Chapter 45
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I have rarely spoken about my master to others.
This was possible due to an unwritten rule in the Murim world.
It is considered rude to ask about someone’s master. Only fools who rely solely on their sect’s prestige would boldly declare, “I am from the Wudang Sect!” or openly proclaim, “I trained under the Taoist Sage of Azure Monastery!”
Thus, even when the topic of one’s sect came up, all I had to do was express reluctance, and that was the end of it. No one would pry further.
The reason I had kept silent until now was because of my master’s instructions. She strictly forbade me from revealing any information about our sect.
“Disciple, there is no benefit to gaining fame.”
I couldn’t help but question her words.
A sect’s strength is drawn from its reputation. Of course, the depth of its martial arts techniques is the foundation, but reputation is an indispensable factor.
The strength of a sect is often measured by the number of experts it produces.
And to attract more experts? A sect must be renowned.
Think about it.
Even if someone as skilled as Namgung Hyuk existed, without fame, they wouldn’t be able to attract disciples.
No matter how exceptional their martial prowess, if they suddenly created a sect with a pretentious name like the “Azure Dragon Martial School” or the “Seven Star Sect,” how many disciples would they truly gather?
The Nine Great Schools don’t maintain their reputation for no reason.
Even a place like the Wudang Sect has people lining up, ready to grovel on the ground, just for a chance to become a disciple.
There was a clear reason why I was the only disciple of my master.
“Is it really bad to be famous?”
“Of course.”
It was only natural for me to have doubts.
Instead of reproaching me for not understanding, my master patiently explained.
“What comes to mind when you think of the Mount Hua Sect?”
“The Plum Blossom Sword Art.”
“Correct. Do you know what kind of martial art that is?”
“I’ve heard it is a sword art that combines the elegance of plum blossoms with sharp, hidden lethality.”
“And the Wudang Sect?”
“The Taiji Sword Art. It’s a technique that subdues strength with softness, making it difficult to confront recklessly.”
“Exactly. That’s the problem.”
“Ah.”
In that brief conversation, I realized the reason.
The downside of being famous as a sect.
It was fame itself.
“Being famous means the techniques of your martial art are widely known. Even storytellers who have nothing to do with the martial arts world know about the characteristics of Mount Hua and Wudang Sect’s martial arts.”
“……”
“Of course, that’s just the general impression. But there have been frequent cases where even the forms of techniques themselves have been exposed. You understand how much of a difference it makes in a duel between masters, knowing versus not knowing your opponent’s techniques, right?”
I understood.
Once one reaches a certain level, victory or defeat depends on how finely they can split time and act accordingly.
Time doesn’t flow equally for everyone. The more one hones their martial arts, the more finely they perceive time.
For an ordinary person, one second might simply be one second. But for a master, that one second could stretch to ten or even twenty seconds.
Within that expanded perception of time, they predict their opponent’s moves, consider their own counterattacks, and make the most optimal decision. A master’s fight demands precise decisions in minimal time.
Knowing your opponent gives a tremendous advantage. It allows faster judgment and action.
“So, as much as possible, refrain from revealing your sect’s martial arts.”
“Yes, Master.”
That was why I even learned disguised martial arts.
Techniques you could find in ordinary martial arts books sold in the market—flashy but impractical styles with names like “Solitary Sword” or “Celestial Hand Fist.”
These, along with basic martial arts like the Three Elements Sword Technique, were pieced together into a hodgepodge of techniques.
My master had emphasized this so strongly that I never once revealed the martial arts of our sect.
Even when faced with Namgung Hyuk’s test, I simply relied on pure martial logic rather than revealing our sect’s techniques. As long as it wasn’t a life-and-death situation, I adhered strictly to my master’s instructions.
“Are you intentionally hiding your martial arts?”
That’s why such questions made me uncomfortable.
***
Jegal Yeong’s question was a simple one, born purely out of curiosity.
Lee Se-woong scratched his head awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable.
“Why do you ask?”
“I’m curious. I don’t know what you’re capable of or what your weaknesses are.”
“Why ask all of a sudden?”
“As your supervisor, I think I should properly understand the abilities of my junior. After all, I might need to rely on you.”
Jegal Yeong’s reasoning was typical of her—logical and grounded.
For now, they were only dealing with small-time criminals. But someday, they would face true experts. It was necessary to prepare for that.
“Well, it’s just my sect’s policy.”
“You can’t even reveal the name of your sect?”
“Is it really necessary?”
You told Namgung Yeon-hee, didn’t you!
Jegal Yeong suppressed the rising emotions and replied.
“No. Asking further would be impolite if you’re unwilling to share.”
“What’s the big deal about a sect? All that matters is skill with a sword.”
“You’re right.”
Even if she tried not to show it, her disappointment was evident. Lee Se-woong hesitated, wondering if he should try to lift her spirits.
“In that case, would you like to spar with me?”
“Why?”
“While I can’t explain my techniques, sparring might give you an idea of how I fight.”
