Chapter 24: The Quest for Purity and the Path Forward

As I walked toward the Muakgwan, I sent the Ilwolgi (Sun and Moon Sword) through the tips of my fingers.

‘Is this all I’m capable of for now?’

The fortunate thing is that I have enough inner power to operate the Fungsinbo.

“So, I said, ‘Someone will come to rescue us! Don’t lose hope!’ But the women were terrified, and instead of believing me, they just beat me… That really broke my heart…”

It was a small bet, but compared to before, it felt like the difference between heaven and earth.

The qi gathered in one spot and then spread out repeatedly.

My inner power was still lacking, but the purity of the qi was satisfying.

As many times as I scattered my inner power, the Ilwolgi became pure in itself.

“But just as I said, at the critical moment, ‘Bam!’ someone came to rescue us! Who do you think it was? Sojin-nim?”

“…….”

There are several successors in the martial world who have mastered special inner techniques, but I can confidently say that none of them pay as much attention to purity as I do.

At least, from the information I know.

‘Only five petals are left.’

In the context of the vast Zhongyuan, the level of the Shihwa (Flower) might not be impressive, but from his perspective, at least it’s enough to face a skilled martial artist head-on.

“Who could it be? Sojin-nim!! Ah, come on!”

She,

Pang Gayun, rushed over and blocked my way, placing both hands on her hips.

The girl with blonde hair, reaching her waist, looked at me with clear, transparent eyes.

“Who is it?”

“Guess! The hint is that he’s a very righteous, strong, cool, and amazing man…!”

Pang Gayun whispered, sounding like a playful child.

“……”

She started humming as she turned around.

Every time she spun, her chest swayed dramatically.

“Who could it be? Who, who, who could it be? Pomp pom pom pom~”

It was just a simple hum, but her sweet voice made it quite pleasant to listen to.

“I’m not sure.”

“Eh..”

Looking at Pang Gayun’s blank face, I clenched my fist tightly.

It wasn’t a meaningless motion, but rather a practice to gather and release qi in a split second.

After the five petals bloomed in my dantian, my thirst for martial arts grew stronger.

The sensations in my body were awakening.

Back when I knew nothing, I thought I just needed to become stronger, but after reaching a higher level, I now realize how far I still have to go.

Knowing my own shortcomings isn’t exactly a pleasant feeling.

But the fact that I can rise in level more easily than before is a great comfort.

“Pi… Sojin-nim, are you okay? You haven’t been sleeping and have been training nonstop… Are you still heading out to Zhongyuan to take a mission? You’re pushing yourself too hard…”

“……”

I silently turned my head and looked at Pang Gayun.

To think she could make such a guess.

Honestly, it was unexpected.

One of her eyebrows lifted slightly.

“You seem to be having some rather rude thoughts right now, don’t you…?”

Oh…

Did I get caught?

“Thank you for your concern, but it’s not something to worry about.”

“When you say that, Sojin-nim… Still, you must take a rest!!”

Pang Gayun, who had pointed her index finger at my nose, nodded while looking at me.

“By the way, Pang Sojeo, what happened this morning?”

“Ah! Right. My grandfather called for me, so I’ll be away from the Jeongdo Muakgwan for a while… Please take this.”

She pulled out a small silk pouch from her clothes and placed it in my hand.

“What is this?”

I opened it slightly and saw that it contained a medicinal pill.

From the looks of it…

‘Is this the Jangnoedan and Jasoedan?’

It was a Yangsan-type medicinal pill, but…

A medicinal pill is still a medicinal pill, and it’s not something you can easily obtain. This one was clearly a useful type.

“Ahem! It’s Jangnoedan and Jasoedan. Sojin-nim, you have little inner power for some reason. You can use it for improving your inner strength, but… I thought it might be useful in case you get injured…”

I don’t really need it, but I appreciate the kind thought.

She fidgeted with both hands, glancing at me furtively like a mischievous child.

I couldn’t help but smile.

“I’ll accept it gratefully. I actually needed it, so this is perfect.”

“Yay! Thank you!!”

“I should be the one thanking you. I’ll make good use of it.”

Though I was the one receiving the gift, Pang Gayun bounced up and down with a bright smile on her face.

Then, she bowed her head and said her goodbyes.

“I’m really going now. Sojin-nim, take care!”

“Safe travels, Sojeo.”

“Yes!”

With an energetic reply, Pang Gayun ran toward the main gate.

What an energetic woman.

I pushed open the door to Muakgwan and entered the first-floor hall.

Numerous students were talking to each other or running around busily.

I headed towards the urgent mission board.

“What about this one?”

“Yunnan? Isn’t that too far? Do you have anything else?”

“This is the best one for our abilities.”

It might be the second or third mission for some, but for most, this is their first mission of the year.

Because of that, the hall was as crowded as a marketplace.

“Hey? It’s Jin Sojin.”

“It’s Cheon Sojin, you fool. With how slow the news travels… And why are we worrying about others? Pick something quickly.”

