“The atrocities of the Red Moon Sword in Gamrak. The attack by the Moon-Slaying Sword Sect in Seochang. The extortion of small merchants and the assault on the minor Sea Sword Sect in Hubei and Shaanxi. The bloodbath in Guangdong that left over four hundred dead. These are just the incidents from the past year that have been traced back to the families of Samu-cheon.”
At the words of Myeong-gyeong, the Sect Leader of Wudang, everyone gathered at the Righteous Heart Assembly scowled.
“They started by pressuring the small and mid-sized orthodox sects, and when we didn’t react, they turned their blades on us. The pact our Nine Great Sects made fifteen years ago was not meant to bring about this state of affairs. It was the Righteous Heart Pact, an agreement to never forget our principles and to not repeat the mistakes of our predecessors. But now, because of that very pact, the forces of the Unorthodox path are running rampant.”
Following the Wudang Sect Leader’s speech, Cheo Gu-yong, the leader of the Diancang Sect who had abandoned the path of the Dao, spoke up.
“The very idea of martial artists avoiding conflict was flawed from the start.”
Everyone nodded in agreement with his words, as he had long argued for a proactive counterattack against Samu-cheon’s provocations.
At this, the Abbot of the Shaolin Temple opened his mouth.
“We have endured for so long, hoping to prevent another storm of blood from sweeping through the martial world. I feel a deep sense of responsibility that our passive responses have only emboldened the Unorthodox factions. My belief that unnecessary conflict should be avoided remains unchanged. However! We can no longer stand by and watch the forces of the Unorthodox path continue to spread. Therefore, I propose the formation of a strike force against the Moon-Slaying Sword Sect. I ask that the sect leaders gathered here dispatch masters according to their sect’s capacity.”
Many looked at the Shaolin Abbot, Hyeon-gak, with surprised eyes.
Although the matter was grave, they had not expected such an aggressive response.
A momentary silence fell over the hall at the mention of directly striking the Moon-Slaying Sword Sect.
“Then what of the Kongtong Sect, which is absent from this assembly? Should we not contact them to coordinate our efforts?”
At the question from a Huashan Sect elder, Hyeon-gak shook his head.
“It would be best to exclude the Kongtong Sect from this matter. Changing our future methods of response does not mean we intend to break the pact made fifteen years ago, does it? The Kongtong Sect has crossed the line too many times. For now, they need time to reflect on their actions.”
“I see.”
Most of the attendees nodded in agreement.
“But if we are to strike the Moon-Slaying Sword Sect, we will inevitably have to go to Guizhou. If the fight escalates…”
The Wudang Sect Leader trailed off.
He did not need to say it aloud; the same thought arose in everyone’s minds.
—The Great War between the Orthodox and Unorthodox.
“Yes. I make this proposal with that very possibility in mind. We have all seen the result of trying to avoid conflict at all costs, have we not? From now on, that level of resolve will be necessary to stand against their evil deeds.”
“I am in favor.”
As the leader of the Diancang Sect was the first to voice his approval, one by one, everyone else nodded their heads in agreement.
It was the moment a small grudge that began with the Yeomhwa Family spread across the entire Central Plains.
While the clouds of war were gathering over the Central Plains after the Righteous Heart Assembly concluded, Mujin’s party was entering Migo.
Mujin’s group entered Migo, a half-day’s journey from Seochang, and settled into an inn.
As Masok familiarly secured rooms and ordered a meal, No-sak sent a telepathic message.
—They are still following us.
No-sak’s gaze was fixed on the two women in red garments.
At first, he had simply stared at their pretty faces, revealed after they removed their skin masks, but now, having been followed from Henan all the way to Sichuan, he had become quite tense.
—Don’t worry about it. Just leave them be.
—Yes, sir.
They had been following them this entire time without uttering a single word.
‘If only she wasn’t Chu-bok’s granddaughter…’
Thus came the final day of their long journey to Henan.
After finishing his meal, Mujin retired to his room early and lay down on the bed.
On the way back from the Shaolin Temple for the Orthodox Grand Tournament, Mujin was catching up on all the sleep he had missed.
How long had he been asleep?
Though the night was still deep, Mujin’s eyes snapped open.
As soon as he opened his eyes, he sat up and grabbed the iron sword he had propped up beside his bed.
His gaze immediately shot toward the ceiling.
‘Three of them?’
He heard no sound, but his senses picked up three martial artists.
Each one was so stealthy that their presence was almost undetectable.
Mujin carefully opened the window and scanned for the presences that had landed on the roof.
Ready to spring out at any moment, he once again pictured the rooms where No-sak and Masok were staying, and the one where his siblings were.
‘The room next door and the one after that.’
Mujin prepared to leap out at the slightest sign of them heading in that direction.
As he gathered his internal energy in full preparation, he felt the number of presences on the ceiling increase, and at the same time, one of them began to move toward his siblings’ room.
Mujin immediately threw himself out the window, kicking off the frame and landing on the inn’s roof.
!!!
