Chapter 29
Dormitory Assignment (1)
Haeryang, having received Mo Il-hwa’s selection, smiled brightly and pointed toward the people setting up barracks next to the stone statues commemorating the Four Great Grandmasters.
“It seems they’re about to start now.”
At this, Mo Il-hwa asked, puzzled.
“Start now? Who are those guys?”
“You can think of them as the representatives of each dormitory.”
“Dormitory representatives?”
“As I understand it, while each dormitory has a Dormitory Supervisor to enforce the rules, the actual operations are managed by a Student Self-Governing Committee, for which the Academy Students elect representatives.”
“You said representatives, but there are quite a few of them.”
The number of people setting up barracks next to the four stone statues in the east, west, south, and north was at least eight to ten per dormitory.
It was a bit strange that all of them were representatives.
Haeryang replied.
“They’re probably the Floor Managers in charge of each floor and their overall representative, the Dormitory Head.”
“Oh, really? Are the Floor Managers and Dormitory Head seniors from last year’s or the year before’s class?”
“Young Lady. You are as sharp as ever. That’s likely the case. According to my information, they are selected from the most outstanding individuals on each floor.”
As expected of the Haomun Information Sect, Haeryang’s information network was excellent.
Based on this information, Mo Il-hwa nodded in understanding and said.
“So those guys are the real power in each dormitory.”
“That’s right.”
“Then if I talk to them, can I get into that dormitory?”
“I suppose that’s probably the case.”
Even for someone from the Haomun Information Sect, Haeryang couldn’t know every detail of the process.
He had merely gathered and memorized the general information.
While they were talking like this, Jin-hyeok was staring somewhere.
It was in the direction of the stone statue of the West Wind Poison Kick.
‘Is that her?’
Just like the other dormitories, there were people who had set up a barracks and were waiting inside.
Most of them were standing, but one person was sitting with her legs crossed, wearing a daringly short skirt that revealed her thighs.
She was a cold beauty with indigo-colored hair and a somewhat arrogant face, and even Jin-hyeok recognized who she was at a glance.
‘Guyang Seo-rin.’
The West Wind Poison Kick, Gouyang Gyeong, has twin grandchildren.
One of them was Guyang Seo-rin, known to boast the most outstanding Lightness Art and Leg Technique among the current rising stars of the Murim.
The eldest of the Three Heroes of Jiangxi, Mak Il-ung, was a master of the Leg Technique.
He was a First Master with few ambitions, but there was one thing he desired.
[I met the West Wind Poison Kick just once in the past. In a fit of competitive spirit, I requested a spar.]
A confrontation between a First Master and one of the Four Great Grandmasters.
I listened with a pounding heart, but the result was, of course, defeat.
He said he couldn’t even properly counter a single form.
He wanted to be acknowledged as a fellow kicking arts practitioner, even if not a worthy opponent, but after being defeated so emptily, Mak Il-ung said he felt ashamed of his own Leg Technique for a while.
[However, that was when I hadn’t yet perfected the Eight Forms Kicking Art. Now, the gap in our realm of martial arts is too great, so the opportunity is lost, but that’s not the case for you, Jin-hyeok.]
Coincidentally, around the time Jin-hyeok was enrolling, a successor of the West Wind Poison Kick had already enrolled in the Changcheon Martial Arts Academy a year earlier and established themselves.
Mak Il-ung wanted Jin-hyeok to be acknowledged for his Leg Technique by the successor of the West Wind Poison Kick.
To prove that his own path was not wrong.
‘……I won’t stop at just being acknowledged, Master.’
Jin-hyeok’s goal was not just that.
It was to complete his studies at the Changcheon Martial Arts Academy within the Third Seat, just like his older brother.
To do that, he also had to overcome the successor of the West Wind Poison Kick.
‘But where is Gouyang Seo-han?’
He had heard they were twins, but he couldn’t see him.
Of course, it didn’t matter.
He was more conscious of her, the master of Leg Technique, than Gouyang Seo-han, who was called the Poison Master.
As he was steeling his fighting spirit toward her, Mumu was staring with great interest at someone in the northern direction.
“What are you staring at so intently… Whoa…”
Wondering what Mumu was looking at, Mo Il-hwa glanced at the barracks near the stone statue of the Northern Heaven Fist Hero in the north, and her eyes widened as her face turned red.
There, a large-bodied boy, shirtless and revealing his well-developed, sculpted muscles, was sitting imposingly on a chair.
As if proud of his body, he was constantly flexing his chest muscles.
“What a sight. No, doesn’t that bastard have any shame? Oh my goodness. It’s hot.”
She fanned her reddened face.
Then, she frowned and looked at Mumu.
