Chapter 410
## Chapter 410. The Reason for the Living (4)
—
The meditation lasted only an hour, yet the state of my flesh felt entirely transformed. The lacerations that had refused to stop oozing blood were largely sealed, and the depleted reservoir of my internal energy was replenished to a functional level.
“Jin-gong-ja, who exactly are you? I have never in my life witnessed…… an individual possessing this degree of regenerative ability.”
It was somewhat irritating that Dam-ak had observed this entire restorative process from right beside me. With an air of indifference, I gave a casual shrug.
“When one reaches the pinnacle of martial arts, such things are standard.”
The deep creases between Dam-ak’s eyebrows showed no indication of smoothing over, but for someone unversed in the deeper martial arts, wasn’t this the most suitable explanation?
“In my capacity as the Counselor of the Saheuk-ryeon, I have examined countless martial manuals. Yet among those arts that contain the profound principles of physical cultivation…… I have never encountered anyone with a recovery speed matching yours, Jin-gong-ja.”
“That is because Counselor Dam is a figurehead of the Black Way Murim. Your exposure is limited to Black Way martial arts. The heritage of orthodox White Way martial arts naturally functions this way.”
“…….”
Look, if I say that’s how it is, what can he really do about it? To speak plainly, while the general populace is aware of the techniques belonging to the Nine Great Sects or the Five Great Noble Families, only the inner disciples truly comprehend the precise intricacies and physical effects hidden within them.
As we conversed, I sensed the scavengers gradually converging on our position. Their persistence was genuinely exhaustive. The moment I prepared to stand, Dam-ak leapt up and positioned himself directly behind me. I turned to look at him with a bewildered expression.
“What exactly are you doing?”
“I intend to ride on your back.”
“Ha, do I resemble a mount to you? You were the one who claimed we weren’t being chased by the clock!”
“Ah…… my legs are far too weary to walk.”
“……?”
Wow, this guy. Had he been letting me carry him this entire time simply out of sheer laziness? While I stood there utterly dumbfounded, watching him grumble with a pout, a highly anticipated sound echoed through the air.
*Preeeee—*
The distinct shriek of an avian courier dispatched from the Hao-mun. Reaching quickly into my robes, I produced my Black Plaque. The Iron Eagle, dropping out of the sky in a straight line, extended its massive pinions right before me and touched down gently upon my shoulder. Gently stroking the creature’s crown, I unrolled and inspected the letter fastened to its leg.
“……Keu-heu-heu.”
The moment the information was verified, an irrepressible grin of victory spilled from my lips.
“What sort of text could possibly provoke such a malicious smirk from you?”
What sort of text, he asks?
“Hehe……”
“……Jin-gong-ja, why are you chuckling in a manner so disturbingly villainous? Well?”
Calling me a villain; it is quite amusing to be labeled as such by a true mastermind of the current *Kangho*. Regardless, the intelligence was spectacular. It was tidings so magnificent that they instantly obliterated all the resentment I had harbored up to this point.
“They have indicated they will journey to Eun-hyeon to receive us.”
During our trek toward Anhui, Dam-ak also obtained a missive. It brought word that the comrades waiting in Anhui were moving out toward Eun-hyeon to rendezvous with them. Dam-ak suggested we remain stationary and await their arrival, but I stubbornly insisted on forging ahead. Granted, advancing made better strategic sense, but above all else…….
“Walking is too difficult……”
I refused to act as your caretaker for another second. I was completely drained from serving as both a bodyguard and a human carriage!
“He is right there!”
“Apprehend him!”
Inevitably, just as I prepared to haul Dam-ak onto my shoulders once more, a blockade of twenty combatants, clearly mobilized by the Jeongdo-hoe, obstructed our path. Observing the insignia stitched onto their garments, they appeared to be affiliates of the Cheonjin Gate. I couldn’t help but tilt my head in perplexity.
*‘Yet the Cheonjin Gate does not even qualify as an official subsidiary of Wudang.’*
It was an organization established by a defector from the Baek-geom-bang, which itself was an offshoot of the Wudang Sect. To be exact, it was a branch of a branch. Assessing either its military might or its lineage, it ranked only a fraction higher than the Tae-eul Sect from my previous incarnation.
