Chapter 6
4 Formations (1)
Jinyoung had expected Mujin to suffer great humiliation at the official martial arts tournament, but instead it ended up elevating his status. He could not hide his embarrassment.
Thus, led by Jinyoung, more than ten members of the “Jin” generation who followed him hastily convened an emergency strategy meeting.
“Jinjin lost to that bastard Mujin… I still can’t believe it.”
“And it wasn’t just a loss. He was completely outmatched.”
“Wasn’t Jinjin the strongest among our ‘Jin’ generation except for you, Jinyoung?”
“…That’s right.”
The “Jin” generation disciples who followed Jinyoung murmured among themselves, unable to conceal their grim expressions.
“Jinyoung, what do you think?”
Representing them all, Jinseong asked Jinyoung, who sat in the seat of honor.
Jinseong, along with Jinjin—who had been utterly defeated by Mujin in the tournament—acted as Jinyoung’s right-hand man.
“It’s true that his skills have improved. Even his physique has gotten better.”
Jinyoung clicked his tongue bitterly.
Though he hated to admit it, he could not deny Mujin’s growth.
“Still, I can’t believe he could defeat Jinjin so overwhelmingly. If it were you, Jinyoung, could you do it?”
“Hmm…”
At Jinseong’s question, Jinyoung frowned and let out a low groan.
He knew Jinjin’s abilities well, so he had no easy answer.
“Jinjin must have been careless. He lost the momentum early on and got tangled up from there.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course. Logically speaking, how could someone improve that much in just a few months?”
“That’s true…”
Though they tried to deny it, the oppressive atmosphere lingered because Mujin’s display of martial prowess had been so overwhelming.
It’s not just his martial arts. His whole aura and gaze have changed.
The Mujin Jinyoung knew had been meddlesome at times, but like his thin frame, he had fundamentally been weak-willed.
But the aura and eyes Mujin now exuded were nothing like that former frail self.
They said he had suffered memory loss after being beaten by him, but it felt as if he had become a completely different person.
Thinking of the sharp glint that occasionally flashed in Mujin’s eyes, Jinyoung found himself gripped by unease.
Even so, he’s still beneath me.
Biting his lower lip hard, Jinyoung clenched his fists.
Mujin may have changed in many ways, but Jinyoung trusted himself as the strongest martial artist among the “Jin” generation.
“Next time, I’ll deal with Mujin personally. So don’t worry.”
“But Jinyoung, you already beat Mujin half to death and were sent to the Repentance Cliff.”
“So what?”
“No matter how strong you are, if you beat him again this time, you might face severe punishment. After all, Mujin is our martial uncle.”
“Since when did that ever matter?”
At Jinseong’s concern, Jinyoung snorted disdainfully.
His master was Mujun, one of the strongest experts within the Jeomchang Sect and a candidate for the next sect leader, so Jinyoung had nothing to fear regarding consequences.
Moreover, Mujin and his master Yeongho were already out of favor at the main mountain.
“There’s a better way.”
“What is it?”
“Soon, there’s formation training scheduled at the Martial Courtyard, isn’t there?”
“That’s right. In five days, I think.”
“Then let’s suggest that Mujin participate in this formation training as well.”
“Make Mujin join the formation training?”
Jinyoung frowned slightly, clearly displeased.
The Martial Courtyard, responsible for training within the Jeomchang Sect, periodically gathered disciples for formation drills.
Formation training required unity above all else; cooperation was essential.
If Mujin—an uncomfortable presence to the “Jin” generation—joined them, it would inevitably cause friction.
Like a single loach muddying the whole pond.
“Leave this to me.”
“What exactly are you planning?”
“Well…”
Jinseong explained his scheme to Jinyoung.
“Is that really necessary? I could just handle it myself.”
“There’s no need to use an ox-cleaving blade to kill a chicken. And like I said earlier, you should lie low for now.”
“Grr…”
“Let me handle it first. If there’s a problem, you can step in then.”
“…Fine.”
Though he didn’t like the idea of not personally disciplining Mujin, Jinyoung reluctantly nodded.
Not long after Jinyoung and the “Jin” generation held their strategy meeting, an unwelcome guest visited the residence where Yeonghwa and Mujin were staying.
It was Yeongsu.
Yeongsu was one of the elders of the Jeomchang Sect and had previously come to inform Mujin about the martial arts tournament.
Though he remained respectful toward Yeongho, he always brought bad news, so he was naturally not looked upon favorably.
“What is it this time?”
“Must you always scold me? You could at least offer a warm welcome.”
“Hmph. Get to the point. I’m sure you’ve brought more bad news.”
“Hmm…”
At Yeongho’s words, Yeongsu made an awkward expression.
“You are aware that the Martial Courtyard regularly gathers disciples for formation training.”
“And?”
“From now on, Mujin is also to participate in formation training. It is the Sect Leader’s order.”
“Kehehehe!”
Yeongho burst into laughter.
