Chapter 167 : Summary
Summary
Contrary to expectations, the General Affairs Department was not all that busy.
The saying that they were so busy tallying up mission achievements that they barely had time to breathe seemed misplaced.
Perhaps sensing such a gaze, Jo Yoo-hyeon spoke up with a smile.
"If all the martial artists flocked to the General Affairs Department every time there was a settlement of achievements, work itself would become impossible due to the crowds. Usually, the results are delivered to the corps leaders, and the martial artists are simply notified."
"Then why is it different for me?"
Jeong-un had personally received both of his last two achievement rewards through Jo Yoo-hyeon.
That was why he had thought this was standard for most martial artists as well.
'Come to think of it.'
Even just within those residing in the Heavenly Martial Hall, there were hundreds of martial artists.
If they all went to the General Affairs Department whenever their achievements accumulated, it really would be more chaotic than a market.
Jo Yoo-hyeon began to explain.
"Yu Jeong-un, you are a rather special case. You're different from the others. You know this quite well yourself, don't you? Even when someone is promoted to two-stripes, it's not common for personnel from the General Affairs Department to visit in person. Normally, the reward is simply sent to the martial artist's quarters."
"I see, but back then..."
"Your situation was somewhat unique even when you were promoted to two-stripes. You came out after meeting the chief strategist directly. I just happened to guide you because of that."
When he thought it over, it was true. From the start, he had always been a bit different from the others.
'Even the interviews were unusual.'
In the five years he had spent at the Heavenly Martial Hall, most martial artists only ever saw their own corps leader as a superior.
It was said that even upon graduation, one would rarely get to see the face of the Hall Lord or the chief strategist.
Yet, not long after entering, Jeong-un had personally met Zhuge Cheon-woo, the chief strategist, and not long ago, he'd even had an audience with the Heavenly Martial Hall Lord.
Any way you looked at it, his experience had been a series of unprecedented events.
With his thoughts going that far, Jeong-un asked,
"So does that mean this time, too, you came all the way to Blue Scale Hall on purpose to deliver something that could've gone through my corps leader?"
"No."
Jo Yoo-hyeon smiled as he replied.
"If it were just something that could be conveyed by letter, there's no reason I'd come in person. No matter how much I think of you in particular, I wouldn't neglect my own duties to come. One must distinguish between public and private matters."
"So then..."
"Yes, this time you must receive the reward in person. That's why I'm here."
So, they set off once again, this time heading straight toward the General Affairs Department.
'He said they'd summon me soon.'
When he'd heard Jo Yoo-hyeon had come looking for him, he'd wondered if it was to deliver Zhuge Cheon-woo's summons.
Jo Yoo-hyeon must have already heard all about him from Yeom Baek, and having learned that an assignment regarding the Demonic Cult was on the way, Jeong-un had been waiting.
Soon, they arrived in front of the General Affairs Department.
"Right this way, please."
Yet, Jo Yoo-hyeon did not go directly into the main building.
Instead, he rounded the corner and headed behind the pavilion.
"We're not going to the General Affairs Department?"
"No. We're going to an area that only opens in special cases."
'Special cases?'
That raised questions, but he didn't bother to ask further.
They were headed there already; he'd see for himself soon enough.
Behind the General Affairs Department was a small garden, so neatly maintained that it was obvious at a glance.
Yet, there was not a sign of another soul—the sort of place people didn't visit often.
Jo Yoo-hyeon finally stopped.
"This is it."
Where they had arrived was a small wooden building, tiny compared to the grand main Hall of the General Affairs Department.
By size alone, it looked to be nothing more than a simple storehouse, but its elegant appearance was more reminiscent of a precious library storage.
"And this place is...?"
"Please go inside."
Spreading his palm, Jo Yoo-hyeon gestured toward the main entrance.
Jeong-un gazed at the door for a moment, then stepped forward and turned the doorknob.
Though it was deeply secluded within the deserted garden, it appeared perfectly maintained.
The door opened smoothly without even a squeak from the hinges.
Once inside, he could see the entire interior at a glance—cozy, yet surprisingly deep from entrance to the far side.
And at the very back was a carved wooden rack, just a little taller than a person.
"... That..."
On that rack hung a black martial robe, displayed with pride.
When Jeong-un glanced at Jo Yoo-hyeon in perplexity, he responded with a smile curling at his lips.
"Go and see for yourself."
Jeong-un slowly walked forward.
Step, step.
Arriving at the rack, he slowly let his eyes travel upward from the bottom.
"......"
It felt as if he were facing a dignified warrior, standing with back straight.
That pitch-black, signature Heavenly Martial Hall martial robe—heavy, yet perfectly unwrinkled, its imposing drape testified to the highest quality fabric.
And on the left arm, four bright golden stripes had been embroidered vibrantly atop the black silk.
'Four stripes...'
It was as if four streaks of lightning were captured from the night sky.
Jeong-un realized that even the thread that created silk could be used to represent light.
That was how much he could feel the craftsmanship in the robe.
"Congratulations. You've ascended to four stripes."
Jo Yoo-hyeon's voice, filled with laughter, rang out close at hand.
"Even calling it unprecedented might not be enough. For this to happen already... But considering the tremendous achievement you accomplished with this mission, it makes sense."
"I never imagined it. I'd heard that no one's ever jumped from two stripes straight to four at once."
