Chapter 420
## Chapter 420. The Price of Connection (8)
—
To think that he would not just question the core principles of survival—the way he did at the Ten Thousand Poison Gate—but even advance the “Theory of Jin So-un’s Removal.” And for that declaration to come from none other than *that* Yong-so-ah. Weighing this against my previous life, where he remained entirely oblivious to my very existence, I realized with absolute clarity how drastically my standing in this world had shifted.
*‘Though, it’s hardly a welcome development.’*
Some might find comfort in the notion that notoriety is just another form of celebrity, but I refused to let even a minor stain blemish my name. If there was someone sharpening a blade intending to claim my head, I would only find peace after slipping into their quarters unannounced and burying a blade into their chest first.
I advanced another step toward Yong-so-ah, whose quiet gaze remained fixed on me.
“In that regard, we actually share a somewhat similar outlook.”
Without altering a single syllable, I hurled the very sentiment I had harbored countless times in my past life directly at the individual responsible.
“I am also convinced the Murim Alliance can only survive if Yong-so-ah dies.”
The Murim Alliance of my previous life, which he had abandoned to its fate, rushed back into my memory. That grim past where “expendable shields” like myself, who had placed our faith in him and followed his lead, were callously left to perish.
“…….”
Yet…… why did the face of the man who had just been told he needed to perish remain completely devoid of emotion? Had he grown so accustomed to people threatening his life that it no longer registered? Regardless of whether my declaration carried any real weight, his silence stretched on for a considerable time…….
“That proposition lacks logical sense. No matter how I analyze it, there is zero correlation between my demise and the preservation of the Murim Alliance.”
“…….”
*You were genuinely calculating that?* As I stood there speechless, Yong-so-ah breathed a quiet sigh, as if he had foreseen this exact response.
“As expected, it was merely an empty provocation uttered in a state of emotional distress.”
“No, it is far from nonsense. The Murim Alliance will truly endure only if you, Yong-so-ah, are eliminated.”
Because that was precisely how the *Kangho* and the Murim Alliance of my past life had met their ruin.
“Under your stewardship, the future of the Murim Alliance holds nothing but absolute ruin.”
“That is nothing more than baseless speculation.”
Well, at this current juncture, he likely couldn’t fathom that he would eventually dismantle the Murim Alliance with his own hands and retreat to the North Sea to establish the Jeong-do-maeng.
“We shall see about that.”
Closing the distance by one more stride, I returned the Red Light Sword to its sheath, dropping into a classic quick-draw stance.
“Regardless, that isn’t the matter at hand today, is it?”
Yong-so-ah tilted his head slightly, directing a question my way.
“What are you attempting to do?”
“……?”
This person, far from assuming an offensive posture, made no move to bring forward the weapon he loosely held behind his back. I was the one who felt entitled to demand answers.
“What on earth are you playing at? Did you not venture here with the intent to take my life?”
For the very first time, a flicker of genuine feeling registered in Yong-so-ah’s eyes. A tone steeped in absolute, unadulterated bewilderment washed over me.
“For what reason would I take your life?”
dishonesty
“……?”
What?
“You represent a variable. And a variable carries an array of potential hazards.”
*Precisely, so doesn’t that logically dictate you intend to eliminate me?*
“…….”
Perhaps not? Well, it changed nothing either way.
White Moon Ascending Heaven Three Styles.
First Style.
Extreme Speed (*Geuk-kwae*).
Regardless of what absurdities he muttered, I went into action. The Red Light Sword cleared its scabbard, and a lone beam of luminescence tore through the air.
*Sswwaeeek—*
Accompanied by the delayed whistle of cloven air, I observed the trajectory where the Red Light Sword had cut, but.
*‘How can this be……?’*
Once again, Yong-so-ah remained entirely unscathed. No, a minuscule shift had occurred. The outermost layer of his pristine white martial robe had sustained a tiny tear. The reality of this situation defied all reason.
The insights gained at the Ten Thousand Poison Gate, the relentless conditioning I had endured since, a strike delivered with far greater depth and audacity than my usual repertoire, and an internal energy cultivation that had leaped forward by a full tier. All these factors had converged perfectly, yet the harvest was a mere tear in his robe. Just a solitary layer of cloth.
