Episode 4
Cheol Ji-ak looked at Zhuge Liang with a face of absurdity.
Then, Zhuge Liang spoke as if making excuses.
“Ahem. I thought I caught you because you were talking so meaningfully, as if you knew something.”
“…Yes, in that situation, why did you suddenly ask about the treatment of the pirates?”
When Cheol Ji-ak asked, Cheon Woo-jin continued speaking calmly.
“I didn’t know it was the Murim Alliance, but I did know the boatman was a master. Honestly, I was a bit confused, but right before my head was about to be split open by the blade, you unleashed your energy.”
“…Did you see that?”
When Cheon Woo-jin nodded, Cheol Ji-ak pointed to Zhuge Liang and asked again.
“Then what about her?”
“Well, a master like the captain was acting like he’s being taken advantage of by pirates who can’t even stand a chance against you, while this young lady was secretly provoking the pirates into fighting, while observing them as if she’s trying not to miss a single moment of the situation…”
As Cheon Woo-jin continued speaking, Cheol Ji-ak’s eyes lit up.
“Did it seem like we had the situation under control?”
“Yes, I was actually worried that the two of you might be villains, but I’m glad that you’re from the Murim Alliance.”
“Oh, look at this guy. What if we were bad guys?”
“Well.”
But Cheol ji-ak knew.
The fact that this guy’s Crane Fan would be directed towards himself and Zhuga Liang if that were the case.
Soon Cheol ji-ak burst into hearty laughter.
“Hahaha, good. Since ancient times, the martial arts warriors must have a brave side. It’s just like looking at my younger self. The face in particular is quite similar.”
Zhuge Liang narrowed her eyes and looked at Cheol ji-ak.
“I don’t think so…”
“Uh-huh!”
Regardless, Zhuge Liang looked at Cheon Woo-jin with a strange look and asked.
“Name?”
“Cheon Woo-jin.”
“What about your sect?”
Cheon Woo-jin thought about it for a moment.
*I remembered Master Heukno’s words telling me not to reveal anything carelessly because he had many enemies in the world of martial arts.
“I can’t say.”
“Well, who doesn’t have secrets? That’s great.”
“What is good about it?”
“…I just said so, so sit down. Not only young warrior Cheon, but everyone, sit down. It’ll be hard to keep your balance.”
At a time when no one understood what Zhuge Liang was saying.
Cheol ji-ak picked up the oar placed on one side.
When Cheon Woo-jin saw this, he quietly grabbed the railing of the ship, and Song Yi-yeon, who was quick-witted, followed Cheon Woo-jin’s actions.
No one thought that Cheol ji-ak would do something like that.
Splash-!
Cheol ji-ak swung his oar behind him and unleashed a wind strike. No, should they say it was a wind explosion?
Anyway, the ship was shot out, roughly cutting through the water due to the recoil.
“Ugh, ugh!”
Some of the warriors rolled ridiculously across the floor.
Of course, Cheon Woo-jin didn’t move an inch during all that, but Cheol Ji-ak and Zhuge Liang were looking at Cheon Woo-jin with strange eyes.
***
The Murim Alliance.
The grand coalition of the righteous martial artists of the martial arts world, including the Nine Great Clans and the Five Great Families.
Originally established to oppose the Heavenly Demon Cult, it has since evolved far beyond its original purpose. It is now widely regarded as having far surpassed the Demon Cult in influence.
Cheon Woo-jin, who rarely gets surprised, held his head high with his jaw slightly open.
It was the first time in his life that he had seen such a high wall.
The door was larger than the hut where Cheon Woo-jin lived with his two teachers, and there were several times more people there than in the market where the village festival was held.
Among those who came and went from the Murim Alliance, there was no one who could be called a master by Cheon Woo-jin’s standards. It might be different if he went deeper into the Alliance, though.
However, even the lowest-ranking unmanned units, though lowly in rank, had spirit. Their eyes were filled with fire, and their movements were cheerful and confident.