“Investigating the movements of the Majin? This seems like something the Martial Alliance should handle… Can we even do this? If we’re going to do it, we should just ask for help from another squad.”

“Are you going to graduate and become a low-level warrior? Do whatever you want. Anyway, we’ll end up joining the Martial Alliance later… All of this will be recorded.”

“But it’s dangerous. Isn’t it better than failing?”

Most people were carefully choosing their missions.

Though not everyone.

“Should we go with this one?”

“Is that so? It doesn’t matter. Anyway, I will inherit the sect.”

“This guy, he’s really annoying, isn’t he?”

‘I should look for a reward that includes medicinal pills.’

Since I’m at it, I’ll take everything I can.

Usually, students receive missions below level three, so there aren’t many people here.

[Search for Blood Sect Members]

[Investigation of the Location of the Green Forest 72 Houses]

[Exploration near Kunlun Sect]

[Elimination of Foreign Tribes near Liaoning Province]

Most of these were rear support missions, and none had rewards I liked.

Turning the page, I looked for another mission, but the result was the same.

“Hmm…”

‘Should I look for a level-three mission?’

Just as I was thinking that, the mission on the last page caught my eye.

[Village Occupation, Eliminate the Black Sect]

Although there was a condition to go with others, the reward of receiving the Blood Pill (覇血丹) was very appealing.

Since I need at least a high-grade pill like the Gangjin Pill, the Blood Pill is necessary.

‘This is it.’

Since they’re offering a high-grade medicinal pill as a reward, it’s hard to just think of it as a simple Black Sect mission.

The explanation says that as long as you complete the mission by investigating the Black Sect’s forces and their martial arts usage, it will count as a completed mission.

With the Wind God’s Breath Technique already mastered, there was nothing to fear.

Though I couldn’t directly face a master yet, escaping wouldn’t be too hard.

Of course, I didn’t plan to just investigate and leave.

“Then I’ll go with this one.”

“Wait a minute, Dang Soyeong… I’m the leader here. What authority do you have to decide…?”

“Is there such a thing as a leader weaker than the members…? I’m not sure. Anyway, let’s go with this.”

“…This!!”

“Namgungjin, please calm down. Also, I don’t think Dang Sojeo’s words are wrong.”

“What… What did you say?”

Turning my head, I saw some familiar faces.

Idiots.

The Nam Okcheol Sword was still missing.

But judging by how red his face had turned, it wouldn’t be long now.

I immediately tore the paper and headed to Raeji’s room.

Raeji placed the paper down and tapped the desk with his fingers.

“Sojin, are you really thinking of doing this?”

I nodded while looking at him.

A confident smile was a bonus.

“Yes. There shouldn’t be any problems, right?”

“That’s right. You must have gotten approval for level-three missions. There’s no problem, but this is risky…”

“Since you went through the trouble of giving me permission, I’ll make sure to live up to your expectations.”

I quickly bowed and greeted Raeji.

He sighed and got up from his seat.

“Hoo… If that’s your decision, I understand. Originally, this mission was directly assigned to another team. However, I adjusted the numbers just in case. You’re the only one who volunteered.”

“I understand.”

‘So, the condition of going with others was for this reason.’

Raeji master nodded with a relaxed expression.

“As you know, it’s fine if you just investigate and return. For now, sit down. Pyeonggyodu!”

“Yes, Raeji Master. Did you call for me?”

“Bring the leader of the Wuji team right now.”

“Understood.”

‘Wuji team?’

If it’s a classmate, it should be the Wucheondae (武天隊), right?

Raeji master poured tea into the cup.

Warm steam rose from the cup.

And for a while, we both silently drank the tea.

“…You must have noticed, but that’s your senior.”

“Is that so?”

Master struggled to speak but there was nothing special about it.

I didn’t understand why they hadn’t graduated yet, but no matter who came, I was confident in my skills, so it didn’t matter.

“He is the former disciple of the leader of the Wudang Sect. His skills are certain, but…”

Boom—

He couldn’t finish his sentence.

It was because someone forcefully kicked the door open.

A man with a ponytail shouted.

“Master, did you call for me? Can I leave for the mission now?”

“Cheongmyeong! What is this? How dare you be so rude to the master…!”

I heard a loud voice behind from Pyeonggyodu.

“Ah, I’m sorry, Master.”

Cheongmyeong quickly apologized and lowered his head.

‘Looks like Wudang Sect is also messed up.’

It couldn’t be helped.

He only apologized, but his tone was still disrespectful.

“Sigh… Pyeonggyodu, you may leave now.”

“…Understood.”

As if this happened often, Raeji master sighed deeply.

“Cheongmyeong, this is Cheon Sojin, a student who will be heading to Zhongyuan with us. Say hello.”

“I’m Cheon Sojin. Nice to meet you.”

“Ah… You mean ‘Cheon Sojin’?”

Noticing me, he frowned before soon showing a sly smile and raising the corners of his mouth.

It was clearly a sneer.

‘What’s wrong with this guy?’

Does he think he has two lives?