On the way to the Pavilion Master's quarters, which were situated behind the dormitories, I mulled over the situation.

The Pavilion Master, Qinghae Sword, was a renowned martial artist acknowledged by the Martial Alliance and, as the strongest warrior in Jinryong Pavilion, his quarters were placed strategically to protect the cadets quickly in case of any danger.

‘Why does it feel like I’m taking the long way around?’

Since the instructor quarters were on the opposite side, getting from there to the Pavilion Master’s office required a bit of a detour.

‘If they wanted me to see the Pavilion Master, why not just tell me in the first place?’

It felt like a complete waste of time.

Crunch.

The sound of leaves underfoot distracted me as I grumbled to myself, but before I knew it, I was nearly there.

The only good thing about this situation was that by being called to see the Pavilion Master during lunch, I had managed to skip the next training session. Most of what I needed to learn from these sessions, I had already experienced in actual combat. The rest felt somewhat redundant to me.

‘No guards?’

It was surprising that no other Kunlun martial artist stood guard around the Pavilion Master. Then again, considering Qinghae Sword's level, he probably didn’t need any protection.

In Jinryong Pavilion, the only one who might be able to penetrate his defenses and approach undetected was the Sword Empress.

In fact, as soon as I stepped on the pathway leading up to his quarters, I was already within his sensing range. He had likely known of my arrival the moment I set foot here.

‘There must be a reason why the Pavilion Master called me specifically.’

Pondering this, I continued to walk. I'd find out soon enough.

The building I entered looked deceptively spacious, with several large rooms branching off the hallway. I was just about to decide which door to open when—

Creak.

The door at the end of the hall opened, and I came face-to-face with none other than—

“Oh?”

“Ah!”

A young woman with brown hair streaked with gold. It was none other than Wi Seol-ah, the person who had been occupying my thoughts lately.

“What are you doing here?”

The words came out a little louder than I intended. Wi Seol-ah seemed just as surprised to see me, and I couldn't help but feel equally shocked on the inside.

‘I didn’t even sense her presence inside.’

Sure, not detecting Qinghae Sword’s presence made sense, but I should have at least been able to pick up on Wi Seol-ah’s energy.

This could only mean one thing—

‘There’s something in here that’s interfering with my senses.’

Was it the Pavilion Master’s doing? That didn’t seem right. As far as I knew, Qinghae Sword didn’t possess such abilities. I knew a lot about him, including a title he hadn’t even earned yet, though I was less familiar with his specific techniques.

‘So, it must be the power of some kind of artifact.’

That seemed the most plausible explanation. I wasn’t sure what kind of artifact, but whatever it was, it was certainly effective.

“You…”

“The Pavilion Master called for me,” Wi Seol-ah stammered.

“The Pavilion Master?”

Qinghae Sword called her?

‘Is this about the Swordmaster?’

Since Wi Seol-ah was the Swordmaster’s heir, Qinghae Sword could have summoned her for something related to that. But judging by her reaction, that didn’t seem to be the case.

Embarrassment flashed across her face, and it was clear as day.

“…Did you do something?”

At my probing question, Wi Seol-ah flinched.

“…!”

Her head drooped immediately, confirming my suspicion.

‘Wi Seol-ah got into trouble and was summoned by the Pavilion Master?’

I couldn’t help but be curious. It was unusual enough that she would get into trouble, let alone be summoned by the Pavilion Master for it.

“What exactly did you—”

Before I could finish my sentence, the door behind Wi Seol-ah opened further, and a gust of wind blew from inside.

Whoosh.

The wind carried with it an unmistakable surge of energy, dense with sword essence.

Come inside.

A deep voice, heavy like a hammer, echoed in my head. Even though it was just a transmitted message, I could feel it resonating throughout my body.

‘The Pavilion Master is even stronger than I thought.’

I had underestimated him, thinking he was beneath someone like the Plum Blossom Swordsman. Clearly, I had been wrong. There was no way a Grandmaster of one of the Nine Great Sects would be anything less than formidable.

“You, wait outside,” I instructed Wi Seol-ah.

“Wait… outside?” she asked, unsure.

“Yes, I have something to talk to you about. Don’t leave.”

