn’t withstand even a single move from Yi Si-woo. How could Jegal Su-hyeok not be impressed?
Especially the martial arts displayed.
The blue flames that had erupted from Yi Si-woo’s arms, spreading as if to incinerate the entire world, were nothing short of extraordinary.
However, there was one thing that puzzled Jegal Su-hyeok.
‘Such an intense yang-based martial art is rare.’
He couldn’t identify the origin of Yi Si-woo’s martial arts.
Jegal Su-hyeok had participated in the Great Demonic War 20 years ago at the age of 19 and had amassed extensive experience and knowledge since then.
Yet, he had never seen or heard of a martial art that produced such blue flames.
But that wasn’t the important part. There were countless reclusive masters scattered across the martial world.
‘That’s not what matters.’
What truly impressed Jegal Su-hyeok was something else.
The decisive execution, quick judgment, and warm-heartedness.
Yi Si-woo knew how to subdue his opponents efficiently and swiftly.
Moreover, his motivation for such actions was noteworthy.
He had caused a scene right in front of the Martial Alliance, simply because the courtesan he had brought with him was slapped. And he had acted without hesitation.
Which other candidate would move so decisively to protect a courtesan?
‘Interesting. His written exam answers were intriguing too.’
Jegal Su-hyeok found Yi Si-woo increasingly appealing.
A candidate who didn’t blindly accept an optimistic future and had the skills to back it up seemed like a perfect fit for the Patrol Division.
Moreover, he wasn’t someone who judged others by their status, and he moved to protect those close to him. A righteous person, in Jegal Su-hyeok’s view.
It was hard to believe that Yi Si-woo was just stepping into the martial world. But through background checks, Jegal Su-hyeok had confirmed that he was indeed the son of an innkeeper.
Jegal Su-hyeok made up his mind to recruit him, though he knew there would be obstacles.
“Master, the situation has been handled. Yi Si-woo has been restrained with reinforced cuffs and placed in the Patrol Division’s detention center.”
Receiving a report from Na Il-jang, the second team leader, Jegal Su-hyeok scanned the surroundings.
As expected, there were onlookers, even among the candidates, watching how the situation would be handled.
In that case, it was time to put on a show.
“What about Ma Hyeok? And the condition of his bodyguards?”
“They’re in critical condition. Ma Hyeok’s right hand is completely shattered, and the bodyguards will need at least three months to recover. I’ve sent them to the medical division. How should we proceed?”
“What do you think we should do?”
Jegal Su-hyeok asked in a loud voice, intentionally making a scene. Na Il-jang, who had worked with him for a long time, seemed to catch on and responded.
“We should punish him severely. He harmed people within the Martial Alliance’s grounds. We should strip him of his exam eligibility and transfer him to the Alliance’s prison immediately.”
“And why is that?”
“Considering the condition of Ma Hyeok...”
“Silence!”
Jegal Su-hyeok cut him off abruptly.
“What nonsense are you spouting? Didn’t you witness the start of this incident?”
“What do you mean, sir...”
“Ma Hyeok slapped the courtesan accompanying Yi Si-woo. That’s where this incident began. Shouldn’t we start from there?”
“But over a single slap, he nearly crippled several martial artists. Such excessive violence...”
“You still don’t understand.”
Jegal Su-hyeok raised his voice as if making a public declaration.
“The Martial Alliance’s sword exists to protect the people. We prioritize the care of the elderly, women, and children above all else. Yet, Ma Hyeok violated that principle. He slapped a defenseless woman who had no martial arts training. Yi Si-woo simply acted to protect his companion. Now, who is more at fault?”
“But his actions were excessive...”
“Martial artists often take lives when their honor is sullied. But Yi Si-woo showed restraint—he left them merely injured.”
“Ah! I was short-sighted. I apologize.”
Na Il-jang bowed his head, signaling the end of their charade.
However, handling the situation this way would undoubtedly bring backlash against Jegal Su-hyeok.
Especially from those lurking in the shadows, representing various sects and clans, eager to challenge Jegal Su-hyeok’s position as the next Patrol Division leader.
Jegal Su-hyeok made one final announcement.
“However, since the incident took place within the Martial Alliance’s grounds, there must be consequences. Although Yi Si-woo acted to protect his companion and honor, he should have sought our assistance to handle the situation diplomatically.”
“What should we do, then?”
“Both Ma Hyeok and Yi Si-woo will retain their exam eligibility. However, their written exam scores will be reduced to the lowest possible level. If they wish to pass the 8th-level Martial Alliance exam, they’ll need to achieve top scores in the practical exam. Given their youth, we will show leniency and grant them another chance.”
“Wise decision, sir.”
Jegal Su-hyeok glanced around, noticing that most people seemed to accept his decision. The 8th-level Martial Alliance practical exam was notoriously difficult, so this could be seen as a severe punishment.
Moreover, Ma Hyeok was given a second chance, which would placate the Mu-pung Escort Agency, a major financial supporter of the Martial Alliance.
If anyone hoped to use Yi Si-woo to attack Jegal Su-hyeok, they would likely hesitate due to the Mu-pung Escort Agency’s influence.
“Now, let’s resume the announcement of the practical exam task. We’ve been delayed long enough. I apologize for the disruption.”
“No need. We appreciate your fair judgment.”
“No, it’s regrettable that such an incident occurred right at the Patrol Division’s doorstep.”
With that, Jegal Su-hyeok returned to the Patrol Division’s headquarters.
Na Il-jang hurried after him, winking as he whispered.
“Master, wasn’t Yi Si-woo already at the lowest score?”
“Shh. Keep it down. There are still ears listening.”
“Truly, the Jegal family is wise.”