No matter how she looked at it, his eyes were sparkling, unable to tear his gaze away from that muscle boy.
‘!?’
Thinking it might be possible, she cautiously opened her mouth.
“Mumu. Are you perhaps……”
“He’s sculpted his muscles well, but it’s a shame. He focused too much on his upper body. His lower body muscles are too weak compared to his upper body.”
“………”
Her reddened face returned to normal, and Mo Il-hwa’s eyes narrowed.
It was a relief that it wasn’t what she expected, but it was somehow more anticlimactic.
‘Is his mind filled with nothing but muscles?’
Sometimes, Mumu seemed obsessed with muscle training to an exasperating degree.
Seeing this, Mo Il-hwa thought that perhaps the brain inside his head was also a muscle.
As she was shaking her head, Haeryang asked her.
“Um, Young Lady. Which dormitory do you plan to enter?”
At this question, Mo Il-hwa’s gaze shifted to the north, south, east, and west as she fell into thought.
She had said she would be with Mumu and Jin-hyeok, but it was still a place she’d have to live in for two to three years, so she needed to choose carefully, as her disposition had to match to some extent.
But at some point, the new students suddenly started lining up in front of each dormitory’s barracks, as if competing.
“What? Why are they doing that?”
“Ah. We’re already too late.”
“Huh?”
“It’s my mistake. I should have told you earlier that it’s better to decide quickly if there’s a place you want, as each dormitory has a limited number of spots.”
“……You should’ve said so sooner.”
Mo Il-hwa clicked her tongue.
Most of the new students had already lined up in front of the barracks.
If things went on like this, she might end up having to enter a dormitory whose disposition didn’t suit her.
As she was feeling troubled, she noticed a few new students other than themselves who weren’t in line.
One of them was Hong Hye-ryeong, the daughter of the Southern Blade Imperial Uncle.
With her arms crossed, she looked endlessly composed.
Mo Il-hwa said with displeasure.
“Why is she just standing there instead of lining up? If she just stands still, is someone going to come and get her…”
Just then, four Academy Students approached Hong Hye-ryeong.
They knelt on one knee with emotional expressions, and one of them spoke as a representative.
“Ooh. We have been waiting. How could we not be moved, now that the true master of Southern Blade Hall has come?”
“Please, take a seat over there.”
“It is the seat prepared for Young Lady Hong Hye-ryeong.”
In the middle of the southern barracks they were pointing to, an ornate chair was placed like a jade throne.
Prepared at some point without anyone noticing.
At this lavish treatment, Hong Hye-ryeong was about to show her satisfaction with a bright smile, but she quickly covered her mouth with her hand and said with feigned coyness, “I suppose I have no choice.”
“……..Hah.”
Mo Il-hwa was dumbfounded by this scene.
So that’s why she didn’t line up; it seemed she had predicted that they would come to escort her.
At this sight, Haeryang nodded as if he expected it and said.
“I see.”
“What do you mean, ‘I see’?”
“I thought it might proceed this way.”
“This way?”
“As it’s for the Dormitory Tournament, the new students would want to enter an advantageous place, but the same goes for the senior classes.”
“The same? Ah……”
Mo Il-hwa quickly understood Haeryang’s words.
It made sense, as the senior Academy Students, whom Haeryang had called ‘Floor Managers’, were walking around and attempting to contact the new students, whether they were in line or not.
“So they’re saying that they seek out talented individuals themselves.”
It was just as she said.
Official Dormitory Assignment.
At a glance, it looks like a process where new students choose the dormitory they want.
But in reality, this was another war.
Each dormitory has a martial arts master who also serves as the Dormitory Supervisor, and under them are the Dormitory Head in charge of the dormitory, and the Floor Managers in charge of each floor.
These Floor Manager positions are filled by outstanding Academy Students from each class, and when one class completes their studies and leaves, vacancies are created.
When that happens, they are bound to search for new talent to fill those vacancies.
The West Wind Hall barracks.
The male new students who had gathered to apply for the dormitory were pretending not to, but they couldn’t stop stealing glances at Guyang Seo-rin, who sat with her legs crossed suggestively.
She scoffed at their behavior.
“As expected, our line is the longest. It’s all thanks to this body. Isn’t it?”
At her arrogant and haughty tone, the Floor Managers beside her agreed in one voice that she was right.
These were her ardent followers.
She treated them as if they were her exclusive slaves.
‘……It’s annoying.’
Dang So-so, who was standing nearby, openly snorted and shook her head.
Since a senior from two classes prior had graduated, she had taken the position of Dormitory Head and was now ecstatic, as if the world was hers.
She truly hated the sight of it.
If she lacked skill, one could say something, but since she was a skilled person ranked within the top five of her class, it was difficult to complain openly.