“First the martial arts tournament, now formation training? Naturally, it will be with the ‘Jin’ generation.”
“That is correct. Though Mujin belongs to the ‘Mu’ generation, he cannot very well train with the already highly experienced members of his own generation.”
“They really do as they please.”
Despite Yeongsu’s seemingly logical explanation, Yeongho’s eyes burned with anger.
“Master, please don’t worry. Formation training with my beloved juniors? It sounds quite enjoyable.”
Mujin stepped forward with an interested expression.
“Are you certain?”
“Of course. I was going to request it myself. As a disciple of the Jeomchang Sect, I should participate in formation training like everyone else.”
Unlike the worried Yeongho, Mujin seemed genuinely excited.
“I witnessed clearly how you one-sidedly beat Jinjin in the tournament.”
Yeongsu stared sternly at Mujin.
“Your martial prowess exceeded expectations. Even so, wasn’t your hand too heavy?”
He fixed Mujin with a sharp gaze.
“There are many who now grind their teeth at you. You would do well to be careful.”
“Yes, yes.”
Despite the intimidating reprimand, Mujin merely smiled brightly.
“Ahem… In any case, I’ve delivered the message. Send Mujin to the Martial Courtyard at the main mountain in two days.”
“Very well.”
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
After saluting Yeongho, Yeongsu shot Mujin one last look before turning and heading back to the main mountain.
“First the tournament, now formation training. I don’t have a good feeling about this. They’re clearly trying to put you in a difficult position.”
“Most likely.”
“Are you not afraid?”
“Not particularly. It sounds rather fun.”
“Hmm…”
“Master, please don’t worry. I’ll do well.”
With a bright smile, Mujin reassured Yeongho.
This is a good opportunity to settle things once and for all.
It was obvious what their intention was in making him join the formation training.
But in his previous life, he had clawed his way up from the harsh life of a bottom-tier assassin to the rank of King of Assassins.
What was there to fear from traps set by righteous sect youths who had not even reached twenty?
Rather, this was the perfect opportunity to deal with the insolent “Jin” generation and solidify his standing within the Jeomchang Sect.
Only after securing a stable position here could he pursue revenge from his previous life.
Participating in this formation training was truly a good thing.
What a considerate martial uncle.
From the tournament to the formation training, Yeongsu kept delivering such “good news.”
“Master, before I formally participate in formation training, please teach me about the Jeomchang Sect’s formations.”
“Very well. Going in ignorant versus prepared makes a world of difference. And training in formations is very different from cultivating martial arts alone.”
Yeongho smiled at Mujin’s confidence and enthusiasm.
For the next two days before the training, Mujin diligently learned the basics of the Jeomchang Sect’s formations from Yeongho.
Time passed quickly, and at last, the long-awaited day arrived.
At the Martial Courtyard’s training ground on the main mountain of the Jeomchang Sect, about thirty disciples of the “Jin” generation gathered along with Mujin.
The first formation they would coordinate was one of the Jeomchang Sect’s basic formations: the Five Phoenix Formation of Jeomchang (Jeomchang Obong Formation).
As the name implied, it required five people to move in unison.
First, those—including Mujin—who had no prior experience with the formation received roughly two shijin (about four hours) of theoretical instruction.
Then they immediately began practical training.
“Martial Uncle, I am Jinseong.”
Since the Five Phoenix Formation required five people, they formed groups of five to practice.
Mujin was assigned to a group with four others.
Among them was none other than Jinseong, Jinyoung’s right-hand man.
For some reason, Jinseong and the other three “Jin” generation disciples greeted Mujin politely.
“You…”
When Mujin had just reincarnated and been beaten by Jinyoung, this was the very man who had laughed wickedly alongside Jinjin.
Mujin glared at Jinseong with displeasure.
“You recognize me?”
“Of course I do.”
“I heard you suffered memory loss.”
“I remember you sneering behind me while Jinyoung beat me.”
“Hahaha, is that so?”
Despite Mujin’s sharp response, Jinseong handled it smoothly.
“I apologize for that time. Please forgive me. Now that we are in the same group, please lead us well, Martial Uncle.”
“…Very well.”
He responded, but he could sense something dark beneath the surface.
Jinyoung’s right-hand man in the same group as him…
Though Jinseong acted respectful on the outside, one glance at his face revealed a deeply scheming nature.
“Have you learned the theory of the Five Phoenix Formation well?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve practiced it quite extensively. You may rely on me.”
“Yes.”
Though Jinseong spoke kindly, Mujin answered in a flat tone.
“I know the basics. Let’s begin.”
“Very well.”
Though they had never coordinated as five before, Mujin had already thoroughly learned the formation through Yeongho and the theory lessons at the Martial Courtyard.
In his previous life as an assassin, he had studied and mastered countless strange formations.
The Jeomchang Sect’s basic and straightforward formation posed no difficulty.
“Then let us begin.”
With a sly smile from Jinseong, the Five Phoenix Formation—Mujin included—began to unfold.
