Chapter 16

Jang Woon spoke with an apologetic tone to Yeon Woo-jin.

"I said your grandfather held the lowest rank to convince you earlier, but being the Third Librarian of the Boundless Library actually makes him an impressive person. Managing all the books in that place takes exceptional knowledge. It’s just that this is Mushincheon—a land dominated by warriors—so scholars aren’t given the respect they deserve."

Jang Woon was trying to comfort Yeon Woo-jin, worried he might have been hurt by the earlier remark about his grandfather’s rank.

‘He’s kind.’

Yeon Woo-jin smiled inwardly. He had clearly chosen the right person to talk to.

Jang Woon continued explaining.

"To survive in the Advanced Academy, information is everything. See over there?"

Jang Woon pointed toward a boy sitting with a disinterested expression.

"That’s Seon Woo-baek, the second son of Jincheon Gate. His clan ranks 70th under Mushincheon’s hierarchy."

"He looks pretty manly and handsome. So what about him?"

"Rumor has it he’s got a bad temper. I even heard his family has half-given up on him."

"Really?"

"Yeah. He’s someone you need to watch out for in this class."

Then Jang Woon turned his gaze toward another boy, who was glaring at Seon Woo-baek with an intense expression—one that suggested he might attack at any moment.

"And that guy over there? That’s Gok Yang-woo, the third son of Seungyang Gate. Their clan ranks 78th under Mushincheon’s hierarchy. He’s also infamous for having a bad personality. Be careful around him too. I have a feeling those two are going to clash before the day’s over."

"I see. But what is this Mushincheon hierarchy? Are there a lot of clans?"

"Ugh, how do you know so little? At the very least, you should’ve memorized the rankings of Mushincheon’s subordinate clans!"

"I don’t know much. I’ve spent my whole life in the Boundless Library."

The Boundless Library didn’t have any records about Mushincheon’s internal power structures.

"You’ve spent your whole life there?"

"Yeah. Honestly, you’re the first person my age I’ve ever talked to."

Jang Woon looked at him with pity.

"No wonder you’re so clueless about how the world works. Listen carefully. Mushincheon has a ton of subordinate clans. Those two over there? Their clans are ranked in the top 100."

"Top 100? Being 70th and 78th sounds pretty weak."

"Don’t say dumb stuff like that. Mushincheon’s hierarchy practically mirrors the rankings of the martial world. Being in the top 100 means they’re among the top 100 sects in all of Murim—out of thousands!"

"I see."

Yeon Woo-jin responded absentmindedly, and Jang Woon looked frustrated.

"You don’t get it, do you? Those two clans dominate their respective regions. They’re the overlords of their territories."

Mushincheon’s subordinate clans were scattered across the martial world, and openly declaring their allegiance to Mushincheon gave them immense authority.

No one dared provoke a Mushincheon-affiliated sect—not even the Nine Great Schools (Gupailbang) or the Five Peaks (Odaese).

Being ranked in Mushincheon’s top 100 effectively meant being in the top 100 of the martial world.

These clans sent their children to Mushincheon’s academies to secure even more prestige.

Just being a graduate of one of these academies commanded respect.

The only requirement for admission was being part of Mushincheon—either by employment, residence, or subordination.

Mushincheon’s population was massive, reaching nearly 300,000.

As a result, its academies hosted a mix of ordinary students and martial artists’ children.

Martial artists weren’t supposed to harass ordinary people, but kids their age didn’t follow such rules.

Fueled by youthful arrogance, they naturally tested their strength.

Of course, outright bullying an entire class could lead to expulsion if caught, so most just picked a few weaker students to serve as their "servants."

Teachers often turned a blind eye as long as it wasn’t excessive—especially since the kids causing trouble usually came from powerful families.

Thus, the struggle to avoid becoming a servant began the moment students entered the academy.

Jang Woon had gathered as much information as possible to avoid that fate and was now sharing it with Yeon Woo-jin.

After hearing the explanation, Yeon Woo-jin tilted his head.

Why would they do this to each other?

Couldn’t they just get along?

"Once the class hierarchy is established, you need to be careful. It’s best to get on the good side of whoever becomes the class leader. They’ll sometimes let you off the hook if you behave."

For the first time, Yeon Woo-jin experienced what the world outside his books was really like—a cutthroat society driven by power dynamics.

And then it happened.

Gok Yang-woo, who had been glaring at Seon Woo-baek, suddenly stood up.

"I’m Gok Yang-woo, third son of Seungyang Gate."

Seon Woo-baek glanced at him lazily and replied.

"Seon Woo-baek, second son of Jincheon Gate."

"You look like the only one here worth beating to claim the top spot."

"Probably."

"Let’s fight. Let’s see who deserves to be the leader of Black Tortoise Class."

Leader of Black Tortoise Class?

Yeon Woo-jin had heard of a Tianxia No. 1 (World’s Strongest), but a class leader?

Did that mean each class had a top student?

Wouldn’t there also be leaders for the junior, intermediate, and senior levels?

And probably a top student for Baekyeong Advanced Academy as a whole.

This place really was a miniature version of the martial world.

At Gok Yang-woo’s challenge, Seon Woo-baek sighed and rose to his feet.

"Yeah, I guess we need to sort out the rankings. Let’s go."

*****

“Cough!”

Thud—

Gok Yang-woo collapsed to the ground, spitting black blood.

Seon Woo-baek smirked and spoke.

“Now you admit it, don’t you? That I’m the strongest in Black Tortoise Class.”

“Damn it… I lost.”