Just then, a Floor Manager who had gone to scout new students came and reported to Guyang Seo-rin.
“Dormitory Head. As expected, the disciple of the Eastern River Sword Saint refused.”
“Ah. A pity.”
“Indeed. To refuse the offer sent by you, Dormitory Head, so flatly. He is truly an unwise person.”
Watching the supportive Floor Manager and Guyang Seo-rin, Dang So-so grumbled to herself.
‘A pity? What’s there to be pitiful about? We expected him to join East River Hall anyway.’
Why would a disciple of the Eastern River Sword Saint have any reason to come to West Wind Hall?
Of course, he would enter East River Hall, which was established to honor his master.
Anyway, she’s a girl with severe overconfidence.
Guyang Seo-rin gestured for the Floor Manager who had supported her words to leave and said.
“Alright. Make sure to scout at least four of the remaining eleven.”
“Yes! Understood!”
The eleven she mentioned referred to the rest who had achieved top ranks in the entrance exam.
For example, Mo Yong-wol of the Murong Clan and Bae Ui-seok of the Nurturing Mountain Villa were included.
Watching the Floor Manager run off after energetically responding to her order, Dang So-so looked around, searching for someone.
‘He must be included, right?’
She was sure that child would be among the top twelve.
She had been eagerly waiting for that child, whom she had seen while assisting with the entrance exam, to join West Wind Hall.
Meanwhile, at the North Heaven Hall barracks.
Among the Floor Managers inside the barracks, not a single one possessed a weapon.
This was because they exclusively preferred bare-handed martial arts.
The dormitory students of North Heaven Hall were mainly those who revered the Northern Heaven Fist Hero, who was said to have risen to the ranks of the Four Great Grandmasters with only his two fists.
Of course, this was true for the Floor Managers, and even more so for Do Yang-un, the Dormitory Head.
After all, he was the grandson of the Northern Heaven Fist Hero.
“What? You use a sword? Then you’re disqualified.”
If any new students requesting to enter the dormitory handled weapons, he sent them away without exception.
“What? Disqualified just for that?”
And there was always one guy who was dissatisfied with this.
Each time, Do Yang-un would step forward.
“Why? You got a problem with that?”
Just a single twitch of his chest muscles was enough to make their faces darken and leave.
They must have felt fear from his intimidation.
‘As long as I’m the Dormitory Head of North Heaven Hall, unless we’re short on members, I have no intention of accepting guys who prance around with weapons like sissies.’
In this year’s class, there were particularly no guys that he liked.
They all rely only on weapons.
At least there was one person who caught his interest.
[I hear that one of the top twelve this time is Yu Jin-seong’s younger brother, and according to the new students of this class, the entrance ceremony was delayed because of him.]
I heard he’s an incredible guy, enough to tear down the Gate of Measurement.
That would mean he hasn’t slacked in his external arts training either.
“That Yu Jin-hyeok guy, is he here yet?”
“Third Floor Manager Go Du-ho went to get him, so he’ll bring him soon.”
“I want to see him soon.”
He was the only one he was looking forward to.
North Heaven Hall’s Floor Manager, Go Du-ho, said with a troubled expression.
“That might be difficult, Junior.”
“It’s not possible?”
“Our North Heaven Hall does not accept dormitory students who rely on weapons. You there, was it Mumu? I might be able to give that friend a chance for an interview, but the rest are out of the question.”
At his words, Jin-hyeok couldn’t hide his bewilderment.
Since North Heaven Hall had come to invite him, Mo Il-hwa had told him to ask if all four of them would be okay, so he asked.
But he was rejected at once.
He was told only he and Mumu could enter.
But even Mumu would have to be decided upon after an interview, just like the other new students standing in line over there.
Jin-hyeok secretly watched Mo Il-hwa’s reaction.
“Ah. I see.”
As expected, Mo Il-hwa’s tone was not pleasant.
Besides North Heaven Hall, Floor Managers from two other dormitories had also come to invite Jin-hyeok.
They were Southern Blade Hall and East River Hall.
In the case of Southern Blade Hall, they had to refuse because Mo Il-hwa had put her foot down, saying she didn’t want to be in the same dormitory as Hong Hye-ryeong.
But East River Hall also had a restriction like Southern Blade Hall, and it fell through when they said they wouldn’t accept anyone who was once from an Unorthodox Faction, like the Haomun Information Sect.
“Ah, so you only accept people who fit the seniors’ tastes, no, standards.”
Thanks to that, Mo Il-hwa was in a very bad mood.
They had planned to enter a dormitory together, but it had become difficult one way or another.
If the last remaining West Wind Hall also attached special conditions, it was safe to say that them entering the same dormitory was a lost cause.