“Halt!”
Since the command was issued, I came to a stop for the time being. Did they honestly believe they could intimidate me by blocking the path in this manner? The moment I complacently paused, their bare blades swung toward Dam-ak.
“If you value your life, relinquish that individual.”
“Should you attempt to fight back, you will find no clemency.”
Do these fools lack any awareness regarding the Tae-eul Sect, which stands proud among the One Hundred and Eight Peaks? Or have they simply never caught wind of my reputation?
“…….”
I confronted them without so much as resting my hand on my weapon.
“Are you aware of my identity?”
“Heuk-yeom-ryong Jin So-un.”
“……I am Jin So-un, representing the Tae-eul Sect.”
I attempted to rectify their flawed data, but they lacked any desire to process my words.
“Jin So-un…… your notorious misdeeds have preceded you. Cease acting as a turncoat, yield to the orthodox White Way, and seek absolution……”
“Pu-hat!”
Dam-ak erupted into sudden laughter right in the middle of this grim confrontation. As piercing looks focused on him, he gestured dismissively.
“Ah, forgive me. I truly intended to suppress my amusement…… but. Pu-ha-hat!”
The solemn gravity of the moment shattered instantly. I figured there was no point in attempting to maintain a dramatic atmosphere now. Releasing a heavy breath, I cast a fierce look at the group. I had been thoroughly irritated for quite some time.
“Jin So-un of the Tae-eul Sect…… belongs unequivocally to the orthodox White Way! You miserable fools!”
*Rumble—*
The destructive force of the Radiant Heaven Divine Palm coalesced within my palm, vibrating violently in tandem with my inner fury.
“Whether it is understanding your own limitations or knowing basic facts, you should manage to get at least one thing right!”
*Kwakwakwakwakwakwakwakwakwang!*
“Aaaaack!”
“Eo-eo-eok!”
“Kuaaaack!”
The tempestuous gale of the Radiant Heaven Divine Palm tore across the clearing, sending the disciples of the Cheonjin Gate flying in every direction. They crashed down with shattered limbs and mouths full of coughed-up blood, completely incapacitated.
“……Jin-gong-ja, by unleashing such a flamboyant assault, are you not effectively broadcasting our precise location to everyone?”
“Once the forces of the Saheuk-ryeon arrive, my opportunity for retaliation will vanish. I must prompt them to hasten their approach.”
“Retaliation? What prompted that comment so abruptly?”
Dam-ak pressed for details, but there was no window for explanation. The remaining stragglers had already begun to charge forward, drawn by the commotion of the Radiant Heaven Divine Palm.
“Why must you persistently disregard my inquiries?”
Dam-ak grumbled from behind me, his tone distinctly childish. Does this individual truly fail to comprehend that he is in a precarious situation where a single misstep means death?
“If you can remain this nonchalant, Jin-gong-ja, is there any reason for me to be anxious?”
Damn it, he startled me; is he capable of reading minds or something? Having no leisure to ponder the thought, I locked my eyes forward.
*Ta-ta-ta-ta-tat!*
Using the defense of the Lotus Flower (*Yeon-hwa*), I intercepted the incoming thrusts of their swords, binding them into a single cluster before yanking them forward en masse.
“Uh-oh?!”
“My weapon!”
Without a moment’s delay, I hurled the accumulated blades—which had briefly decorated the sky—straight back at the combatants.
*Thud! Thud! Thud!*
“Aaaaack!”
“Keu-heuk!”
I couldn’t verify if each blade found its rightful proprietor, but I distributed them with perfect equity, allocating one to each person.
“Ugh……”
Ah, the fellow who ended up with a spear driven through his thigh might feel somewhat cheated. Instantly, I propelled myself off the dirt and charged, systematically shattering their arms and legs. Perhaps because my vitality had returned, their bones snapped with the ease of brittle fish skeletons.
“He-ek… Aaaat…!”
“Uh, uh-uh, hold on, just a second!”
“Uh-oh!”