Startled by Mujin’s sudden appearance, the figures who had been moving stealthily focused their attention on him.
“You. It would be in your best interest not to go that way.”
At Mujin’s words, the warrior in gray robes who had been moving toward his siblings’ room tilted his head.
“Who are you?”
The man who appeared to be the leader of the gray-robed group asked Mujin.
“You’re here without knowing who I am?”
“We only came to meet those people. We have no interest in you, but… it wouldn’t be good to leave someone who’s seen our faces alive.”
Just as the man, who looked to be in his late twenties, finished speaking and drew his sword…
“Stop! Don’t you dare touch him!”
A woman in red garments emerged from the darkness and shouted, prompting the man to quickly erect a sound barrier and kneel on one knee.
The other two warriors followed his lead.
“Pavilion Master of Hoeyeong. We greet the Young Lady.”
“How did you know I was here?”
“…”
The man said nothing, cautiously raising his head to look at her.
“I’m sure that old man Hoe let it slip.”
“Young Lady. The Cult Leader is looking for you. Please come back with us.”
“Grandfather knows?”
“Yes. As you are aware, you have violated the Eight Star Prohibition.”
Ju Chae-jin frowned at the mention of the Eight Star Prohibition.
“So what? Are you going to point your swords at me?”
“Never! How could we dare…”
“Then go back first. I have more business to attend to.”
“Is that business… with that man?”
The man asked, looking back at Mujin.
Mujin watched them with a bored expression on his face.
He yawned, hoisting the large, cloth-wrapped sword onto his shoulder.
Ju Chae-jin spoke quickly.
“That is no concern of yours. Go back. I will speak to Grandfather myself when I return.”
“The Cult Leader’s orders were clear. His command was to bring you back, Young Lady.”
“And if I refuse to go?”
“The Cult Leader’s command is absolute. That does not change, even for you, Young Lady.”
“You infuriating fools!”
After saying this, Ju Chae-jin looked at Mujin.
“I’ll be back.”
“Don’t.”
At Mujin’s sharp reply, she pouted.
“Next time I come, welcome me as a guest of the family. Then…”
With those words, Ju Chae-jin turned to the men.
“Let’s go.”
“That man…”
“If you touch him… I will find a way to tear you to shreds.”
In an instant, a chilling killing intent emanated from Ju Chae-jin, her eyes filled with murderous rage.
“…Let us go.”
The man met her gaze, then averted his eyes slightly and stood beside her.
“See you again!”
Her demeanor changing in an instant, Ju Chae-jin looked back at Mujin before leaping into the darkness with the men.
“Hmph… Speaking informally to the very end.”
With that, Mujin returned to his room.
The next day.
As the sun reached its zenith, Mujin’s carriage finally entered Seochang.
—It’s the Yeomhwa Family’s carriage!
—The Hidden Dragon of Sichuan has returned!
—He’s finally here.
The people of Seochang, recognizing Mujin’s four-horse carriage pulled by four black stallions, welcomed his return with a sense of relief.
The carriage, which had been crossing the streets of Seochang on its way to the family estate, came to a halt.
As soon as the carriage stopped, Mujin felt No-sak burst out, radiating a powerful aura, and knew something was wrong.
“Stay inside!”
After saying this to his two siblings and Masok, Mujin launched himself out of the carriage.
Outside, he saw that the family’s newly installed, expensive main gate had been smashed to pieces.
Now he understood why No-sak had stopped the carriage and rushed out.
Mujin gripped his sword tightly and ran into the estate.
Inside, five Daoists in black robes were in a standoff with No-sak.
One of the five was a familiar face to Mujin.
Elder Ja-yul, the head of the Kongtong Sect’s Disciplinary Pavilion.
The sight of the man who had been injured and forced to retreat after losing their thirty-second duel at the Twin Streams, now standing in the middle of his wrecked front yard, caused Mujin’s reason to begin to fray.
The thick scent of blood wafting from all corners of the estate told him that many had died.
“Kekeke. You bastards really never change. I was a fool to think I could ever live among you.”
As Mujin spoke, an indescribably intense killing intent and a powerful aura erupted from his body.
—Fwoooosh!
The moment Mujin raised his iron sword, the cloth wrapped around it shredded into pieces and scattered.
“Family… Family Head Hwa! It’s a misunderstanding! Please, listen to what we have to say!”
Mujin paid Ja-yul’s words no mind and kicked off the ground.
As soon as he moved, No-sak also raised his iron staff and charged alongside him.
Just as the two were about to descend upon the Kongtong Daoists…
—Family Head!!! Stop!!!
At the sound of Elder Jo’s voice from somewhere, Mujin’s sword barely managed to halt in front of the Daoists.
The Daoists, who had only half-drawn their swords, broke out in a cold sweat as they stared at Mujin’s blade, stopped right before Ja-yul’s nose.
The first-rate disciples of Kongtong couldn’t comprehend what had just happened.
Completely overwhelmed by Mujin, who had lunged at them with enough force to split the world in two, they couldn’t even react properly. The relief that his sword had stopped was greater than the shame they felt.