“To achieve such a pace of advancement in such a brief window.”
Yong-so-ah’s tone retained its flat, unvarying cadence as he cast his gaze down at the severed fabric of his garment. His total lack of distress transcended the feeling of facing an insurmountable obstacle; it left me profoundly unsettled.
*‘Just what sort of……?’*
Even Hyeon-yeong, who had replicated Sword Kinesis utilizing his Innate Qi, had not felt this impossibly distant. No, at this moment, I couldn’t even comprehend the true scale of this void. This wasn’t a mere disparity in technical prowess. In fact, I was certain that my current capabilities were sufficient to make Yong-so-ah feel a sense of peril. If that was true, where in the world was this yawning chasm originating from?
“Just what exactly are you……”
Because I had undergone a transformation after conquering the *Sura-swae-geum-tan-pa-ok-gyeol*, this perception manifested with even greater intensity. Immeasurably distant.
“What secrets are you keeping hidden?”
Though I knew the futility of asking, the question forced its way out of me regardless.
“Jin So-un, you are a presence that introduces a rift (*i-gyeok*).”
Yong-so-ah persisted in uttering incomprehensible riddles. I had attained a far loftier state of mastery than in my previous existence, yet the higher I climbed, the more the separation between myself and Yong-so-ah appeared to expand. A deep-seated irritation, as though I had overlooked a critical truth.
But *‘What of it!’* I fortified my wavering resolve. My true adversary is the Demonic Cult, an entity far more terrifying than Yong-so-ah, more potent than the collective might of the Murim Alliance, and capable of engulfing the entirety of *Kangho* in a conflagration. I refuse to break here at the hands of some unfathomable, generational prodigy of Wudang.
Great Heaven Sword Technique.
Breaking the Rule (*Pa-gyeok*) form.
The blade trajectories fanned out like interlocking ribs, enveloping the space around Yong-so-ah. Dozens of illusionary blades manifested—the very technique that had driven the Wudang followers to despair as they coughed up torrents of blood, lacking the courage to even attempt a countermeasure. These phantom edges, rendered so flawlessly that distinguishing them from the authentic steel was nearly impossible, converged on Yong-so-ah in a dizzying display to shatter his focus.
*‘Let us discover if your actual combat capabilities match your reputation.’*
I remained ignorant of his hidden depth, but I refused to believe I could be utterly overwhelmed in a messy, chaotic melee. *‘At the very least, I will take an arm!’*
*Fwoooosh.*
A current of internal force mimicking the form of a Taiji materialized around Yong-so-ah, instantly neutralizing the tempest of illusory steel.
*Tung, tung, tung, tu-tu-tu-tung.*
With an ease that suggested it could serve as an instructional manual titled “Countering the Tae-eul Sect’s Sword.” I maintained my guard, fully expecting a devastating counter-offensive to follow, yet.
“My purpose here was not to engage you in combat.”
Yong-so-ah kept his weapon securely behind his back.
“If that is true, then what business brings you here? Furthermore, the individuals scattered here belong to your own order.”
“I do not possess the audacity to shield or obscure unlawful behavior.”
A trace of disdain visible in the corners of his eyes, Yong-so-ah looked down upon the incapacitated Wudang members surrounding the courtyard.
“Furthermore, I did not travel here unaccompanied.”
“…….”
At that precise moment, the securely fastened doors of the estate rattled violently, as though under siege.
*Bang! Bang! Bang!*
“Unbar the gates! You miserable bastards!”
“If you don’t open up, I’ll tear it down! If I have to break this wood, I’m breaking your skulls next!”
“I’ll butcher every last one of you…… every single one!!”
*What on earth is this? Such unrefined vitriol?* Had an unaligned wicked faction mounted an abrupt raid? It was the only logical conclusion. There was no earthly reason why the disciples of a righteous sect would employ such coarse and aggressive profanity. A lone Wudang disciple, cowering in a nearby alcove, looked up toward Yong-so-ah in sheer panic.
“Wh—what are our orders?”
Receiving a subtle nod from Yong-so-ah, the man crept toward the main threshold and gingerly unlatched the heavy wood.
