TL: FoodieMonster007

Baek Suryong carefully observed the Viridian Scholar, who was descending the cliff ahead of him. At first, he was uncertain, but his suspicion gradually turned into conviction.

That man... he's learned Master Maeng's martial arts.

Bewildered, he stared blankly at the Viridian Scholar's back. Encountering him in front of the rock engraved with the words 'Viridian Forest Bandit King' was clearly no coincidence.

Master Maeng said he never had any students other than me, though?

He clearly remembered the sight of Master Maeng picking his nose and nonchalantly saying:

"You want to know if you have any senior brothers? I tried teaching a few guys in the past, but they all turned tail and ran away, whining about just a few broken bones... So, besides you, there's no one I can really call my disciple."

Don't tell me he forgot about it?

Knowing Master Maeng, that was entirely possible. Alternatively, perhaps the students who ran away because the training was too difficult had passed down some of Master Maeng's martial arts to later generations. An intoxicated Master Maeng carving the oral secrets of his martial arts somewhere on that large rock was also a plausible scenario.

In any case, the Viridian Scholar had clearly inherited Master Maeng's martial arts.

Baek Suryong was eager to hear the exact details, but he felt a strange sense of satisfaction at the fact that at least a part of Master Maeng's martial arts had been kept alive in the Viridian Forest.

Although the Viridian Scholar's martial arts seem slightly different from the pure Eighteen Strikes of the Viridian Forest, there's no denying Master Maeng's unique style.

The Viridian Scholar's body, though seemingly slender, was admirably well-trained. Just by watching him descend the sheer cliff with ease as if taking a stroll, it was clear that he was very fit.

To Baek Suryong, who had learned the complete Eighteen Strikes of the Viridian Forest, the man still had room for improvement, but that didn't mean he was not one of the best outer arts masters in the murim.

With a little work, he could improve significantly...

"You were looking intently at the rock left by the Bandit King earlier... Do you perhaps have some connection to him?" the Viridian Scholar suddenly asked, slowing down slightly.

Although the bandit boss was asking politely, Baek Suryong got the feeling that he already knew what the answer would be.

Given that he learned Master Maeng's martial arts, there's no way he wouldn't recognize his son's technique.

The Viridian Scholar was Ya Suhyeok's adoptive father. There was no way he hadn't noticed the distinct change in his son after only half a year, and he must have also realized that his son's martial arts shared the same origin as his own.

Perhaps the reason he invited me so readily was because of Master Maeng's martial arts.

Baek Suryong took a moment to organize his thoughts before deciding to mix a little falsehood with truth, as he usually did. "I came into possession of the Bandit King's legacy thanks to a miraculous encounter."

"I see..." The Viridian Scholar stroked his beard thoughtfully. Composing himself, he said to Baek Suryong, "If you don't mind, I'll pick up the pace a bit. The path is rough, so be careful... never mind. Since it's you we're talking about, there's no need for me to worry, is there?"

"Of course. Feel free to go ahead, I'll follow you."

With a light nod, the Viridian Scholar increased his speed.

HWIIIIK!

In an instant, his figure grew distant. He descended the steep, rocky path so quickly that it almost looked as if he were falling. In the blink of an eye, he practically vanished into the distance.

Is he trying to size me up? He may look like a scholar, but I guess he's still an unorthodox martial artist, huh?

Baek Suryong chuckled and decided to play along.

KWAAAAANG!

An immense amount of energy erupted from the Yongquan acupoints on the soles of his feet, and the shockwave generated by his powerful step shook the surrounding rocks and trees. Amidst the showering leaves and rising dust, Baek Suryong's body shot forward like a beam of light.

"...!" The Viridian Scholar turned back in surprise as Baek Suryong closed in instantly.

"I saw on the way here that the Jingang Mountain Range is quite scenic," Baek Suryong remarked casually.

"...I think I finally understand a little of what Suhyeok meant."

"What did he say? I'm curious."

"That... it's nothing. Let's get going for now." The Viridian Scholar shook his head wearily, then slowed his pace to guide Baek Suryong to the Yama Keep.

[Isn't this a bit much? We came here to form an alliance, not to pick a fight,] the Divine Azure Dragon Sword asked worriedly.

Baek Suryong chuckled and patted the sword's hilt. [You don't know what you're talking about. When dealing with unorthodox sects, it's over the moment they look down on you.]

While the Viridian Scholar was Ya Suhyeok's father, he was also a martial artist infamous in the jianghu as one of the Ten Great Villains. There must be more to him than his appearance.

Of the Ten Great Villains, Baek Suryong had met the Bloody Ripper of the Valley of Evil, the Nine Yin Witch, and the Night Emperor. The three strongest of the Ten Great Villains, the Night Emperor, the Blade Demon, and the Soul Hunting Bow Phantom, were collectively referred to as the Three Blights. They were peerless masters of the unorthodox sects, and their names were also listed among the Ten Supremes.

