Chapter 12 — Return to Kunlun
Jin Gwang-ung stood alone on the edge of the Abandoned Martial Hall’s roof eaves.
With his arms crossed, he looked down at us from above. The hem of his robe fluttered in the wind, emphasizing his imposing presence.
‘Just how long has he been up there?’
I had grown confident in my qi perception after training in the Abandoned Martial Hall, yet I hadn’t sensed Jin Gwang-ung’s presence at all even though he was so close.
‘Looks like the old man really is a high-level expert.’
I made a mental note to be more careful with my training inside the Abandoned Martial Hall from now on. There was always a chance he was secretly watching me while hiding his presence.
Thud!
Jin Gwang-ung lightly kicked off the eaves and landed gently on the ground between me and Na Gwang-do.
He glanced at me briefly before turning his gaze toward Na Gwang-do.
“What brings you all the way out here? A geezer who gets out of breath just from taking a few steps.”
“…Watch your mouth, Elder Jin Gwang-ung. There are disciples present.”
Na Gwang-do spoke in a trembling voice.
“Ah, you brought the little kids with you. But did I say anything wrong? Aren’t you the one who abandoned martial training to play with money all day? It’s already impressive that you managed to drag that flabby body of yours all the way here.”
“W-what nonsense! Abandoned martial training?! I train every single day without missing a session!”
“Training my ass. Just look at that belly of yours. It’s swollen like a watermelon. Who would think you’re a martial artist? You look exactly like a moneylender who lies around counting coins all day. Kle kle kle.”
“Ugh…”
The mad bear Jin Gwang-ung was as unrestrained as ever.
He didn’t show even the slightest courtesy or formality toward Na Gwang-do, another First Elder. He was simply hurling insults one after another.
“Anyway, what’s the real reason you came here? From what I overheard earlier, it sounded like something about the Great Assembly of Elders.”
“You’ll understand the details once you read the letter your… servant—no, your disciple—is holding.”
Jin Gwang-ung turned his head toward me.
I handed him the letter I was holding.
Jin Gwang-ung unfolded it and began reading the contents.
“Let’s see… What? They’re moving the Great Assembly of Elders forward? To one week from now?”
As Jin Gwang-ung looked dumbfounded, Na Gwang-do spoke.
“That’s right. The schedule has become tight. The Sect Leader has ordered that all participants who are currently outside the sect return to Kunlun immediately upon receiving this letter.”
“Why? Why was the schedule changed so suddenly?”
“I don’t know the exact reason… but I heard it’s related to the Orthodox Alliance.”
My heart instantly turned ice-cold.
‘Orthodox Alliance? Why is the name of those damned bastards coming up here?’
A clear memory from my previous life flashed through my mind.
‘Don’t tell me… it’s related to that incident?’
One particular event from the past remained vividly etched in my memory.
Approximately one week from now, a shocking incident would occur inside Kunlun Sect.
An event that would completely shake the sect to its core.
‘I need to confirm this. If it really is connected to the Orthodox Alliance…’
I continued listening closely to the conversation between Jin Gwang-ung and Na Gwang-do.
“Seriously, I was planning to prepare with some leisure. One week? How annoying.”
“Even if the schedule was moved up, it doesn’t really matter to you, does it, Elder Jin Gwang-ung?”
“Doesn’t matter? What are you trying to say, Gwang-do?”
“You chose an Affairs Hall servant as your representative. I naturally assumed you had already given up on this Great Assembly of Elders…”
Jin Gwang-ung snorted at Na Gwang-do, who had deliberately trailed off.
“What’s wrong with him being from the Affairs Hall? I like him, so that’s enough. And what nonsense are you spouting? When did I ever say I was giving up on the Great Assembly of Elders?”
“This Great Assembly of Elders will feature direct disciples personally trained by the First Elders as representatives. Don’t you think there’s too big a gap compared to your Affairs Hall representative? I’m worried it might damage your reputation if things go poorly.”
Although he pretended to be worried for Jin Gwang-ung, Na Gwang-do’s words were clearly meant to provoke him.
However, Jin Gwang-ung didn’t get angry. Instead, he chuckled creepily.
“Damage my reputation? Bullshit. Since when did you start worrying about me, Gwang-do? Even a passing dog would laugh. Kle kle kle. Before you worry about my reputation, why don’t you worry about your own situation first?”
“Worry about my own situation? What do you mean by that?”
Jin Gwang-ung glanced at me once before continuing.
“I think this kid is going to cause quite a stir at the Great Assembly of Elders.”
“Cause a stir?”
“My disciple may not look like it, but he’s pretty good at using his head. Who knows? Maybe this cheeky brat will thoroughly crush the other First Elders’ representatives. Kle kle kle.”
“What ridiculous nonsense…”
Na Gwang-do shook his head as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
I, too, tilted my head in confusion.
‘Has this old man finally gone senile? Why is he suddenly acting like this?’