“You absolute bastards……!!!”
The authors of the crude tirade burst through, striking the gates with enough force to nearly unhinge them. And—
*‘Ah…….’*
The instant their features came into view, I found myself silently lowering my weapon. They were none other than my esteemed…… no, simply my junior martial brothers…… the Gold, Silver, and Bronze trio.
“Where are they! Wudang!!! You worthless scum! How dare you abduct our Jin-*Sahyeong*?!”
“Dammit! Mark my words, from this day forward! Wudang is the sworn enemy of our Bureau of Everything!”
“*Daesa-hyeong*!!! *Daesa-hyeong*!!!”
The moment they breached the courtyard, the three of them surged forward with a terrifying intensity, looking prepared to slaughter anything that crossed their paths. However, their momentum ground to an abrupt halt as they took in the devastation before them.
“Wha—what in the world occurred here……”
“Did…… did a full-scale battle take place?”
“*Daesa-hyeong*! *Daesa-hyeong*!!!”
Dong-ryong was bellowing my name with an agonized desperation, as though he were mourning my demise, tears welling in his eyes. Seconds later, his gaze collided with mine as I stood there completely unscathed, and his expression turned to utter bewilderment.
“Your choice of words was remarkably vulgar. Where precisely did you acquire such a vocabulary?”
Had they been associating with street thugs during my absence? Geum-pyo replied while clearing his throat uncomfortably.
“Naturally, from *Sahyeong*……. *Ahem*.”
Pardon? Had the deceased Gye Cheol-yeong risen from his grave? I was the sole *Sahyeong* currently responsible for them.
“…….”
“…….”
“…….”
An uncomfortable quiet settled over the ruinous courtyard, completely jarring given the surroundings. The person who ultimately broke the silence was Eun-ho.
“……Is it possible that *Daesa-hyeong* orchestrated this entire scene alone?”
I wasn’t entirely certain what “this” encompassed, but regardless of the specifics, every fallen body here was my doing. I gave a curt nod.
“There is no cause for alarm. I did not sustain a single injury.”
I spoke with an air of indifference to ease the anxiety of my juniors, but curiously, Eun-ho’s expression twisted into one of profound horror.
“Why…… are you completely uninjured?”
“What is that supposed to mean, you rascal?”
Before I could even reprimand him for making such a bizarre comment at a time like this, Eun-ho shifted his gaze across the courtyard, performing some frantic internal calculation before looking utterly appalled.
“Good heavens…… for this to qualify as legitimate self-defense, you ought to have at least a few scratches. Are you even a human being?”
*Why is this fellow’s behavior growing increasingly erratic?* I dismissed Eun-ho, who had shown signs of eccentricity long before setting foot in the Bureau of Everything, and turned my attention back to Geum-pyo.
“How did you ascertain my whereabouts?”
“We were alerted by a messenger from the Hao-mun.”
“*Ho-oh*, the Hao-mun?”
The trail of intelligence should have broken off long before this. Yet they had successfully maintained tabs on my movements. As I suspected, relying on the Hao-mun rather than the Gaebang had been the correct decision…….
“*GAL* (Silence)!!!”
Without warning, a concussive roar tore through the estate grounds. The source of the deafening shout was the Hall Master whose internal core had nearly been ruptured moments earlier.
“What are you standing around for! Capture every single one of these intruders this instant!”
The man who had been shivering in terror just moments before, looking as though he might soil himself…… had he suddenly found an immense reserve of bravery the moment Yong-so-ah stepped into the yard?
“Yong-so-ah! You as well! Disarm and apprehend that scoundrel Jin So-un immediately!”
Indeed. His sudden courage was entirely derived from Yong-so-ah’s presence.
dishonesty
“…….”
Yet, for reasons unknown, Yong-so-ah remained completely motionless, his gaze locked coldly onto the yelling Hall Master.
“What do you think you are doing——.”
“They lack the capability to do any such thing.”
Eun-ho stepped forward to intercept, cutting off the path of the Hall Master with a perfectly composed expression.
“Because we orchestrated their arrival deliberately.”
“What sort of absurd——.”