The men who had been staring blankly in sheer disbelief were gripped by horror as they watched the limbs of their comrades being broken one after another in rapid succession. Naturally, those who turned to flee were dragged back by the Flying Dragon Claw to have their bones shattered regardless.
“I, I surren……”
“There is no such option as surrender here!”
“Kuaaaack!”
Their appendages snapped like dry stalks of corn, and before long, those unable to withstand the agonizing pain began losing consciousness, foaming at the mouth in sequence.
“Is this execution not excessively brutal? They were already stripped of their ability to fight.”
Dam-ak, who had managed to remain perfectly shielded behind my torso, offered a low groan upon witnessing the gruesome scene. What nonsense is this guy uttering? Is he truly a hardened figure of the Black Way? I countered his remark while savoring the tactile sensation of fracturing bone beneath my palms.
“Are these not the very scoundrels who sought to end our lives…… Why on earth is this fool’s bone so dense?! *Heave-ho*.”
“…….”
“I have merely broken their skeletal structure rather than ending their existence. At this rate, for the next three years, they will likely bow in reverence toward our location every single morning.”
“……At least you are finally responding to my questions.”
*Oops*, I’m running out of time, so I must keep moving. As I finished dealing with the remaining rabble, the mendicants I had bypassed back at Mt. Juk-ho finally made their appearance. Since their combat proficiency mirrored that of the previous group, I proceeded to break their limbs one by one.
“Kuaaaack!”
I lightly tapped the head of the groaning beggar with the sole of my foot.
“Listen closely, make sure you begin every morning by bowing in my direction.”
“……You unhinged lunatic! What kind of…… absolute garbage is that!”
To the beggar shrieking in pure outrage while cradling his fractured arm, I offered my profound wisdom accompanied by a bright, cheerful grin.
“I preserved your life and merely broke an arm, so wouldn’t that make your begging profession even simpler to operate?”
“……You absolute psycho, we do not engage in begging! You absolute maniac!!!”
While I was occupied with sorting out the beggars, the actual targets I had been anticipating finally stepped into view.
“So you have arrived.”
I chopped the back of the raving beggar’s neck to silence him into unconsciousness and rose to my full height. The mature man spearheading the detachment twitched his brow in irritation.
“Were you intentionally waiting for our arrival here?”
“It is simply because I cannot bear the burden of being wronged without rectifying it.”
“You are truly a man who has lost his sanity.”
It was the Maengho Unit alongside Captain Myeong-jin. Fortunately, that lunatic Hyeon-yeong was nowhere to be seen. I let out a mocking chuckle while observing their formation.
“Did you truly believe I would flee out of terror toward the Maengho Unit, which stands as the absolute weakest detachment within the entire Baek-un Unit?”
“What did you say?”
An individual who has attained the absolute realm, regardless of how peerless their personal martial prowess might be, cannot easily dismantle an entire massive sect single-handedly. This is because the true might of an institution that has preserved its lineage for centuries is the *Kangho* itself. That was the reality. It was the fundamental reason why the unjust hegemony of the Jeongdo-hoe, the Baekdo-hoe, and the Twelve Peak Stars remained unshakeable for generations despite their tyranny over individuals. It was the exact reason I previously had to evade a direct clash.
“A justification. It was solely because I lacked a proper justification.”
Even with a justification, a single man cannot hope to oppose an expansive mountain or an ocean. The situation alters completely, however, if an equally massive mountain steps up to serve as one’s backing.
“Are you claiming you would have stood your ground if a justification existed?”
Myeong-jin let out a low, menacing growl.
“Then for what other reason do you imagine I am lingering here?”
If an immense catastrophe occurs due to an abuse of authority, they could ultimately manufacture a justification to suppress and annihilate the Tae-eul Sect using any pretext they desired.
“Ha! It appears your intellect has rotted from associating with a scoundrel of the Black Way.”
Reaching into my tunic, I pulled forth the missive I had secured earlier this morning and held it high for them to see.
“Because I stumbled upon a highly fascinating piece of information at dawn.”
“…….”
“The mandate to suppress any individuals executing unauthorized deployments of martial force within the borders of Hubei and Anhui, effective as of midnight two days ago.”
“How could you possibly know of that?”