‘Master Baekno comes to mind.’
In the Murim Alliance, there were many people who resembled Master Baekno, regardless of age or rank. On the other hand, there was not a single person who resembled Master Heukno, so he thought it was truly the Murim Alliance.
As he was looking at the scenery of the Murim Alliance, the conversation between his teachers suddenly came to mind.
– Woojin, the hypocrisy of the so-called righteous sects is generally disgusting, but do you know who the worst of them are? It’s the Murim Alliance. They practically solve everything with force, but they talk about peace and fairness…
– Oh my, where else can you find a place that sets martial arts spirit straight as much as the Murim Alliance!
The two masters fought whenever the topic of the Murim Alliance came up.
Master Baekno cared deeply for the Murim Alliance, while Master Heukno always showed hostility.
The fight always ended with these words.
– Well, then let Woojin see and judge for himself. He will see how disgusting the Murim Alliance is.
– Good. Woojin, you must definitely check it out yourself. You will experience their harmony up close and truly become a warrior yourself.
While Cheon Woo-Ji burst into laughter recalling the vivid conversation between the two teachers, Song Yi-yeon openly let out exclamations one after another.
“Little hero! Look over there. It’s the Murim Alliance flag!”*Both words ‘little hero’ or ‘young warrier’ are a translation of the same word in Korean. It’s just sometimes one fits the flow more than the other.
At the place Song Yi-yeon pointed to, a blue flag symbolizing the Murim Alliance was fluttering high.
Zhuga Liang lifted her small but prominent nose slightly and spoke proudly.
“Isn’t Our Murim Alliance amazing?”
Cheon Woo-jin nodded with his jaw still open.
At that sight, Zhuga Liang burst out laughing without realizing it.
‘Is he the same guy who cut off the hand of the pirates without hesitation?’
Cheon Woo-jin was a very interesting man.
When dealing with enemies, he was as cold-blooded as a man who had killed people as easily as eating rice, but now he looked as innocent as someone who had never stepped on a bug.
He was the first person she witnessed to have black and white coexist in such a contrasting way.
“Now, wake up. The first test hasn’t finished in other places yet. I’ll give you a temporary place to stay while you wait. By the way, there are more people than I thought, five. I expected two. It’s probably thanks to young warrior Cheon.”
As she said that, Zhuge Liang glared at Song Yi-yeon.
Song Yi-yeon’s shoulders trembled.
Because originally he had no intention of coming forward.
“Hehehe… Let’s go, my friend.”
Song Yi-yeon smiled awkwardly and started walking, and Cheon Woo-jin naturally followed behind him.
Zhuge Liang looked at the backs of the two people and narrowed her eyebrows.
“That lad is practically guaranteed to pass, but why does it feel like that slacker over there will pass too?”
***
Zhuge Liang’s explanation continued while moving to the residence.
“Instructors like me and the Captain are stationed at every cross roads leading to the Murim Alliance across the country. Even those who come by unusual routes will have to take the first test that your small groups took on the ship. We prepared for this test for an entire year. The Captain actually spent an entire year on the ship.”
Song Yi-yeon nodded.
He didn’t notice it at all until the Captain Cheol ji-ak and the Vice Captain Zhuge Liang personally revealed their identities.
In particular, Cheol ji-ak looked like a boatman who had been sailing a ship for thirty years.
Song Yi-yeon glanced at Cheon Woo-jin.
‘No matter how much I think about it, it’s strange.’
Although he had never heard of his name, he was so strong that he could not even detect his powers, and his judgment was also good.
Where on earth did this monstrous scheming beast come from?
“Excuse me! Are you listening?”
Song Yi-yeon was startled by Zhuge Liang’s sharp voice and muttered whatever came to mind.
“Oh, of course. But was there originally a process like this for the selection exam for members of the Murim Alliance? I’ve never heard of it.”
