3
8
9.
At first, I thought it might be a prank, but I dismissed that hypothesis for two reasons. If they intended to mock the nickname ‘Black Flame Dragon,’ they wouldn’t have left a letter consisting of nothing more than a meaningless string of numbers.
The second reason is the method. [Do not deliver if you return, and deliver if you do not return.]
This means that the orderer anticipated from the beginning that he might not return, or rather, might not be able to return.
The fact that they went out of their way to send me a message in such a code suggests that they are likely someone I have previously been in contact with.
And when I think about the people around me lately, most of them just kept coming in infinitely, and no one ever went out.
In other words, the possibility that this orderer has left the Infinite is slim. ‘Then… …’ Ultimately, among those who entered the Infinite, the one who could not return to this inn.
That person entrusted this item and the letter.
The only one who fits all these conditions is… … ‘Damak!’ If there is a person who has entered the Infinite but has a personal reason preventing them from returning to the inn, it is none other than the commander-in-chief of the Black Alliance.
On top of that, the fact that they went out of their way to use the nickname ‘Black Flame Dragon’.
Then, what could be the reason he left this scroll? ‘He summoned me.’ He wants me to enter the Qimen Formation he unfolded within the Martial Arts Alliance.
The problem is that even if I know his intentions, I cannot act as he wishes.
“If you want me to enter the system, you should write down the proper way to get in. What am I supposed to do with just these incomprehensible numbers?” “I didn’t think he was like that; he’s a really clueless person.” That is the problem with geniuses. Because they think that if they can do it, everyone else can too.
I did not yield to the genius’s oppressive behavior and found a way.
Just then, a genius smart enough to be compared to Damak had arrived.
Plus, we’re really close.
“……
older brother…….”
No matter how close we were, I felt incredibly sorry for waking you up in the middle of the night.
older brother.”
Jegal Cheon-gi approached me with half-closed eyes, snuggled deep into my arms, and sat there blankly and still.
“Cheongi, are you asleep?”
No, Brother.
Cheongi rubs his eyes after answering in a slow tone.
Then, she soon smiles brightly.
Did you come here at this hour of the night because you wanted to see your younger sibling?
I unconsciously nodded at the look of anticipation in their eyes.
“Uh, yeah. Right.”
I’m so touched, Brother.
Jegal Cheon-gi buried his face deep into my chest once again and hugged me.
You rascal, you’re not going to keep sleeping like this, are you?
I’m in a bit of a rush right now.
I patted his back and woke him from his light sleep.
“Cheon-gi, I’m sorry, but… could you let this slide?”
“What do you mean?”
When I held out the leather to Cheongi, a spark slowly began to fill the blank eyes of the fellow.
“Why are you holding this, brother?”
“Do you understand what it is?”
This is Gwangwolsu.
“Gwangwolsu?”
Cheon-gi nodded vigorously and poured out his explanation.
Isn’t the Gimunjinsik a law that twists the providence of nature to create illusions? And within this law, the numerical principles commonly used
There are.
“Is this one of the calculations?”
The numerology primarily used within the Jegal family consists of combinations from approximately five categories, including the Five Elements, Yin-Yang, and Heaven-Earth numbers. Among these, the Light Moon number is a numerology frequently used in the Dark Path martial arts world to create Qimen formations or sword formations.
As expected, my prediction was right.
It is certain that the letter was sent by Damak.
I guess geniuses really do understand each other.
“Then, with this, can you find the Gate of Life within the Qimen Zhenshi?”
“Which Gimunjinsik is it?”
I don’t know that.
“…….”
Because that area became a restricted zone after the raid on the Bonganjeon.
Even within the Qimen Zhenshi, which is based on the same numerical formula, it can unfold in completely different ways. Moreover, it is commonplace for the majority to hide the standard numerical formula in the deepest part…….
So you’re saying it won’t work.
As I let out a small sigh of disappointment, Cheongi cautiously asked.
“Do you really have to go in?”
Actually, it is difficult to judge accurately.
If Damak had spread it, he might have been able to take it down himself.
If it hadn’t been easy to retrieve, it wouldn’t have left behind a clue like this.
If so, Damak could come out on his own, so why is he insisting that I come in?
He is a person who, in both his past and present lives, thoroughly prepared for every possible scenario, one by one.
The bundle brought by the waiter must be one of the various arrangements he has prepared.
So, he must have predicted that a situation would inevitably arise where I would have to step in. I became curious.
Why did he go out of his way to summon me in there, knowing the existence of the Demonic Cult and the direction in which the Black Alliance and the Murim Alliance should head?
Yeah, whatever the reason.
I must go in.
I must go in.
Cheongi nodded as he looked at my determined gaze.
Then, there is one way.
“What kind is it?”
He caught his breath for a moment and met my eyes straight in the eye.
You are going in with me.
Uh… that’s a bit… What I’m about to do is very dangerous.