The complexions of Myeong-jin and his Maengho Unit drained of color instantly. As anticipated, they were already fully cognizant of this reality.
“Including the specific clause stating that if they resist compliance, immediate execution is deemed perfectly acceptable.”
The precise reason I chose to wait within Eun-hyeon despite Anhui Province sitting right on the horizon. It was because scenarios where a valid justification exists and a massive entity—such as the Murim Alliance—acts as my shield do not happen every day. Is this not the true allure of a chaotic conflict?
“Do you honestly believe that scrap of paper grants you power? Ha!”
A mocking smirk remained etched onto Myeong-jin’s features.
“Does it feel as though the entire world belongs to you simply because you have acquired a modicum of renown?”
Does the world feel as though it belongs to me?
“I ought to pose the identical query to you. Do you truly believe this world is the property of Wudang?”
I unsheathed the Red Light Sword. As if mirroring the state of my emotions, the edge flared with a crimson radiance, and an eerie, unidentifiable wail echoed out.
*Gue-e-e-e-e.*
“To the extent that you deem it acceptable to disregard the decrees of the Murim Alliance, an institution you all claim to hold in such high regard.”
“When any structure becomes stagnant, corruption is inevitable. Extirpating that rot happens to be our responsibility.”
“I see. Now it makes sense.”
“As expected, you as well……”
“It makes perfect sense why Wudang, which prides itself on an lineage far older than the Murim Alliance, has deteriorated into this pathetic state.”
“Silence!”
*Ching-ching-ching-ching-ching!*
The vanguard of the Maengho Unit drew their weapons in unison. Further dialogue was utterly pointless.
White Moon Ascending Heaven Third Style.
First Style.
Extreme Speed (*Geuk-kwae*).
Unlike our previous encounter at the Heavenly Bridge, I was free to unleash the absolute entirety of my power without restraint.
*Sswwaeeek—*
Accompanied by the delayed whistle of cloven air, four operatives of the Maengho Unit sustained deep, horizontal gashes across their chests before their reflexes could even register the incoming blade.
White Moon Ascending Heaven Third Style.
Second Style.
Extreme Strength (*Geuk-gang*).
The First Style, which operated without even manifesting visible sword energy, stood in stark contrast to ‘Extreme Strength,’ which manifested a tangible, solid shape as if it were a physical object. I channeled a significantly greater volume of internal energy than my standard output. My surging heart could not be suppressed in this moment.
*Kwakwakwakwakwakwakwakwang!!!*
Within the tempest of sword force that rolled forward like an ocean wave, the weapons of another four Maengho Unit members shattered into fragments, and they sprayed blood from severe internal trauma. Myeong-jin, horrified by the instantaneous devastation, barked out a desperate command.
“Establish the sword array!”
Though briefly shaken, Myeong-jin rapidly collected his wits, and momentarily, a constricting pressure began to envelop my entire physical form. However, it was merely the Seven Stars Sword Formation executed by fewer than ten combatants. Furthermore, the foundational technique utilized to execute the Seven Stars Sword Formation was the Seven Stars Sword itself. For an individual like me who understood its counter-measures, it was akin to taking an examination while holding the answer key in plain sight.
Deflecting their initial trajectory with the Small Heaven Sword Technique, I immediately exploited the resulting gap using the Great Heaven Sword Technique. Likely due to the benefits of my earlier meditation, my physical coordination felt far more precise than normal, enabling me to accelerate my movements even further.
*Ching-ching-ching-ching-ching!*
Narrowly evading a pair of blades plunging toward me simultaneously, I completely shattered the Seven Stars Sword Technique of two adjacent combatants.
*Ching-ching! Ching!*
“Heok!”
“What sort of madness is this!”
A Maengho Unit member stood frozen, unable to comprehend the reality that his weapon had suddenly been stripped from his grasp. Delivering a powerful kick, I launched the pair backward through the air.
*Thud! Bang!*
The two individuals collided violently against a tree trunk and lost consciousness instantly. With those two removed from the equation, the already flawed sword formation faltered even more dramatically. Against an array of this caliber…….
“It can be dismantled through sheer, unadulterated force.”