A deep furrow formed between Zhuge Liang’s eyebrows.
“That’s right. It’s a directive from the newly-appointed Alliance Leader. He said no warrior ignorant of chivalry would ever be allowed to set foot in the Murim Alliance.”
“You mean Alliance Leader Buk Ri-cheon?”
When Zhuge Liang nodded, Song Yi-yeon’s eyes sparkled like stars.
“He’s one of the Three Great Swordsmen of the righteous factions, isn’t he? The warrior I admire most is Alliance Leader Buk Ri-cheon!”.”
“… Oh, yes, the Alliance leader is a swordsman.”
“Anyway.”
Song Yi-yeon’s heart seemed to pound just thinking about the leader.
A man who has just turned 40 and has taken the throne based solely on his own abilities, without any background or special privileges.
Amazing! He is the symbol of self-made success! The goal of all martial warriors!
“Ha, the more I think about it, the cooler he seems.”
Song Yi-yeon shook his head as if he was drunk on something.
Cheon Woo-jin, who was standing next to me, said.
“What is the Alliance Leader nickname?”
Song Yi-yeon looked at Cheon Woo-jin as if he was surprised.
“Why is our little hero Cheon curious about such things? Is the leader a dream and goal for the blunt little hero Cheon as well? Let’s see, what was his nickname…”
As Song Yi-yeon was thinking back.
Zhuge Liang said somewhat bluntly.
“He is called the White Heron Sword Saint. Don’t you know that when you call him your goal?”
“Oh, that’s right.”
Song Yi-yeon scratched his head as if embarrassed.
Cheon Woo-jin let out a sigh.
“It isn’t him.”
The White Heron Sword Saint
That’s how nicknames are supposed to be.
Is there really a man in the world who goes by the nickname ‘Sword Slower than a Turtle’?
When Cheon Woo-jin showed a disappointed look, Song Yi-yeon asked.
“Why are you asking that?”
“Actually, I didn’t come here to take the test, I came here to find someone.”
“Huh?”
Song Yi-yeon made a strange face. He thought they would pass the exam together and become eternal rivals in the future.
Zhuge Liang also spoke with a serious face.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. The boatman… no, the Captain told me to get on, so I got on.”
“No? When I checked the list on my way here, the name Cheon Woo-jin was definitely there.”
“Hmm?”
How can I do that if I didn’t come here to take a test?
Cheon Woo-jin, who had been thinking deeply for a while, let out a sigh.
The only people who would do such a thing were his teachers.
‘My masters knew that I would head to the Murim Alliance.’
Because it was Master Baekno’s will.
Both masters wanted Cheon Woo-jin to join the Murim Alliance, although their reasons were different. Baekno thought Cheon Woo-jin would feel true goodness in the Murim Alliance, while Heukno thought he would feel their hypocritical evil.
“It seems like my Master did that without me knowing.”
Zhuge Liang tilted her head.
“Well, I’ll double check first… So you’re saying you’re not going to participate? I think the Captain will be really disappointed. He was happy that a proper junior came after a long time.”
Song Yi-yeon also stood next to him.
“Yes, young hero. Since you’re on the list anyway, just go with the flow. If the young hero’s teacher wants it too, then so be it. Since ancient times, it’s been said that the king, the teacher, and the father are one. The king! The father! The teacher! Aren’t they all the same? Young hero, are you planning to become an unfilial son?”
“…”
Cheon Woo-jin looked at Song Yi-yeon with a bewildered expression.
Zhuge Liang also clicked her tongue, thinking, ‘If you throw him in water, his mouth will immediately float!’1It means his mouth is full of air = very talkative, but she did not say anything out loud because she wanted Cheon Woo-jin to join the Murim Alliance.
Cheon Woo-jin, who was looking at the two people, spoke with a sigh in his voice.
“Okay, I will…”
“Yeah, I thought you will say that. But, who were you originally coming to find?”