Come to think of it, when has my work ever not been dangerous? Well, that’s not to say.
This situation is particularly dangerous.
To think I had to sneak into the Murim Alliance’s forbidden zone, and even brought Jegal Cheon-gi along.
Taking a priest to do evil deeds is morally problematic, but isn’t the fact that the commander-in-chief is Cheon-gi’s grandfather an even bigger problem?
Is there no other way?
Cheongi, who had been blinking his eyes while looking at me, answered nonchalantly.
“If you memorize all thirty types of Gimunjinsik and about twenty types of Geomjin based on Gwangwolsu, it might be slightly less dangerous, but I’m not so sure.”
A guy who explains why something doesn’t work in such a logically coherent way.
Memorizing it isn’t the problem, but the fact that it takes time is the issue.
Moreover, this isn’t the time to leisurely analyze the formation before entering.
Hmm, what to do… … .
No matter how much you agonize over it, in the end, there is only one way.
I firmly grasped his shoulder.
It is something that might feel a bit dangerous and a bit illegal.
“Surely not… Are you planning to raid the Heukdo sect? No way! I’d rather work harder and earn the money for you, Brother.”
What on earth does he think of me?
Wait, what do all my priests think of me?
That is not the case.
“Ah, it hurts, Brother…….”
Oh no, it looks like I tightened my grip on your shoulder without realizing it.
I quietly pulled my hand away and patted the guy’s head.
The place we need to go is the Murim Alliance.
Is this the Bonganjeon?
“okay.”
It must be related to a big matter.
Cheongi nodded as if he understood something. ‘What is it? What does he mean by understanding?’ While I tilted my head, he clenched his small fist tightly.
“Understood. I will join you, brother.”
“No, what do you mean by that?”
“Honestly, I don’t know exactly what you’re going to do. But whatever it is, I know very well that you wouldn’t do anything wrong.”
Didn’t you just suspect me of stealing?
“Please wait a moment. I will be right back after changing into my undercover clothes.”
“Wait, you have a stealth suit…?”
I don’t know why he has the stealth suit, but Cheon-gi left before he could even hear my answer.
I also hesitated for a moment, but soon gave up.
“Anyway, there is only one answer set right now. ‘It is to prevent war, so surely the Commander-in-Chief will forgive this much, right?’ The image of Zhuge Xiaoming’s strangely chilling gaze came to mind, but I quickly pushed it out of my head. #Stealth attire (Just a black martial arts uniform with a mask; I was told to take it off because it would be too conspicuous)
The place they moved to with Jegal Cheon-gi, who was wearing the suit, was not the Murim Alliance but the lodging.
Weren’t you supposed to go to the Bonganjeon?
“Isn’t the security tight?”
I’ve also learned a little bit of stealth.
You know, his swordsmanship is better than most kids’, too.
However, the Murim Alliance’s vigilance is currently at its peak.
Everyone is waiting for anyone to cross the boundary and invade.
Such tight security could never be easily breached, and it was clear that getting caught would result in a great misfortune.
So, a slightly safer method was needed.
Rattling sound.
As soon as I opened the door to the lodging and entered, sure enough, Dang Seo-hui was sleeping face down on the table, drooling.
I cautiously approached Dang Seo-hui and placed my hand on her shoulder.
widely.
At that moment, another hand seized my hand with such speed that it was hard to believe I had been asleep; the three large needles stuck in the fingers flashed and were suddenly aimed right at my vital spot.
Gulp.
I feel a tickling sensation like a needle at the tip of my throat.
“Mmm… is that your junior?”
Dang Seo-hee, checking me once again with eyes that couldn’t even open properly.
Yes, it’s me.
“Yawn… I thought you were an aggressor.”
To think I’m being treated like a raider in my own home.
Since it wasn’t important, I let it slide for now and spoke to Dang Seo-hee as she inserted the needle.
I need help from my senior.
I’m sleepy.
Dang Seo-hee turns her head away and rests it on the table once again.
I guess telling it straight doesn’t work?
It is time to become a true chivalrous hero.
Dang Seo-hee flinched
He lifts his head, saying – but his half-closed eyes remain the same.
“Haaam…… I am already a true chivalrous hero.”
And then Dang Seo-hee buries her head once again.
I brought something knowing this would happen.
At the sound of a rustling, Dang Seo-hui’s ears prick up and her eyes snap open.
What is that?
Do you know about Parkga Seolbyeong?
“Ba, Park-ga……! I couldn’t get the items because I was always out of materials…….”
I nodded cheerfully.
“Yes. It is that very snow cake.”
Dang Seo-hee’s eyes began to sparkle.
I quickly raised the snow cake high and fled to a place where Dang Seo-hui’s hand could not reach it.
I… I wish you would give it to me.
Dang Seo-hee standing on tiptoes, struggling with all her might.
After I deliberately lowered the snow cake and let it briefly brush against her hand.