"That's right."
Jo Yoo-hyeon nodded and continued.
"It's a first in Heavenly Martial Hall history. And never before has a second-year martial artist made it to four stripes either. Most fill out all four only by their fifth year. You are the first in many ways."
"......"
As he silently gazed at the robe, another item finally caught Jeong-un's eye.
He had been too taken by the imposing martial robe to notice it at first.
Beside the wooden rack was a low pedestal, about knee-high, upon which lay a single sword.
Reading his gaze, Jo Yoo-hyeon spoke.
"This is one of the rewards that comes with the attire."
Suddenly, the time he was promoted to two stripes flashed into Jeong-un's mind.
Back then, he had chosen a sword as a promotion reward at the Heavenly Martial Hall.
However, Jeong-un had declined a new sword and instead requested repairs to his familiar black sword.
It wasn't for any particular reason; it was just an attachment he had to something he was used to.
"This is different from the time you picked from finished weapons in the armory. This sword was made specifically for you, Yu Jeong-un."
"For me?"
"You scaled a cliff at Shaolin Mount Song, so I delivered that single phrase to one of the five master craftsmen in the martial world, and requested its creation. I heard even the craftsman trembled upon completion, claiming it was his greatest masterpiece ever."
"......."
"It was a close thing, actually. When news of the Blood Cult's extermination broke, the crafting began. It was only completed just yesterday."
Swish.
Without thinking, Jeong-un reached out and picked up the sword.
The feel of the sword guard against his palm was remarkable.
It fit perfectly, with not a hint of looseness. He could immediately tell how much effort went into it.
"Taking into account your accustomed weapon, I specifically requested a black finish."
"I see."
Jeong-un closed his eyes steadily. The cool sword guard, warmed by the heat of his grasp, gently lost its chill.
With his left hand, he drew the sword from its scabbard.
Srrrng─!
A clear metallic resonance sharply rang out, as if cutting through the air.
At last, the sword's blade was revealed from its sheath.
'This is...'
Jeong-un slowly raised the sword before his eyes.
Wuuuuung—
The smooth surface of the blade shimmered with a bluish sheen.
It was like a slice of clear sky after rain, somehow captured in steel.
It was hard to believe such a texture had been forged from cold metal.
From behind, Jo Yoo-hyeon asked,
"Do you like it?"
"It's as though clouds are flowing within the blade."
"You recognize it. It's forged entirely from precious cold iron. There's no way it could be the same as other swords."
Jo Yoo-hyeon's voice was tinged with heartfelt satisfaction.
He continued,
"A swordsman wields the sword, but a master gives it a name. He asked that it be called Yongcheon, dragon Sky."
"Yongcheon..."
Jeong-un murmured, as if savoring the name. As naturally as the guard fit his hand, so did the name suit the sword.
He liked it.
"What will you do with your previous sword?"
"That one was my father's heirloom. Even if I am considered severed from my line, I can't treat it carelessly. I don't plan to wear it anymore, but I will keep carrying it with me. I might need it again one day."
"Then, let me borrow it. As before, I will have it repaired and return it to you as good as new."
"I'd appreciate that."
Jeong-un unbuckled the black sword from his waist and handed it over, then fixed the newly received Yongcheon to his side.
Having been forged from a single ingot of cold iron, its weight was on another level.
He could tell the difference; if he channeled cultivated power into it, it would surely prove unique.
"Then, I'll wait outside. Please change into your new attire and join me."
After Jo Yoo-hyeon left, Jeong-un changed into his new martial garb.
In addition to the embroidered rank on the left arm of the robe, golden thread adorned various parts of the clothing—from the collar wrapping the neck, to the cuffs, to the long, flowing hem.
'Isn't this too fancy?'
Honestly, he wondered if so much effort was warranted. In the end, it was still just clothes.
Weren't they bound to be torn and dirtied in battle?
Yet, he could also guess at the intent behind it.
Appearances mattered in this world.
Such attire would foster awe and aspiration among fellow martial artists, and would radiate intimidation and fear toward the unorthodox villains.
When he stepped outside, Jo Yoo-hyeon, as if he had been waiting, bowed his head respectfully.
"While you were here, the official announcement was surely made in the halls. The number of four-stripe martial artists has increased from ten to eleven. Please continue to devote yourself for the people of these lands."
"......"
Jeong-un silently returned the martial salute. It would be a lie to say he felt nothing.
No matter how much he tried to stay detached from fame and honor, it was only a year ago he first entered here.
Back then, he'd never dreamed things would reach this point.
As he was lost in thought, Jeong-un finally asked,
"So, is this it now?"
"Of course not."
Jo Yoo-hyeon answered with a chuckle.
"You'll also need to move your quarters. Instead of Blue Scale Hall, you'll be given a whole small pavilion to yourself. Your belongings are probably being moved as we speak. And, a personal training hall will be provided nearby, accessible only to Yu Jeong-un. The remaining minor rewards will be sent to your new quarters."
"That's... quite a lot..."
"It's nothing compared to everything you've done for us. In particular, slaying that Blood Lord... that act alone saved countless lives."
For some reason, it was only now that reality was beginning to sink in:
He had ascended to four stripes within the Heavenly Martial Hall.
Then, Jo Yoo-hyeon said,
"Shall we continue?"
"There's still more?"
"The most important matter remains. You must meet with the chief strategist."