Chapter 85

"......"

"......"

Since Seoggeulim had a naturally intimidating presence, and now he was frowning, it was hard to approach him. He stood there hesitantly, but Maesinyu, who had been scanning the letter from top to bottom, suddenly spoke up.

"Are you not going to read it?"

"Ah... I was planning to read it when I get back."

"Let me see yours too."

"What? Why?"

When Maesinyu suddenly reached for his letter, Seoggeulim reacted defensively. Without realizing it, he clenched the letter, but then flinched when the paper crumpled.

"I'll show you mine too."

"No, I'm not really... interested in yours..."

He was about to say he wasn't really curious, but a small ripple stirred deep in his heart.

What did Danmokryun say to Maesinyu? And what did she say to him?

"Let me read mine first."

"Open it quickly."

"Alright..."

Seoggeulim glanced at Maesinyu with a slight hint of dissatisfaction and unfolded the letter.

— Seoggeulim.

— Be careful not to step too heavily on the outside of your right foot. Pay attention to the treatment of your left foot injury.

Seoggeulim was surprised and looked down at his left foot.

Once, he had stepped on a sharp piece of broken glass and was badly injured. He limped for quite a while, but he thought it was fully healed now...

— When you swing your sword, you tend to glance to the left. Don't be cautious; focus only on your opponent.

— When a star falls to the ground, it destroys everything without hesitation.

— Strengths: Your shoulders are well-balanced, which is promising for close combat techniques. You have good reflexes and adaptability, so if you work harder on your basic training, you will achieve good results.

He had expected a more personal letter, but it was written in a much more formal and business-like tone, listing items.

"Uh..."

"Let's swap."

Before he could say anything, Maesinyu snatched Seoggeulim's letter. At the same time, he thrust his own letter at Seoggeulim.

The two boys read their letters silently. After a moment of silence, Maesinyu asked,

"Did you hurt your left foot?"

"Uh, yeah. A long time ago... What about your back?"

"Uh, me too, a long time ago."

"......"

"......"

After a moment of silence, Maesinyu finished reading and handed the letter back to Seoggeulim. Seoggeulim returned his letter as well.

While Maesinyu had been quite forceful when opening the letter, he was more careful when putting it away.

"I'm going. See you tomorrow."

Maesinyu, who Seoggeulim thought would just walk in without a word, turned around after leaving a brief goodnight greeting.

"Uh... Yeah..."

Seoggeulim, already addressing the empty space where Maesinyu had been, returned to his quarters, mulling over the words in the letter.

* * *

The children were given about a week to adapt.

Now that they had all learned each other's names and some had become closer while others remained distant, the training began.

"Seoggeulim!"

"Yes!"

"Danmokwan!"

"Yes!"

"Danmokgyu!"

"Yes!"

Seven more names were called out: Gongsook, Danmokpung, Danmokkwon, Danmokban, Yeseonhun, Danmokhae, and Maesinyu.

Danmokhyeongwoo, who called out the names, had a slightly awkward expression, but after glancing at Ryeon, who stood beside him, he gathered his resolve and spoke.

"We are family and friends. When we face difficulties, we will fight together, and when we encounter joy, we will gather others and celebrate together. Do you understand?"

"Yes!"

Ten boys and girls shouted in unison. Danmokhyeongwoo, trying not to show his awkwardness, ran his hand through his hair and added,

"This week, we will focus on the basics. Starting next week, Danmokryun will join the morning training. Any questions?"

A murmur spread quickly. It seemed they hadn't imagined that a direct descendant would train with them.

Danmokhyeongwoo clapped his hands to clear the air and shouted,

"Alright, let's start with a warm-up run!"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

The training program had been established by the elders of the Danmok family, and Ryeon and Danmokhyeongwoo had worked together to make some adjustments.

The children who had just arrived in Hangzhou were in various states of health, so before starting the rigorous training, they focused on improving their nutrition and sleep to build a strong foundation. They also prepared a variety of movements to make the training less monotonous.