“Hoo. It’s a misunderstanding.”
Ja-yul let out a deep sigh as he looked at Mujin’s halted sword.
Mujin sheathed his sword and turned his gaze toward Elder Jo, who was running into the courtyard.
Seeing Mujin still radiating a terrifying aura, Elder Jo’s face hardened.
“What happened?”
At the short question, Elder Jo, who had a bandage on his arm, quickly spoke.
“There was an attack.”
“And it has nothing to do with the Kongtong Sect?”
“No! We were able to avoid a greater disaster because the Daoists from the Kongtong Sect lent us a hand.”
At the words “lent us a hand,” the formidable aura flowing from Mujin dissipated and vanished.
“I have committed a great discourtesy.”
Mujin drove his sword into the ground, clasped his hands in a fist-and-palm salute, and bowed deeply.
“I am glad the misunderstanding is cleared. I understand, given the rather coincidental circumstances.”
At Ja-yul’s words, Mujin raised his head and spoke.
“Thank you for your understanding. But more importantly… what happened here?”
Mujin asked, shifting his gaze to Elder Jo.
“Seven days ago, we were attacked by an unidentified group. Over fifty men stormed the estate in broad daylight. Three among them were considerable masters. If the Daoists had been even a little late, we would have suffered immense damage.”
“The casualties?”
“Twenty warriors and three instructors are dead. And the leaders of the martial units… they and the Chief Steward are critically injured.”
“The Three… They…”
Mujin barely managed to swallow the word “Demons” and trailed off.
At the news that the Three Demons were critically injured, even No-sak’s eyes widened as he stared at Elder Jo.
“They have yet to regain consciousness.”
“Where are they?”
“A physician is treating them in the medical pavilion.”
“This is urgent. We will have to talk later.”
Mujin said, looking at Ja-yul.
“Yes. Please, go on ahead.”
Mujin, along with No-sak, ran toward the centrally located medical pavilion.
Inside, nearly a hundred warriors lay in sickbeds, wrapped in bandages.
About a dozen physicians from Seochang were gathered, treating the injured.
“The Chief Steward and the three leaders?”
A warrior guarding the pavilion guided Mujin further inside.
The room he was led to was filled with the thick smell of medicine.
“You’ve arrived?”
A physician who was placing needles on the four men’s bodies looked at Mujin.
“What is their condition? Can they live?”
“…The next three days are critical. Fortunately, a Daoist with profound internal energy treated their internal injuries, so they are holding on for now… but besides the internal damage, they have lost too much blood and their vitality is fading.”
“…”
Looking at his sworn brothers lying in their sickbeds, No-sak couldn’t contain his demonic energy, which began to leak out in streams.
But Mujin said nothing to him.
Seeing Cheol-muk’s face, also wrapped in thick bandages, Mujin himself found it difficult to suppress his own murderous intent.
“If they survive the next three days, they will all live. If they don’t…”
The physician trailed off.
“Please… do your best.”
“I will do everything I can.”
Mujin glanced briefly at the Chief Steward’s face, contorted in pain even with his eyes closed, then turned away.
When he left the medicine room, Elder Jo was waiting for him.
“Have you identified the bastards?”
“The Moon-Slaying Sword Sect. Three of their elders were here.”
“And them?”
“Fortunately, we were able to kill them all. But in the process…”
Elder Jo trailed off, his gaze shifting to the medicine room Mujin had just exited.
“The Kongtong Daoists?”
“They are in the guest pavilion.”
“Let’s go.”
Mujin headed toward the guest pavilion with Elder Jo.
His steps were heavy, weighed down by the sound of No-sak’s sobs behind him.
* * *
“So you acted twice without my permission, and failed both times?”
Ma So-chu, the leader of the Moon-Slaying Sword Sect, bowed his head and barely managed to speak.
“I… I apologize!”
“If you’re going to act, do it properly. If you’re not confident you can bite, you shouldn’t even bark.”
“I apologize!”
“Tsk, tsk. You’ve just needlessly provoked the Nine Great Sects. And lost six of the sect’s elders. It’s a wonder you’re still holding onto your position.”
“Please forgive me…”
Ma So-chu, the leader of the Moon-Slaying Sword Sect, didn’t even have the leeway to wipe away the cold sweat trickling down his face.
The man before him was the Deviant Emperor, one of the Four Emperors of the Central Plains and the master of Samu-cheon; he had to be careful with every breath he took.
“Tsk, tsk. Clean up this mess yourself. It is not yet time to clash head-on with the Orthodox Faction. If I were you, I would abandon everything and go into hiding. But, that’s for you to decide. Do not forget that there are many other Unorthodox sects in Guizhou that can take your place.”
With those words, the Heavenly Lord of Samu-cheon vanished like the wind.
After he disappeared, Ma So-chu, completely drained of energy, finally collapsed to the floor.
‘Go into hiding? Abandon everything I’ve built up until now?’
Ma So-chu, the leader of the Moon-Slaying Sword Sect, clenched his teeth.