Seon Woo-baek looked down at the defeated Gok Yang-woo, then turned to scan the crowd of onlookers.

“Well? If anyone else wants to challenge me, step up now. I won’t bother coming back later.”

Silence.

“Then I take it you all acknowledge me as the leader of Black Tortoise Class?”

Everyone nodded.

“Good. Let’s all get along from now on.”

Yeon Woo-jin glanced around at the students.

Everyone avoided Seon Woo-baek’s gaze, fear plastered across their faces.

Why were they so scared?

“Why is everyone so afraid of him?”

“Didn’t you see what just happened? He attacked without mercy!”

So what?

Wasn’t that normal during a spar?

Yeon Woo-jin had done the same when sparring with Jeok Seong or Chun Ho-seong.

“You really don’t get it, do you? I guess it’s no surprise since you’ve only ever been in the Boundless Library. You don’t understand real martial arts.”

“Is that what strong looks like?”

“Shh! Are you crazy? What if Seon Woo-baek hears you?”

Jang Woon quickly glanced at Seon Woo-baek.

Luckily, he seemed too busy joking with his group to notice.

Jang Woon whispered urgently.

“Watch what you say! You’re going to get us into serious trouble.”

“Sorry.”

Yeon Woo-jin lowered his head apologetically, and Jang Woon felt a pang of guilt for snapping at him.

Scratching his head, Jang Woon muttered.

“If you’re really sorry, buy me some skewers later.”

“Deal! Let’s go.”

As they left the training ground, Seon Woo-baek’s eyes locked onto them.

“What’s this? They’re walking away while the leader of Black Tortoise Class is still here?”

“They must be out of their minds.”

“Want me to teach them a lesson?”@@novelbin@@

Seon Woo-baek smirked and shook his head.

“No. I’ll handle this myself. I’ll make sure they regret it.”

Despite all his effort to avoid trouble, Jang Woon had already caught Seon Woo-baek’s attention.

*****

The next day.

Seon Woo-baek and his gang approached Yeon Woo-jin and Jang Woon.

Jang Woon’s face stiffened with dread, but Yeon Woo-jin greeted them with a bright smile.

“Hey!”

Seon Woo-baek and his group froze for a moment, clearly caught off guard.

Then Seon Woo-baek let out a short laugh, as if he couldn’t believe what he just heard.

“What the hell? Is this kid making fun of me?”

“Huh? What are you talking about? Who’s making fun of you? You’re the strongest in our class. Everyone knows that.”

“Damn right I am. So why did you leave without my permission yesterday?”

“Do I need your permission?”

“Need it? Ha! Are you insane?”

“Woo-baek, let us handle them.”

“Yeah, this is what underlings are for.”

Seon Woo-baek’s followers were already competing to prove their loyalty.

In just one day, Seon Woo-baek had built himself an army of supporters.

Seon Woo-baek smiled and was about to speak again when—

“What’s all this noise? Get back to your seats.”

Their instructor appeared, and Seon Woo-baek turned away with a scowl.

Jang Woon sighed in relief.

“This is bad. We’re completely screwed now. What do we do?”

“It’s probably just a misunderstanding. We’ll talk it out and clear things up. Don’t worry too much.”

Yeon Woo-jin’s relaxed attitude made Jang Woon shake his head.

“You really don’t understand how serious this is. We’re in deep trouble.”

Jang Woon’s worried expression only deepened as Yeon Woo-jin smiled and said—

“If he tries to mess with us, I’ll handle it. Don’t worry.”

Jang Woon’s eyes widened.

What was this kid saying?

He looked like he’d fall over from a single punch.

Jang Woon shook his head in pity.

‘He’s completely clueless after living in the Boundless Library.’

Ignoring Yeon Woo-jin’s comment, Jang Woon slumped into his seat.

Moments later, one of Seon Woo-baek’s followers tapped Jang Woon on the back.

When Jang Woon turned around, the boy smirked and whispered—

“After class. Don’t run away.”

Then he returned to his seat.

It was happening.

Jang Woon shivered.

He glanced at Yeon Woo-jin, who was calmly arranging his desk.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Yeon Woo-jin tilted his head.

“It’s nothing. Let’s just get ready for class.”

“You sure you’re okay? You look pale.”

“I’m fine. I just hate studying.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Let’s focus.”

“Alright.”

*****

That evening.

Whack—

Thud—

Jang Woon tumbled to the ground, coughing.

Seon Woo-baek’s gang surrounded him, and Seon Woo-baek crouched in front of him.

“Hah. Seriously? You thought you could blow me off like that? I told you both to come, but you showed up alone?”

“Cough… I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? Then maybe you shouldn’t have pissed me off in the first place.”

Smack—

“Urgh!”

“See? If you don’t want to apologize later, don’t mess up in the first place. Got it?”

Slap— Slap—

Seon Woo-baek kept hitting Jang Woon’s face, drawing blood from his mouth.

“Hold him.”

His lackeys grabbed Jang Woon and hauled him upright.

“I’ve been learning something new lately, and I need practice.”

Tap— Tap—

Seon Woo-baek pressed on Jang Woon’s pressure points.

“Know what it’s called? Bone-Splitting and Tendon-Twisting Technique (Bungeun Chakgol). Ever heard of it?”

Tap— Tap—

He paused for a moment.

“Hmm. Was it here? Or here?”

He seemed uncertain.

“Oh well, I’ll just try everything.”

Tap—

The moment he struck the final point, black veins bulged on Jang Woon’s face.

Crack— Pop—

His bones shifted out of place, and he screamed in agony.

“Arghhh!”