The idea of Ryeon joining the morning training with the children was Ryeon's. Danmokcheonji was a bit disappointed but acknowledged the logic in Ryeon's reasoning.

— In the afternoon, I'll have lessons with Grandfather, and in the morning, I can observe the children and be inspired by their progress.

Ryeon believed that he could help the children develop from a different perspective than Danmokhyeongwoo.

Knowing Ryeon's insight, Danmokcheonji had no choice but to accept it.

Ryeon, pleased to see the children running diligently, checked the time and took out something he had prepared.

'You can't build a strong body without proper nutrition!'

Some of the children had grown up in harsh and poor conditions. If they weren't well-nourished as children, they would suffer even as adults. If they got injured, it would be like ten years of hard work going to waste.

While the children were following Danmokhyeongwoo's movements, they glanced curiously at Ryeon, who was busily preparing something.

Finally, after the running session, when the children were panting, Ryeon distributed warm water and a type of rice cake called gyungdan to each of them.

"Wh-What is this...?"

The round shape made everyone wonder if it was a medicinal pill, but the sweet smell of sugar and honey quickly dispelled that notion.

Moreover, upon closer inspection, its identity was clear. It was made by frying and clumping together cooked grains.

"Danmok family special..."

Ryeon, who had been about to announce it confidently, quickly looked at Danmokhyeongwoo. He realized they hadn't decided on a name yet.

"Special..."

"Sp-Special black grain ball!"

Danmokhyeongwoo, whose eyes darted around, quickly came up with an answer.

Since it was made with black stone grass and other herbs and grains, it was a fitting name. Ryeon, grateful to Danmokhyeongwoo, quickly said,

"Special black grain ball. It's made with various herbs and grains to benefit your health. You'll eat this once a week."

Although the children had never heard of black grain balls, they murmured in awe without asking what they were.

"Although it contains many good ingredients, eating it too often can be harmful, so we'll give it to you once a week. Eat it and work hard to become the best in the world!"

"Yes!"

The title of "best in the world" was a dream for every martial artist, and the children gathered around to receive the black grain balls from Ryeon.

"Thank you, young master!"

"Thank you."

"Thank you..."

"Even if it tastes strange, chew it well."

When all ten children had received their share, Ryeon, with a hint of worry, added,

He couldn't forget the expression Hwaryun had when he tasted it during the tasting session.

— Did you make these to kill the children...?

Of course, he had denied it several times.

Even after making a few more batches, he couldn't improve the taste of the sweet, crispy rice cake that combined a refreshing mint flavor, sourness, and bitterness.

'Without infusing it with spirit energy, it was... somewhat edible.'

It was a special medicinal pill for young practitioners, made by using spirit energy to harmonize and purify the ingredients.

The black stone grass, which balanced energy, was combined with beans and grains to enhance the sweetness and texture.

Especially, the sample made by Mr. Jeon from the kitchen received high praise, saying it could be sold as a snack.

However, the taste changed when spirit energy was added. Without it, what was the point?

'Kids, I have no choice. Please bear with it. I'm doing this for your own good.'

Ryeon looked at the children with a tender gaze.

The children, deceived by the sweet and savory smell, took a bite, and their expressions began to contort strangely.

No one dared to spit it out in front of Ryeon. Danmokwan, who had chewed halfway and swallowed the rest, cautiously approached Ryeon.

"Thank you for preparing it... Thank you."

'Is he crying because it tastes so bad?'

Danmokwan's eyes were slightly moist, but it didn't seem like he was truly moved by the rice cake. Ryeon felt even more apologetic and added, as if making an excuse,

"I really only used good ingredients to make it..."

Really...

* * *

'I shouldn't have agreed to listen with them.'

"Alright, Danmokryun! Demonstrate!"

"No, Uncle..."

"Tsk. You should call me Elder."

"Elder..."

Danmokhyeongwoo... was on a high.

There was no other way to describe it.

With a grin on his face, wearing a headband, he was clearly enjoying teaching the children and hearing the title "Elder."