Why was he hyping me up so much?
Since when did he trust me this much?
‘Don’t tell me… he’s been secretly watching me train inside the Abandoned Martial Hall?’
I had many questions, but in situations like this, staying silent was usually the best choice.
I kept my mouth shut and simply focused on the conversation between the two elders.
Fortunately, their exchange was gradually coming to an end.
“I see I can’t stop you. Living alone in isolation at the Abandoned Martial Hall must have made you lose touch with reality. Well, I’ll pray that your delusion comes true, even a little.”
“Yeah, don’t worry about it. My disciple and I will handle everything just fine. I don’t need your prayers.”
“…You’re as arrogant as ever. You haven’t changed one bit.”
“Hah, why would I change? They say a person who suddenly changes is about to die. I still have a long life ahead of me. You, on the other hand, should start losing that gut of yours if you want to live longer. Kle kle kle.”
“Ugh… Anyway, since I’ve delivered the message, I’ll be taking my leave now.”
Na Gwang-do shot cold glances at both me and Jin Gwang-ung before turning around and walking away.
His fast and rough footsteps clearly showed how angry he was.
The rest of Na Gwang-do’s disciples followed him awkwardly and soon disappeared from sight.
“Kle kle kle. That Na Gwang-do bastard is still as fake as ever. Well, it’s still fun to tease him. Kkuk kuk kuk.”
Jin Gwang-ung, who had been chuckling, suddenly turned his head toward me.
“I saw earlier — your tongue is quite sharp.”
“Pardon? What exactly did you hear…?”
“To think you called that damn Hyun-eun your ‘brother’ and talked back to him. I liked it very much. Yes, a man should have at least that much spirit.”
Jin Gwang-ung laughed heartily and continued.
“That obnoxious Hyun-eun bastard. He acts all high and mighty as the Head of the Finance Hall, always cutting the budget for the Abandoned Martial Hall every year and acting all smug. Seeing his fox-like face turn bright red was truly a sight to behold.”
“He looked like a real piece of work from the start.”
“Anyway, thanks to you, Han Mujin, all the pent-up anger I’ve been holding has been washed away. I feel completely refreshed. Krrra ha ha ha!”
Jin Gwang-ung’s large hand, as big as a pot lid, patted my shoulder heavily.
“As the saying goes, there’s no weak pup under a fierce tiger. You really are my disciple — you’ve got proper spirit. From the very beginning, I knew you had great potential. Kle kle.”
‘That saying is for parents and children… And what the hell does “great potential” even mean coming from him?’
I brushed off his nonsense idioms and backhanded compliments while nodding repeatedly.
‘Still, it’s good that he seems to like me. Getting closer to this eccentric old man isn’t a bad thing for me.’
In fact, the closer our relationship became, the better.
It would help me gather information about the upcoming Great Assembly of Elders and the ‘incident’ that would soon happen in Kunlun.
I played along with Jin Gwang-ung’s mood and responded accordingly.
“That Hyun-eun guy clearly lacked proper upbringing just from the way he spoke. He should have been more careful with his words and attitude the moment he stepped into the Abandoned Martial Hall where my Master resides. How could he speak down to me immediately? It felt like he was disrespecting you, Master, so I couldn’t hold back.”
I deliberately raised my voice as if I were a loyal disciple furious on behalf of his insulted master.
Jin Gwang-ung seemed pleased with my act and nodded while laughing loudly.
“Exactly. That bastard Hyun-eun deserves everything he gets. Yes, well said. You did well. You really are my disciple.”
“From now on, if I see anyone being disrespectful toward you, Master, I will step forward first and teach them proper manners.”
“Good! This old man has picked up a truly reliable disciple. Kle kle kle. As expected, my eye for people is flawless.”
I inwardly scoffed.
‘Reliable disciple my ass.’
Ever since the first day he dragged me to the Abandoned Martial Hall, he had practically ignored me and left me to my own devices.
Still, there was no reason to say that out loud.
Instead, I continued agreeing with him and flattering his mood.
For a while, Jin Gwang-ung and I spent time happily badmouthing Hyun-eun together like a harmonious master-disciple pair.
After this warm(?) session of trash-talking, Jin Gwang-ung stroked his beard and said.
“It’s about time we return to Kunlun.”
“Because of the Great Assembly of Elders schedule?”
“Yes. The Sect Leader has even issued an order for immediate return. If we dawdle, flies like Na Gwang-do will keep swarming around the Abandoned Martial Hall.”
I felt a strong sense of regret at his words.
There were still many manuals in the Abandoned Martial Hall that I hadn’t checked yet.
However, we couldn’t disobey the Sect Leader’s command.
‘Well, maybe it’s for the best. I’ll focus on mastering the techniques I’ve already learned during the remaining week.’