North Heaven Hall’s Floor Manager, Go Du-ho, looked at Mo Il-hwa and said apologetically.
“Those are the rules set by the Dormitory Head, so there’s nothing I can do, Junior. However, each of the Four Great Dormitories desires a certain disposition from their students, so it’s a long shot for four friends to all enter one dormitory in the first place. So, it’s unfortunate, but…”
“Can we enter if the Dormitory Head changes the rules?”
Just then, Mumu, who had been watching quietly, asked.
At Mumu’s question, Go Du-ho let out a chuckle and said.
“Well, that’s true, but our Dormitory Head is so stubborn, I doubt that’ll ever happen. It might be better to hope for the Dormitory Head to change instead.”
Go Du-ho suddenly recalled what the Dormitory Head, Do Yang-un, had said.
[Anyone can become the Dormitory Head if they can defeat me with strength. Feel free to challenge me anytime.]
That’s what the guy had said to the Floor Managers.
He was full of confidence, but he also had the right to say such things.
Mumu asked him.
“How can you change the Dormitory Head?”
“I don’t know about other places, but in our North Heaven Hall, you just have to defeat the Dormitory Head with strength. But stop it. It’s impossible for you lot who have just enrolled.”
He thought it was impossible unless they were a successor of one of the Four Great Grandmasters.
And in the first place, even if it wasn’t the Dormitory Head, Do Yang-un, he could handle them himself.
He was a second-year at the academy.
Having completed the first-year regular curriculum, his experience and skill were on a different level.
Go Du-ho subtly released his aura, gestured with his head toward Jin-hyeok, and said.
“You should know what I’m talking about. Even if you’re among the top twelve new students, unless you’re an exceptional monster like a successor of the Four Great Grandmasters, it’s difficult to even defeat one of our Floor Managers. Understood?”
“………”
At Go Du-ho’s words, Jin-hyeok swallowed dryly.
‘He’s strong.’
He was openly displaying his aura toward him, and he was definitely strong.
It seemed the saying that only the most outstanding Academy Students among the second and third years could become Floor Managers wasn’t for nothing.
“Looks like you understand well. Then…”
“To compete in strength with the Dormitory Head senior, do I have to stand in that line over there?”
“………”
Go Du-ho was flabbergasted by Mumu’s words.
He had no idea what this guy thought he’d just said.
Even the strongest guy in this group, Jin-hyeok, seemed to have grasped reality after being suppressed by his vigor, so what gave this guy the nerve?
“Hoo.”
Go Du-ho sighed and placed his hands on both of Mumu’s shoulders.
It seemed it would be better to let him find out the hard way.
Go Du-ho gathered true ki in his hands and said.
“Was it Mumu? You don’t seem to know your place. No matter how much you struggle, you can’t even handle me…”
For a moment, Go Du-ho frowned.
He was pressing down on the boy’s shoulders with five-tenths power, but far from being in pain, the guy was just tilting his head in confusion.
‘What is this?’
Is this guy’s internal power greater than I expected?
Feeling competitive, Go Du-ho immediately raised his internal power another level.
He went past 60% power and raised it to 70% at once.
-Squeeze!
He intended to crush the guy’s shoulders and force him to his knees.
However,
“What are you doing?”
‘!?’
Mumu was completely unaffected.
‘What is this guy?’
Normally, if someone presses down on your shoulders with internal energy, you would also raise your internal energy to endure it.
Thus, a repulsive force would occur, but there was no such phenomenon at all.
But he had no idea how the boy was enduring it.
-Murmur, murmur!
Just then, new students and Floor Managers from each dormitory had gathered around them.
‘Dammit.’
Thinking he might be humiliated at this rate, Go Du-ho decided he couldn’t let it continue.
He might get hurt a little, but he decided to use his full power.
“Y-You’re pretty good. But be careful. I won’t go easy on you anymore.”
Go Du-ho instantly raised his power to ten-tenths.
At that, Mumu’s expression finally wrinkled slightly for the first time.
‘That’s right. It hurts, doesn’t it? Now stop resisting and get on your knees…’
Just then, Mumu opened his mouth.
“Are you doing this on purpose?”
“You? D-Don’t tell me you’re still unaffected…”
“So you are doing it on purpose? Sigh.”
-Tap!
Mumu sighed and then placed both hands on Go Du-ho’s shoulders in the same manner.
Then, he pressed down on the shoulders just as he had done.
In that moment,
“Guhk!”
-CRACK!
The stone floor of the plaza shattered as Go Du-ho’s two legs dug into the ground below.
They didn’t stop digging, and before he knew it, his entire lower body was buried in the ground.
‘!!!!!’
At this sight, the eyes of everyone watching widened in shock.