Although the Viridian Scholar wasn't one of the Three Blights, in Baek Suryong's opinion, he was a master several levels above the Bloody Ripper and the Nine Yin Witch. In fact, he thought the man would probably rank fourth among the Ten Great Villains.

While he was lost in thought, the Yama Keep came into view.

"I'm ashamed. Our humble little keep is unworthy of hosting such a distinguished guest."

"...You're too modest."

The moment they passed through the maze-like mountain path and emerged into an open basin, Baek Suryong briefly doubted his eyes. Usually, when one thought of a Viridian Forest mountain keep, one pictured a village surrounded by a wooden fence. The Yama Keep, in contrast, was more like an impregnable natural fortress.

The Yama Keep's high, sturdy stone walls and watchtowers secured a wide field of vision. Furthermore, a moat surrounded the fortress, giving the impression that even an enemy force ten times its size stood no chance of breaching its defenses.

The bandits are unexpectedly highly trained and well-disciplined, too.

As Baek Suryong approached the Yama Keep, he could feel the presence of archers aiming at them from all directions. These weren't the loose and undisciplined bandits he was used to. On the contrary, they resembled well-trained, elite soldiers of the Imperial Army.

When the bandits spotted the Viridian Scholar, they lowered their bows slightly but didn't completely let down their guard.

"What business does a guest have at the home of King Yama?" a guard asked.

The Viridian Scholar replied, "The grim reaper didn't come for me, so I came on my own two feet." Confirming the prearranged code words, the bandits finally relaxed their guard and opened the gate.

RUMBLE...!

"Please, enter."

As they entered the fortress, a burly man with a bushy beard and a stereotypical bandit aesthetic strode toward them. If Baek Suryong hadn't heard that Ya Suhyeok's biological father had passed away long ago, he would have mistaken this man with the tanned skin and wild appearance as the boy's father. "Big Bro!" he yelled. "You said you were going to train, so why are you back so soon? And who's this pretty boy you brought with you?"

"Watch your mouth. He's an honored guest," the Viridian Scholar cut him off sternly.

The burly man glanced at Baek Suryong. "A guest? Who is he?"

"He's Suhyeok's martial arts instructor. Didn't you read the letter he sent a while ago?"

"Who... Don't tell me!" The burly man's eyes widened, and his jaw dropped.

The Viridian Scholar sighed and apologized to Baek Suryong on the man's behalf. "This is the Vice-Boss

of the Yama Keep. He's the type who speaks without thinking, so please excuse his rudeness."

"It's fine." Baek Suryong took a step forward and clasped his hands in greeting. "My name is Baek Suryong. I'm currently teaching Ya Suhyeok at the Azure Dragon Academy."

"Th-th-th-the Azure Dragon Hero!" The Vice-Boss unconsciously took a step back, his eyes wide with shock. He bellowed at the top of his lungs, "Everyone, come on out! The Azure Dragon Hero, our youngest's martial arts teacher, is here!"

Baek Suryong chucked awkwardly, "Haha, I'm grateful for the warm welcome..."

His voice trailed off as a swarm of hairy men emerged from all corners of the mountain keep.

"Is it really true?!"

"The Azure Dragon Hero is here?"

"Huh! It's really him! He looks like the wanted poster I saw before!"

"However, isn't he too scrawny? I heard from that Suhyeok kid that he's as strong as some kind of asura or rakshasa..."

"So the furball came too!"

"Haha..." Baek Suryong glanced to the side, a troubled expression on his face. Judging by the dozens of bandits surrounding him and chattering away as if they were observing a rare spirit beast, it seemed the strict rules and military discipline only applied outside the fortress.

The Viridian Scholar sighed, his face flushed with embarrassment. "You incompetent fools! Can't you see that you're making our guest uncomfortable? Scram back to your posts now!"

He didn't just use words. For a moment, the Viridian Scholar's hands appeared to multiply into dozens, and the nearby bandits collapsed, clutching their heads.

PAPAPAPAK!

"......". Suddenly, Baek Suryong felt a strange sense of camaraderie with the man. For a moment, he felt as if he had returned to the White Dragon Manor.

The Vice-Boss rubbed his bruised forehead and grinned. "Big Bro, since Suhyeok's master is here, shouldn't we throw a feast?"

Baek Suryong immediately refused. "No, you don't have to go to such trouble for me..."

Before he could finish speaking, though, the Viridian Scholar refused his refusal. "Of course we must celebrate! How could we call ourselves the Viridian Forest if we neglect to treat our guests properly?" Please wait just a moment, Master Baek. We'll prepare your welcome feast right away!"

"...Okay." Baek Suryong sighed inwardly. When it came to a love for partying, the Viridian Scholar seemed no different from the other bandits.

"Start preparing a feast at once, and tell the boys outside to finish up today's business early and join us."

"""Yes, Boss!""

"Did you hear that, you bastards?" the Vice Boss added. "It's a feast! Bring out the liquor right now, and someone go slaughter three or four pigs!"