Ten Thousand Seas Heaven and Earth Sword Decisive.
Ten Thousand Swords.
Six distinct formations of ten thousand swords materialized, and simultaneously, I initiated the Twin Heaven Sword Decisive. The swirling vortex of razor-sharp energy, compressed into a spherical mass, slammed directly into the Seven Stars Sword Formation. The tempest battered their defensive line mercilessly. At the tremendous resonance that rippled through the atmosphere, the physical forms of the array’s contributors began to violently sway.
No matter how much the void essence (*gong-ui*) of Wudang emphasized the principles of Taiji, if an individual is incapable of yielding themselves entirely like flowing water, it yields nothing when confronted by absolute, overwhelming devastation. The air currents that had been warping inward collapsed instantly, culminating in a deafening detonation.
*Bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang!*
Those who had been straining to maintain their stances and preserve the array were unable to absorb the kinetic feedback, stumbling backward in total disarray. A Seven Stars Sword Formation that exposes such an opening ceases to be a Seven Stars Sword Formation entirely. They could no longer capitalize on the synergy of the array, nor could any single individual mount an adequate defense.
The ultimate outcome was inevitable.
“If this is the best you can manage, how do you expect to survive by the blade anywhere in this land? Wudang will have to resort to begging right alongside those street urchins!!!”
It was a catastrophic destiny that they, as proud inheritors of the Wudang lineage, had never once envisioned.
*Kwakwakwakwang!*
“Aaaaack!”
“Keu-heu-heuk!”
“My, my limb!!!”
Across the clearing where the discharge of sword force and destructive energy had just swept through, nothing remained but mutilated Maengho Unit members missing their arms and legs. The men lay writhing upon the dirt, coughing up crimson froth. It was an absolute wreckage of a sight, making it impossible to believe they had been operating a cohesive Seven Stars Sword Formation a mere moment prior.
“Wha—what in the name of heaven is this……”
Maengho Unit Captain Myeong-jin shook uncontrollably from head to toe, as though his mind refused to accept the reality materialized before his eyes. Even now, if I allowed my raw impulses to dictate my actions, I desired nothing more than to sever every single throat present, but I could not cross that line. Up to this boundary, my actions qualified as a legitimate ‘judgment,’ but a step beyond would transition into a mindless ‘slaughter.’
Choosing not to suppress the intense murderous aura radiating from my form, I shifted my focus.
“You are the sole survivor.”
With those words, I advanced a step closer while locking eyes with Myeong-jin. Yet, observe the behavior of this coward.
“Eu…… eu……”
He is actually retreating?
“Wi—witchcraft! This is nothing but foul witchcraft!”
The man turned on his heel and began to flee, invoking the classic, ultimate coping mechanism of orthodox White Way figures: *‘That monster is employing sorcery!’* Due to the extravagant consumption of my inner reserve, my Dantian throbbed with a severe, tearing sensation, yet I refused to relent.
“Where do you imagine you can escape to!”
Instantly summoning the power of the Sacred Fire Demon-Destroying Hand, I unleashed the Mutual Destruction Fist, completely pulverizing the man’s Dantian.
“Aaaaack!”
The fellow, who had tried desperately to evade my strike, collapsed and rolled across the ground while clutching his lower abdomen, which had blackened entirely in a split second. Right at that moment, the thunderous reverberation of countless horse hooves shook the topsoil. Piercing through the billowing cloud of dust, a force of roughly two hundred riders charged toward our location like a rampaging horde.
“It—it is the Saheuk-ryeon!”
“Flee for your lives!”
The spectators who had been loitering in the periphery immediately turned tail and fled as fast as their legs could carry them. As the vanguard of the Saheuk-ryeon encircled both myself and Dam-ak, drawing their weapons to secure the area, Dam-ak seemed to discern my absolute exhaustion. He placed a steadying hand firmly upon my heaving shoulder.
“Jin-gong-ja, your task is complete; you may rest now.”
Unable to sustain my consciousness any longer, the tension left my body, and I collapsed onto the earth into a dead faint. Now, I shall finally relinquish the duties of both the bodyguard and the carriage.
I desire nothing more than an uninterrupted sleep.