Cheon Woo-jin thought for a moment and then told them the information his master provided him.
“I don’t know who he is either. But I heard his nickname is ‘Sword Slower than a Turtle.’”
“Hahaha, don’t lie. Are there any nicknames like that in the world?”
Even Zhuge Liang, who was standing next to him, snickered.
“I’ve never heard a nickname like that before, but I’ll let you know if I find out.”
As she said that, Zhuge Liang opened the door wide.
Song Yi-yeon let out an exclamation of admiration.
“Oh, is this where we’re going to live from now on? It’s a lot better than I thought.”
“It’s a temporary residence, TEMPORARY.”
Song Yi-yeon said with a disappointed look.
“But why do you speak to us so politely, Vice Captain? We are just junior recruits, at best.”
“That’s because you’re new candidates. Anyway, you are not under your command yet. If, just in case, our new student Song Yi-yeon passes and joins the Hyunmu Unit…….”
Zhuge Liang, whose words were trailing off, pointed at Song Yi-yeon with her index finger.
“…?”
Song Yi-yeon opened his eyes wide at the unexpected movement.
Zhuge Liang then smiled brightly, making a gesture of cutting his neck with her thumb.
It was a very clear foreshadowing.
“What, what did I do… ”
“Think about what you did during the exam and maybe you will know?”
Only then did Song Yi-yeon recall the memory of how he had threatened Zhuge Liang on the boat, asking if Zhuge Liang was human.
It was literally a lie.
She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, so he just roughly talked to Zhuge Liang to give off a certain vibe.
“I never thought it would come back to me like this…”
Song Yi-yeon collapsed to the floor. He just hoped that even if he passed the exam, he wouldn’t be assigned to the Hyunmu Unit.
At that sight, Zhuge Liang smiled. In contrast to her usual cold impression, she looked even more vicious. At least that’s how Song Yi-yeon felt.
“Oh, right! Right before the second test begins, we’ll grade you on your musculoskeletal strength, lightness, body acuity, internal strength, and external strength. It’s not that hard, so just know that.”
Cheon Woo-jin simply nodded, and Song Yi-yeon, who was sitting on the floor, spoke in a quiet voice.
“It’s not that easy. Young warrior Cheon, don’t believe her. The real test starts with the grading. You have to do your best.”
“…Will you be quiet?”
Song Yi-yeon closed his mouth and nodded at Zhuge Liang’s cool voice.
Zhuge Liang smiled again and closed the door, sticking her face out as she spoke.
“Then change your clothes and rest comfortably, Young warrior Cheon, shiny guy and you three… what were your names again?”
“…”
“Hey, how would I know that?”
With that, Zhuge Liang suddenly disappeared.
The three unnamed people who seemed to have somehow received a pre-warning of elimination had shocked expressions on their faces.
Song Yi-yeon said, patting their backs.
“Cheer up. It’s too early to give up. By the way, what are your names, really?”
“…”
Cheon Woo-jin sighed.
“You are double killing them.”
Of course, Cheon Woo-jin didn’t know their names either.
Song Yi-yeon came over with a big smile and placed his hand on Cheon Woo-jin’s shoulder.
He said with a shiny and handsome face
“I’ll show you properly this time, Little hero, that I’m actually stronger than you think. So don’t be surprised.”
“I know.”
“No, I’m telling you, I am serious”
Of course, Cheon Woo-jin could clearly see Song Yi-yeon’s skill level.
Song Yi-yeon, feeling a little hurt by Cheon Woo-jin’s dry gaze, suddenly remembered something and spoke up.
“Oh, that’s right. You were looking for someone, weren’t you?”
“The Sword Slower than a Turtle?”
Song Yi-yeon nodded and chuckled, still finding that nickname funny.
“I think I can help you find them.”
“How so?”
“Thanks to you, I passed the first test, so I’ll tell you. Listen closely.”
With a sly smile, Song Yi-yeon began explaining.