Before she could protest, I stepped into the room, leaving Wi Seol-ah behind.

As soon as my foot crossed the threshold, the air shifted.

Vroom.

“…!”

A powerful energy enveloped me, so thick it felt like the very atmosphere had changed. I could feel a cold sweat trickling down my back.

‘This old man…’

I forced myself to keep walking, ignoring the oppressive weight in the air.

It wasn’t so overwhelming that I couldn’t breathe, and the cold sweat wasn’t because I couldn’t handle the pressure.

‘Is he trying to scare me to death?’

The sheer density of energy in the room made it clear just how lethal the Pavilion Master could be with a mere gesture.

I walked forward at a measured pace, neither too fast nor too slow, until I saw the man seated before me.

He was an old man, with stark white hair and a small, frail-looking body. But the razor-sharp aura contained within him was beyond what I could comprehend at my current level.

The old man had his eyes closed, but there was no doubt he was watching me.

“Impressive,” he said as I drew closer.

“I had heard so many rumors about you that I wondered what kind of talent you might have.”

There were many titles and accolades that could describe the man in front of me, none of them small.

One of the ten greatest masters of the martial world.

A member of the Seven Swords, three fists.

One of the Five Grand Swordsmen of the Martial Alliance.

And eventually—

“The rumors barely do you justice.”

—the man who would one day be known as Qinghae Demonic Sword, a loyal servant to the Heavenly Demon, was sitting there, smiling at me.

   
   ******************
   

The title "Cheonghae Sword" (청해일검) or "Cheonghae Demonic Sword" (청해마검) was known far and wide during the Bloodshed Era. When the Heavenly Demon first appeared in the central plains, most of the martial world—especially the righteous sects—did not comprehend the sheer power and threat he posed. In the eyes of the established factions, no lone individual, no matter how powerful, could overthrow the vast martial world.

At first, this belief held true, for it seemed ludicrous to think that one person could dominate such a large and deeply rooted system. Yet, even during those early days of doubt, some individuals began to align themselves with the Heavenly Demon, becoming the first of many to descend into darkness.

These individuals, consumed by their desires and corrupted by the Heavenly Demon’s influence, were known as the Great Demonic Humans (태마인). They were the first to willingly fall into the clutches of demonic power. Though their decision would ultimately lead to their downfall, at the time, they were feared and respected.

They were the Heavenly Demon's right hand, his first and most powerful generals. In return for their loyalty, they were bestowed with extraordinary powers. The Heavenly Absorption Technique (마도천흡공) was one such gift, a skill that allowed its user to absorb the life force of others. The demonic cultivation that had been forcibly embedded within me was another example of such dark arts.

The old man before me, Cheonghae Demonic Sword, had also been one of these first-generation demonic humans, much like myself. Stories about him falling into darkness circulated shortly after the Heavenly Demon’s rise, and his transformation from the leader of the Kunlun Sect to a servant of evil had shocked the righteous factions.

After he fell, the Kunlun Sect swiftly appointed a new leader, disavowing any connection with him. But no matter how quickly they acted, the shame of his betrayal left a lasting stain.

I never fully understood what led him to fall. By the time I had gained significant standing within the demonic factions, the Cheonghae Demonic Sword had already been slain by the Swordmaster, his head severed in a final, decisive battle.

I did have some memories of him, though. For one, despite his descent into the demonic path, he never seemed as unhinged as some of the others. I also vaguely recall that he pitied me, seeing my own demonic transformation as a tragedy. But that was all—my memories of him were brief and fragmented.

I knew his combat style well enough, but it wasn’t something that concerned me at the moment.

“Greetings to the Pavilion Master,” I said respectfully.

“Ah, you’ve arrived. It must have been a long walk,” the old man replied, his voice warm and gentle.

“It was nothing, sir.”

As I responded, I noticed a cup of tea already placed in front of me.

When had he brewed it?

“This is our second meeting in about ten days, isn’t it?” he mused.

“Yes, it is.”

The first time had been a formal introduction when I had entered Jinryong Pavilion alongside the senior and junior disciples. This was the second.

The Pavilion Master smiled softly, looking me over.

“Your father raised quite a remarkable child. A truly extraordinary one.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

The Pavilion Master laughed heartily.