Like master, like subordinate.
* * *
“Brother, are you okay?”
“Savior, are you alright?”
Upon returning to the inn from the Martial Alliance’s detention center, Bang Yak-rip and Cho-ryeong fussed over me.
It was a bit ridiculous how long they had kept me in there, considering they were just going to release me anyway.
“I’m fine. How about you, Cho-ryeong?”
“I’m okay, thanks to Savior Bang’s care.”
“Yak-rip took care of you? Good. But make sure you take it easy.”
Cho-ryeong’s cheek was still swollen and puffed up.
Anger flared within me once again. I should have ripped out that guy’s throat. But I held back because we were at the Martial Alliance.
“So, what was your punishment?”
Bang Yak-rip asked.
“They reduced my written exam score to the lowest possible level.”
“What? That’s serious. The Patrol Division’s practical exams are notoriously difficult...”
“It’s fine. My written score was already at the lowest anyway.”
“...Excuse me? Was it really that low, Savior? Well, you didn’t get to study, so maybe this worked out for the best. As long as there’s nothing else, I suppose it’s okay.”
“Yeah, something like that.”
Honestly, I hadn’t expected to get off so lightly. Causing a scene within the Martial Alliance’s grounds was no small matter.
Of course, I had a plan. I wouldn’t have acted recklessly without considering the consequences.
I trusted Jegal Su-hyeok’s character. I knew he would handle the situation fairly.
In my previous life, he had always shown concern for the common folk.
Moreover, I had deliberately refrained from using the deadliest techniques of the Yama’s Hundred and Eight Techniques. Even if my actions seemed a bit excessive, they wouldn’t have been mistaken for demonic or heretical martial arts.
Still, I had expected some kind of disadvantage. After all, there had been bloodshed.
But nothing significant had happened.
‘Was it because of that?’
Jegal Su-hyeok had visited me briefly before I was released from the detention center. We had exchanged a few words.
- Do you understand the meaning of this decision?
- You’ve given me a favorable outcome.
- Yes, but you’ll still need to score the highest in the practical exam if you want to pass.
- That won’t be a problem.
- I admire your confidence. In that case, pass the exam and join the Patrol Division. We have an opening in our third unit.
- ...???
It seemed like he wanted me to join the Patrol Division. He must have pulled some strings to recruit me.
He was an amusing fellow.
But I intended to top the exam and apply for the Iron Sword Corps. What was he talking about?
“So, what’s the practical exam?”
“Typical work for the Patrol Division.”
“And that is?”
“Catching a wanted criminal that the Martial Alliance has put a bounty on. They distributed bounty posters to the candidates.”
“Oh, then you just need to catch the one with the highest bounty, right?”
“Something like that.”
Bang Yak-rip smiled, showing his trust in my martial skills.
But Cho-ryeong had a question.
“So, who do you have to catch?”
“The one with the highest bounty is called the *Ghosts of Hubei*...”
“What...?”
Her eyes widened in shock. Bang Yak-rip’s expression wasn’t much different.
“Are you serious? They want you to catch all of them?”
“Yeah. The reward for catching them all is the highest by far—eight times higher than the next highest bounty. If I catch them, I might even top the exam.”
“....”
“Why are you both looking at me like that?”
Cho-ryeong answered my question.
“They’re notorious killers in Hubei. Each one of them is an experienced martial artist.”
“So?”
“The third and fourth-ranked members are seasoned first-class fighters, and the second-ranked one is said to be approaching the pinnacle of martial arts.”
“What about the first?”
“They reportedly reached the pinnacle last year. To celebrate, they slaughtered an entire fishing village along the Yangtze River.”
“...!”
They were completely insane. The martial world was filled with so many lunatics that it was a wonder I managed to rank among the top five in my previous life.
No wonder Bang Yak-rip and Cho-ryeong looked so worried.
“Savior, maybe you should reconsider. You could aim for the second-highest bounty instead. Or you could catch several criminals. That should be enough to top the exam. There’s no need to risk facing a pinnacle-level martial artist.”
“Yeah, Brother. You still have to compete with that Ma Hyeok guy, right? Maybe it’s safer to catch several criminals instead.”
“No, there’s no need for that.”
I dismissed their suggestions. I had already made my decision the moment I heard about their atrocities.
“I’m going to catch them.”
“....”
Bang Yak-rip’s face darkened. Cho-ryeong’s expression mirrored his.
But their worries were unnecessary.
I didn’t defeat the Martial Alliance Leader in my previous life because I was stronger.
If someone is stronger, you just have to find a way to beat them.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got a plan.”
“What kind of...?”
“For example, I could start by targeting the second or third-ranked members, then use their lives as leverage to lure the others into a trap. Or I could just threaten them—cut off one of their arms and promise to spare the others. Or how about this...”
I listed off several strategies, and as I spoke, the shadows of worry on Bang Yak-rip and Cho-ryeong’s faces gradually faded.
I was relieved. I didn’t want to make the people around me worry in this life.
But it seemed I had sparked a different kind of concern.
Bang Yak-rip and Cho-ryeong exchanged wide-eyed glances before speaking up.
“Brother, are you sure your dream is to become a sword saint?”
“Savior, may I check your pulse just to be sure?”
What were they talking about? I was just trying to reassure them.
“Enough. Let’s go eat. I’m hungry. We won’t get a proper meal once I start hunting down the Ghosts of Hubei.”
I ignored their unnecessary comments and stood up. But it seemed we wouldn’t be eating anytime soon.
“Are you sure you didn’t confuse the Martial Alliance with the Demonic Cult?”
“Savior, please, just one quick pulse check!”
“.......”
I guess I should just go catch those Ghosts of Hubei.