“Lord, giving is…….”
He raised it high again.
You can’t do it empty-handed.
“Th-then…?”
Please help with the work.
“What are you talking about?”
You must enter the Bonganjeon Hall.
Dang Seo-hui’s eyes grew cold.
Are you trying to sneak in?
“Yes. We have to sneak in.”
Committing illegal acts is wrong.
A true chivalrous hero must sometimes accomplish even the things that people point fingers at. All of this is solely for the greater good.
Dang Seo-hee’s gaze wavers as her worries deepen.
At that moment, Zhuge Tianqi muttered softly.
“Brother, isn’t that woman an unemployed shaman? Do you think such ridiculous persuasion will work on someone like that?”
“Cheon-gi, when persuading people, what matters isn’t the logic. It’s about which emotions you empathize with.”
“What is that…….”
Watch closely.
I deliberately moved my hand to make a rustling sound
– Made a sound come out of the snow cake.
At that, Dang Seo-hui, who had been looking back and forth between Seol-byeong and my face, finally nodded with a stern expression.
“All of this is for the sake of the Jianghu…….”
While Zhuge Tianqi was shocked, I quickly answered.
The Jianghu will never forget the sacrifice of Great Hero Tang!!
Before I knew it, Seol-byeong had slipped out of my hand and been sucked into Dang Seo-hui’s. After entering the Murim Alliance, we headed to the side hall.
The security was tight, but no one stood in our way, with Dang Seo-hui leading the way.
Before reaching the main hall, we hid in the shade to avoid people’s gazes.
Leaving behind Zhuge Tianqi, who was relatively weak at concealing his presence, Tang Seohui and I approached the wall of the Bonganjeon.
Dang Seo-hui took out three mother-of-pearl bottles from her bosom.
You must not kill Senior Dang. He is an ally.
Dang Seo-hui looked at me with a sour expression.
You must use the Forgetfulness Herb and the Paralysis Herb together. Once they realize they are asleep, they will notice the intrusion.
Tsk, you’re showing off in front of a silkworm pupa.
I squeezed my mouth shut.
Dang Seo-hui closes her eyes and lifts her nose high as if sniffing.
Then, pretending to sense something in the void invisible to my eyes, he soon slowly opened the mother-of-pearl bottle.
Swoosh.
Riding on Dang Seo-hui’s flushed hands, white smoke begins to gently spread from three mother-of-pearl bottles across the Bonganjeon area.
The eyelids of those who had been scanning their surroundings with stern eyes begin to blink heavily.
Then, as if his body had frozen in place, he closed his eyes.
It’s done.
After patting Dang Seo-hui’s head, he called Cheon-gi and tried to climb over the wall to enter Bonganjeon.
Whirl
Dang Seo-hui followed closely.
We will go by ourselves.
“How will you come out? Will you come out while letting people know?”
That’s true, too.
The deliberation was short, and the action was faster.
It’s ridiculous to say it can’t be kept a secret at this point.
I nodded lightly and moved my body again.
As I entered the main hall, I was surprised to find the members asleep while standing upright.
For me, having only ever seen people invariably collapse to the floor after being struck by sleeping poison, it was a truly fascinating sight. ‘A true successor who has inherited the Poison King’s legacy…’ As I passed the strange surroundings and stepped out into the annex.
Whoosh
The problematic Gimunjin was operating while spreading black mist.
“Can you do it?”
Knowing that time was of the essence, Zhuge Tianqi took out a few strange-looking tools from his pocket without even having time to take out his writing implements and began to mutter.
And not long after, he stirred up a part of the fog with his hand, and the moment he took a step.
Whoosh
As part of the fog cleared, the entrance was revealed.
From now on, you must follow only me.
With Zhuge Tianqi at the forefront, we began to cautiously cross the formation.
I stopped Dang Seo-hui several times from trying to touch something.
It gave off a similar vibe to the Infinite Indestructible Soul Destruction Formation in that everything around was completely black and not even an inch ahead could be discerned.
Cheongi carefully opened the way, checking his tools and leather letters alternately.
How much time had passed like that?
“Brother, we’ve arrived.”
I reached the exit of Gimunjin.
I’ll take the lead.
Let’s take a step forward, assuming a one-in-a-million situation just in case.
Shhh.
The surrounding fog miraculously cleared, and an annex appeared before my eyes.
And in the middle of it.
You are late, Young Master Jin.
Damak, looking somewhat gaunt for some reason, was staring at me expressionlessly with his hands clasped behind his back.
Just as I was relieved to think he was alive and glad to see him, I was about to approach him.
Chaechachachachachang.
At the same time, several swords and blades were aimed at me and my party.
They were clearly warriors of the Black Alliance, not allies.
They uninhibitedly spew out a rough and ferocious killing intent.
Then, a voice low like fog is aimed at us.
Are you ready to pay the price for what the Murim Alliance has done?