“So,” he said, his tone shifting slightly, “I’ve heard quite a lot about you recently.”

As he spoke, I felt the atmosphere in the room change. The energy, or qi, that had filled the room subtly began to swirl around us.

“You can feel it, can’t you?” he asked.

“Yes, I can feel it clearly.”

The pressure in the room was immense. The swirling qi felt heavy, almost suffocating, and the sweat beading down my back intensified.

“It’s impressive that you can perceive it so well. Even many second-tier disciples struggle with it.”

“Truthfully, sir, it’s getting a little hard to breathe. Would you mind easing up a bit?”

The pressure was starting to make it difficult to enjoy the tea. Why serve it if I couldn’t even take a sip?

At my cautious request, the Pavilion Master chuckled, and the suffocating qi immediately lightened, becoming more bearable.

“Ah, my apologies. I got a bit carried away with my curiosity.”

“It’s fine,” I said, though I didn’t mean it. It wasn’t fine at all, but there was no way I could voice that out loud. I couldn’t exactly attack the Pavilion Master, after all. Why was it that everyone seemed intent on testing me lately?

Maybe I shouldn’t have drawn so much attention to myself.

The Pavilion Master continued, “Do you know why I called you here?”

“I have a guess.”

It wasn’t hard to figure out. I’d caused quite the disturbance recently, so it was no surprise that I’d been summoned.

The Pavilion Master’s expression grew more serious.

“You’re at an age where emotions run high, and I understand that. But your recent actions have been excessive.”

“I apologize for that.”

“You’ve only been here for a short while, and yet you’ve already managed to stir up quite a bit of trouble.”

I kept silent. He wasn’t wrong. In less than a month, I had already caused more chaos than most would in their entire time at Jinryong Pavilion.

‘This might be worse than I thought…’

For the first time, it occurred to me that I might actually get expelled for this. It wasn’t impossible. The Pavilion Master had the authority to do it, and there were certainly enough reasons for him to consider it.

‘Damn, did I mess up?’

If I got expelled now, it would ruin all my plans. I had to stay in Jinryong Pavilion to see them through.

Should I beg? I could drop to my knees if I had to.

Just as I was preparing for the worst—

“Heh,” the Pavilion Master chuckled, breaking the tension.

“Your expression is priceless.”

“…”

Was it that obvious?

As I was trying to figure out what to say next, the Pavilion Master continued.

“You don’t need to worry. I’m not going to expel you.”

“…Really?”

“Of course. While I do need to reprimand you, I understand that you’re young and still learning.”

I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders.

“In truth, considering how disruptive your actions have been, I could have easily ordered your expulsion.”

I swallowed hard at that.

“But,” he continued, “I’ll let it go this time, out of personal fondness for you.”

“…Fondness?”

I couldn’t believe my ears.

Did I hear that correctly?

“Yes, fondness.”

“…Why would you say that?” I asked cautiously.

“Is it so strange? I simply like you,” he replied nonchalantly.

It was strange. Extremely strange. He barely knew me. I wasn’t even part of the Kunlun Sect.

“I don’t quite understand, sir.”

“Must I explain? Does it bother you that much?”

“No, not at all. I’m very grateful.”

Why would it bother me? I just didn’t want to get expelled. His reasoning didn’t matter much as long as I could stay.

“Well then, as punishment, you’ll be tasked with cleaning the grounds behind your dormitory. That should be sufficient.”

“…”

“Your face is quite something. Do you not understand why?”

“I don’t.”

“If you wish, I could explain it, but if I do, I’ll have to rescind my favor and proceed with your expulsion.”

“…Thank you very much for your kindness. I’ll make sure to live up to your expectations.”

I didn’t even let him finish. Better to avoid any unnecessary risks.

“You’re quick-witted,” he remarked with a smile.

“I’ve been told that before.”

If he wanted to like me for some odd reason, that was fine by me. I wasn’t going to question it.

“Strangely enough, you don’t resemble your father much.”

“…That’s the first time I’ve heard that.”

Most people said I looked just like my father. For the Pavilion Master to say otherwise was surprising.

“Did you know my father well?”

“We’ve crossed paths a few times.”