“No need. I’ve already seen enough. And why would we spar during work hours? Maybe after we’re off-duty.”
“Ah, you’re strict. Well, if you insist, I have no choice.”
Wait.
Didn’t she just say it would be fine after work?
Why didn’t he pick up on that part?
Was she implying that being colleagues in the White Sun Squad was enough?
‘What was I thinking!’
She had asked casually, and Lee Se-woong had answered in passing. If she really wanted to spar, she should have said so clearly.
Yet, the fact that she felt upset about him not offering or understanding her intentions meant she wasn’t in her right mind either.
‘It feels like I’ve been getting caught up in something since last time.’
Ever since Namgung Yeon-hee visited the White Sun Squad, everything had started to tangle.
The moment she finally realized the identity of the emotions floating inside her heart, the muddled feelings shook her to the core.
Since then, Jegal Yeong couldn’t meet Lee Se-woong’s gaze properly. Just being near him made her heart pound. It felt unfair that Lee Se-woong, completely unaware, acted naturally around her.
‘I’m just his senior.’
In truth, Lee Se-woong was the normal one, and she was the strange one.
She and Lee Se-woong were both members of the White Sun Squad, and their relationship was simply senior and junior.
To put it plainly, that was all.
‘Get it together!’
Mixing work and personal feelings was unacceptable. Jegal Yeong had always followed this principle. Even if she couldn’t entirely sever the small pangs of disappointment, she decided she wouldn’t let her emotions trouble him.
She barely managed to steady herself.
“By the way, it seems unusually lively today, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah. It’s probably because some of the seniors have returned.”
The White Sun Squad’s headquarters was bustling with noise.
That morning, she’d heard that Senior Hwang Bo Se-yul had returned.
The cheers celebrating her long-awaited return were so loud they echoed even to this corner.
“Do they always welcome people back so warmly?”
“She handled a big headache. That so-called Shadowless Phantom Thief.”
The Shadowless Phantom Thief.
Once a legendary figure in the world of thieves, his name had caused quite a stir.
Rumor had it that he’d even stolen from the Imperial Treasury.
Since then, many thieves who fancied themselves talented had taken on the moniker “Shadowless Phantom Thief.”
‘He was just an underwear thief.’
The one caught this time, however, had a far cruder taste compared to his skills. His martial arts ability allowed him to escape even the White Sun Squad’s elites and disguise himself so well that even the Secret Shadow Squad found him hard to track. Yet he wasted his talent on stealing women’s undergarments.
“He must really not have anything better to do.”
“Exactly.”
“Why would he go out of his way to steal women’s underwear? What could he even use them for?”
Lee Se-woong muttered nonchalantly.
Jegal Yeong knew he was simply expressing disdain for the thief.
But perhaps due to a novel she’d read the night before, his words sparked a vivid imagination in her mind.
In her vision, Lee Se-woong casually tossed her onto a bed as if discarding trash. His gaze as he looked down at her was as indifferent as could be.
In an annoyed tone, he spoke.
-Why would I need to steal women’s underwear? I can just tell you to take it off.
-…
-Didn’t you hear me? Hurry up and take it off.
A commanding order.
His tone was as if he were speaking to a mere servant.
Yet it was impossible to defy him.
His unyielding gaze, heavy with decadence, pinned her in place. All she could do was squirm, desperate not to displease him. Her trembling hands moved quickly, as if trying to appease him—
“Senior, are you feeling unwell?”
“Kyaaa!”
Startled, Jegal Yeong snapped out of her daydream when she realized Lee Se-woong was standing right in front of her.
“What’s wrong? Why are you so surprised?”
“I-I was just thinking about something! Why would you get so close all of a sudden?”
“?”
Lee Se-woong had only approached out of concern.
It was her fault for indulging in such fantasies right in front of him. But in trying to hide her embarrassment, she’d ended up raising her voice.
“Hey, Junior! You seem full of energy today!”
Just as Jegal Yeong was struggling to calm her wildly racing heart, a guest arrived at the training ground, where they had been alone.
“It’s been a while, Senior.”
“Yeah, really. I’ve decided I’m never taking on thief-catching missions again. I’d rather just fight people.”
“You must’ve had a tough time.”
“You could at least say you’re happy to see me after so long.”
“I’m happy to see you after so long.”
“That doesn’t count if I have to ask for it!”
With exaggerated gestures, the visitor shouted dramatically.
Her very presence seemed to stir up the atmosphere.
Petite and more fitting of the term “girl” than “woman,” her twin-braided hair gave her an almost childish look.
Her name was Hwang Bo Se-yul, and she was a senior Jegal Yeong wasn’t particularly thrilled to see.
“So this is the famous one…”
As soon as the greetings ended, Hwang Bo Se-yul turned to Lee Se-woong.
She circled him, examining him as if he were some fascinating animal.
“They say you knocked down a senior the moment you joined?”
With a playful grin, Hwang Bo Se-yul questioned Lee Se-woong.
‘Here we go again.’
Seeing her mischievous expression, Jegal Yeong sighed internally.
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