""WOOOOOAH!""

Cheering happily, the bandits quickly scattered in all directions.

Baek Suryong took a brief tour of the keep while waiting. Before long, the smell of liquor and roasting meat filled the air.

"Pfft!" He couldn't help but laugh at sight of the merry men of the Viridian Forest. They reminded him of Master Maeng, who was always freer than anyone.

"WAHAHAHAHA!"

The mood at the feast was boisterous. The bandits ate meat and drank liquor nonstop, all while chattering endlessly.

Are bandits naturally this talkative?

For a moment, Baek Suryong wondered if Master Maeng's talkativeness was a trait common to all bandits.

"Wahahaha! Have a drink!" The Vice-Boss, sitting next to Baek Suryong, repeatedly offered him drinks. He was an affable and quick-witted man. "They're pretty loud, aren't they? There are a lot of guys here with complicated stories and harsh fates. Hahaha! Well, most bandits have had tough lives."

Baek Suryong downed the drink the Vice-Boss offered him in one gulp and grinned. "This is my first time in a Viridian Forest mountain keep. I'm glad it's such a lively and fun place."

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. I was worried you might find our hospitality too lacking and see it as an insult to your dignity, Azure Dragon Hero," the Viridian Scholar breathed a sigh of relief. Unlike his subordinates, he was quietly sipping his drink, and none of the other bandits came near him... because drinking with the Boss was no fun.

"Not at all. In fact, I quite like the atmosphere."

Although the feast at the Yama Keep was rowdy, no one crossed the line. If someone felt they were getting too drunk, they would step away for a bit. Though everyone ate and drank merrily, no one indulged indiscriminately.

Once again, I'm surprised by their sheer discipline.

Baek Suryong studied these details with great interest. Under these conditions, it was no wonder that the

Yama Keep was considered one of the strongest in the Viridian Forest.

The Viridian Scholar asked cautiously, "Master Baek, is Suhyeok adjusting well to academy life?"

"Of course. As you know, he's a very talented student..."

The corners of the otherwise stern Viridian Scholar's mouth twitched as he desperately tried to suppress a grin. He had a soft spot for praise about his son. "Ahem! This might sound a bit foolish, but my son has been exceptional since he was young. Have you heard the story of how he single-handedly subdued his biological father's nemesis, the great tiger?"

"Of course I have."

"That's not all. I'll tell you how special he was from a young age..."

Maybe it was the alcohol talking, but the Viridian Scholar smiled more warmly than ever as he boasted about his son.

"My son will definitely become the new Bandit King of the Viridian Forest." Baek Suryong smiled unconsciously. This man is also a serious fool for his son. Suddenly, one of the more excitable bandits tottered over, gave Baek Suryong an exaggerated clasped hands greeting, and declared, "I've heard that the Azure Dragon Hero's martial arts and looks are among the top ten in the world. Seeing you in person today, I can confirm that you're as handsome as the rumors say!"

He was a well-built bandit with piercing eyes. The only problem was that he had drunk more than usual.

He continued with a playful smirk, "However, ignorant folks like us are the type who have to see things with our own eyes to believe them. How about it? Think you could you show us your moves?" The Viridian Scholar and the Vice-Boss's faces darkened. Orthodox martial artists were extremely prideful people, and Baek Suryong was one of the Ten Supremes at that. Even they couldn't complain if the Azure Dragon Hero cut down this reckless bandit with a single strike.

The Viridian Scholar shot up from his seat and roared at the bandit who'd misspoken, "How dare you speak so rudely! Get on your knees and apologize at once!"

"Okay, I'll do it," Baek Suryong interjected, rising to his feet and taking off his coat and shirt. "...!" Gasps of admiration rang out at Baek Suryong's unexpectedly solid physique. The most surprised were those who had trained extensively in external arts.

"However, it's no fun if I just give a regular demonstration. Why don't we wrestle without using inner arts?" Baek Suryong walked out into an open space, smirked mischievously, and taunted the bandits. "If anyone can knock me down or force both my feet off the ground at the same time, I'll go out and publicize the name of the hero who defeated me."

"WOOOOOAH!"

Seeing Baek Suryong excite the rough men of the Viridian Forest with just a few words, the Viridian Scholar and the Vice-Boss exchanged flustered looks.

"What the hell...?"

"Huh..."

They could understand Baek Suryong enjoying the raucous feast, but they just couldn't wrap their heads around the sight of an orthodox master casually proposing a half-naked wrestling match with bandits he was meeting for the first time.

"Hyung-nim, no matter how I look at it, this can't be his first time doing something like this, right?" "...So you're also seeing what I'm seeing? I'm not hallucinating?"

The two bandit leaders looked on in disbelief as the Azure Dragon Hero threw every charging bandit to the ground.

"Is this all you've got? Are there no real men in the Viridian Forest?! Bring it on!" The Azure Dragon Hero, who had initially appeared reserved, now seemed more excited than anyone.