It wasn’t unusual for people to know my father. He had been active in the martial world for a long time, and many had encountered him at one point or another. But the way the Pavilion Master spoke felt… different.

Before I could dwell on it, he said, “Today was merely to satisfy my curiosity about the famed Jinryong. You may leave now.”

I was confused. That was it? After all that, this was the end?

“Thank you, sir. I’ll take my leave.”

Without asking further questions, I quickly bowed and made my way out. I had gotten off lightly, and I wasn’t about to stick around and risk that changing.

As I hurried out of the room, I could feel the Pavilion Master’s gaze on me, even as the door closed behind me.

For a moment, he simply stared at the door, recalling the young man’s face.

‘He’s grown well.’

The Pavilion Master had been surprised when he first sensed Jinryong approaching the building. The young man’s qi was incredibly pure, far beyond what he had expected.

Even when Jinryong entered the room and felt the overwhelming pressure of his energy, he had still managed to speak and keep his composure. It was rare for someone so young to demonstrate such resilience.

‘It’s a pity.’

He sighed internally. If someone like Jinryong had joined Kunlun, their future would have been incredibly bright. Perhaps even the greatest in all the martial world.

But fate had other plans.

‘You’re nothing like your father.’

The Pavilion Master remembered his interactions with Jinryong’s father, Ho-hyup, a young hero who had once stood against the forces of evil with unwavering resolve. A man who had never known how to joke or relax.

But his son was different. Perhaps that was for the better.

‘We’ve met twice,’ he thought.

But this was a lie. In truth, this was the third time.

Jinryong had simply been too young to remember the first meeting, back when he was just a toddler, holding onto his mother’s hand.

The Pavilion Master smiled fondly as he remembered a conversation from long ago.

• I have no need for the sect leader’s favor. Just, if my child ever crosses your path, please take care of him. That’s all I ask.

 

It had been many years since that conversation. But the Pavilion Master still remembered it as if it were yesterday.

Taking a sip of his tea, he found it tasted quite good, even though his hands had grown a bit shaky in his old age.

   
   ******************
   

I stepped outside the headmaster’s office.

“Man, that was nerve-racking.”

The chill of the winter breeze hit my face, and only then did I feel the tension finally easing off.

“I really need to be more careful with causing trouble…”

I had rushed into things without thinking them through, but from now on, I needed to be cautious.

At least until I wrapped up everything I had planned.

Though...

‘...Can I even do that?’

I wasn’t entirely sure. The plans I had set in motion weren’t exactly small, and it wouldn’t be easy to just glide through things without more bumps in the road.

“Well, somehow, I’ll make it work.”

There wasn’t another option for me. Worrying about it wouldn’t change anything—I had to go through with it, one way or another.

For now, I should just be relieved that things had turned out okay.

‘But seriously, why does the Azure Sea Sword favor me so much?’

I couldn’t quite figure out what was going on in his head. When did I ever do anything to deserve his favor?

Had I unknowingly done something to help the Kunlun Sect?

‘No, definitely not.’

In this life, I hadn’t crossed paths with them. And in my past life, I beat up Kunlun martial artists more than I helped them, if anything.

Which made it all the more confusing.

‘Whatever. I guess I’ll just take it as a good thing.’

For now, I had more pressing matters than the Azure Sea Sword to deal with.

‘Where is she?’

I was looking for Wi Seol-ah.

I’d told her to wait for me outside, but where could she have gone?

‘Did she run off again?’

Lately, Wi Seol-ah had been darting away whenever she saw me, so it was possible.

Of course, if she had taken off again, I was ready to track her down to her room or wherever else she might have gone.

I mean, come on—how old are we to still be playing hide-and-seek?

Before I could get any more annoyed by the thought, I spotted her nearby.

Wi Seol-ah was crouched down, staring at something in the bushes not far from where I stood.

‘What is she doing?’

Was she watching ants on the ground or something?

She was so focused that she didn’t even notice me approaching.

I came right up behind her.

“What are you doing here…?”

But just as I was about to speak—

‘Wait, what’s this?’

I noticed something odd.

Wi Seol-ah was crouched down, moving her hands through the air as if she were interacting with something invisible.

There was a strange, unsettling sensation in the air where her hands moved.

‘Hold on… Could that be…?’