I still hadn’t perfectly mastered the three arts I gained from the Abandoned Martial Hall — Kunlun Azure Soul Scripture, Phantom Night Void-Step, and Kunlun’s Flowing Flower Sword.
Trying to learn new ones now would only be superficial.
‘I can come back and check the remaining manuals after the Great Assembly of Elders is over. After all, they’re just discarded trash that no one else cares about.’
Once I made up my mind, I felt much lighter.
In fact, I was even a little excited to return to Kunlun after so long.
‘I wonder how Sogwang is doing. I was suddenly dragged away to the Abandoned Martial Hall and didn’t even get to say goodbye properly.’
So-gwang was one of the few friends I had in my previous life.
There was a chance he was being harassed by Wang Dusik’s gang after I disappeared.
Since things had come to this, returning to Kunlun as quickly as possible seemed like the right choice.
I turned to Jin Gwang-ung and said,
“Master, I’ll prepare to return to the main sect then.”
Jin Gwang-ung smirked and replied,
“Kle kle. Prepare? What preparation?”
“Huh? Wait—!”
Jin Gwang-ung swung his right arm and scooped me up like a piece of luggage. In an instant, I was draped over his shoulder again.
“A real man acts the moment he makes up his mind.”
The moment he finished speaking, Jin Gwang-ung kicked off the ground.
Whoosh—
The wind sliced fiercely across my face as we soared through the air.
Once again, just like the day I was first brought to the Abandoned Martial Hall, I was flying through the sky on Jin Gwang-ung’s shoulder.
I was being express-delivered(?) by this mad bear once more.
‘Damn it… This is so undignified.’
I grumbled inwardly while watching the Abandoned Martial Hall grow smaller in the distance.
***
While Han Mujin was being carried back to Kunlun Sect by Jin Gwang-ung,
Na Gwang-do’s group was also making their way back.
A long time had passed since they left the Abandoned Martial Hall, yet not a single word had been spoken among them.
The heavy silence was entirely due to Na Gwang-do, who walked at the front.
Ever since leaving the Abandoned Martial Hall, Na Gwang-do had not uttered a single word. He simply walked forward with a hardened expression.
Head Manager Hyun-eun and the other disciples could only glance nervously at their master and quicken their pace in silence.
Unable to bear it any longer, Head Manager Hyun-eun moved closer to Na Gwang-do and spoke.
“Master, are you perhaps upset because of Elder Jin Gwang-ung’s rude behavior earlier?”
“…”
“His words are nothing but the ramblings of a madman. Please calm your anger.”
“…”
Hyun-eun continued trying to soothe his master, but Na Gwang-do remained completely unresponsive.
“To think he would choose an Affairs Hall servant as his representative. Elder Jin Gwang-ung must have truly lost his mind. At the Great Assembly of Elders, he will surely face utter humiliation—”
“You called him a mere lowly servant?”
Na Gwang-do, who had stayed silent until now, suddenly stopped walking and spoke.
Thinking his master finally agreed with him, Hyun-eun answered with renewed confidence.
“Yes. To choose a lowly servant as his representative… Only a crazy person would make such a decision.”
Na Gwang-do slowly turned his head and stared directly at Hyun-eun. His expression was chillingly cold — completely different from what Hyun-eun had expected.
Na Gwang-do let out a short sigh toward the sky before speaking again.
“You foolish brat. Did that boy really look like nothing more than a lowly servant to you?”
“Pardon…? What do you mean…?”
Hyun-eun looked at him in confusion.
Na Gwang-do frowned in frustration and continued.
“What happened to the letter that was in your hand?”
“The letter for the Great Assembly of Elders? That servant bastard took it…”
Hyun-eun’s face stiffened instantly as realization hit him.
“Yes. Now do you understand? The ‘lowly servant’ you looked down on snatched that letter from your hand. And he did it so fast that even you — the Head of the Finance Hall and my direct disciple — couldn’t react.”
“…”
“Tell me, how many people in the Finance Hall can move fast enough to snatch something from your hand that easily?”
“…None.”
Only then did Hyun-eun fully grasp the seriousness of the situation and lowered his head deeply.
Na Gwang-do glanced at the other disciples and spoke in a heavy voice.
“Listen carefully, all of you. As soon as we return to the Finance Hall, I will select a new representative for the Great Assembly of Elders. I will choose personally.”
The remaining disciples also lowered their heads in shame.
After saying this, Na Gwang-do resumed walking forward in silence.
Then, in a voice so quiet that only he could hear it, he muttered to himself.
“Just what trick did he use…? How can an Affairs Hall servant move like that?”
At that moment, Jin Gwang-ung’s earlier words echoed in Na Gwang-do’s mind.
The claim that Han Mujin would cause a major stir at the Great Assembly of Elders.
‘That can’t be possible… There’s no way…’
Even as he repeated that to himself, an uneasy feeling lingered in his chest.
Unknowingly, Na Gwang-do’s steps toward Kunlun grew faster.