“And none of you will be permitted to simply brush this under the rug either.”
“……?”
Eun-ho extended a finger toward the outer gateway.
“Because the matter has already been concluded.”
Right on cue, the sensory perception of numerous martial artists converging on the entire estate registered in our minds.
“So, you claim to have executed this entire affair single-handedly, Jin So-un?”
Jegal So-myeong, wearing a thoroughly displeased expression, made a grand entrance through the shattered main gates. Marching behind him were an immense contingent of martial artists belonging to the Murim Alliance.
Once the extraction mission to secure Dam Ak’s freedom concluded, the members of the Tae-eul Sect journeyed directly back toward Hapbi, the location of their home base. Having endured a fierce clash with the forces of Jeomchang resulting in several casualties, they spent the subsequent seven days and nights entirely dedicated to recovery and healing.
During that interval, Jin So-un had vanished completely, only for word to arrive a fortnight later that he had made a dramatic reappearance within the city of Wuhan. Gang Chae-seok harbored a fair amount of resentment over being excluded from an affair that involved a direct confrontation with Jeomchang. However, that outcome was ultimately the consequence of Gang Chae-seok failing the trial set by Baek Hae-gwang, meaning he had no one to blame but himself, and consequently, his complaints were universally ignored.
A full fifteen days following their return to the Tae-eul Sect grounds.
“……This is bizarre.”
An unusual pattern began to manifest.
“Hmm, what could possibly motivate his presence here.”
A solitary martial artist equipped with a saber stood unmoving outside the perimeter of the Tae-eul Sect, his eyes fixed upon the barred entranceway. The Tae-eul Sect had formally declared a period of total isolation from the outside world. Despite being fully aware that outsiders were prohibited, the swordsman refused to vacate the space directly outside the main gates.
Gang Chae-seok, who had spent several days sulking before finally abandoning his sour mood, relayed the details of the day’s strange occurrence to Baek Hae-gwang during a training intermission.
“This marks the second consecutive day; what could he possibly want?”
Hong Mun-gi, who had undergone a profound transformation into a completely altered individual, replied with an air of detachment.
“Doubtless, there is an underlying explanation.”
“Could it be a former disciple who was cast out from the Tae-eul Sect in years past?”
“From the days of my youth until this very moment, our sect has never formally expelled a single disciple.”
“I suppose that’s true……”
Up until recent events, the Tae-eul Sect had essentially functioned in the manner of a standard commercial martial arts academy, meaning there were very few regulations governing the arrival or departure of students. They had even gone so far as to commend disciples who sought further instruction at alternative institutions after finishing their time at the Tae-eul Sect, viewing it as a beneficial asset for securing employment within caravan escorts.
“Then what explains it? Why does he persist in loitering right where we can see him? It disrupts my concentration.”
Hearing Gang Chae-seok’s complaint, Sect Leader Hong offered his perspective while continuing to push his physical limits through rigorous exercise.
“Perhaps the issue lies in your own failure to dedicate your full attention to your forms. Had you been training with absolute devotion, the sheer physical toll would leave you with zero energy to waste on external distractions. *Hya-ap*!”
“…….”
It felt as though, with each passing day, the frequency of the man offering encouraging words was steadily dwindling. If anything, his commentary was growing noticeably harsher.
“Now that I think about it. It appears a significant number of individuals have begun to question your recent maneuvers.”
At that point, Baek Hae-gwang, who had been quietly observing the session from the sidelines, interjected with a casual remark. As if a stone had been dropped into a still pond, the eyes of the gathered Hall Masters, Hong Mun-gi included, snapped directly toward him.
“Does that imply the martial world is finally training its gaze upon us?”
How desperately had they anticipated the day when the name of the Tae-eul Sect would echo across the land, following the news of their successful breakthrough against Jeomchang to reach Anhui? Baek Hae-gwang directed a pitying look toward the visibly thrilled Gang Chae-seok.
“It is quite the opposite; they are demanding to know why your sect engages in such frequent external operations while supposedly maintaining a status of total seclusion.”
“…….”
“A significant faction suspects that your declaration of seclusion is merely a convenient ruse to dodge your obligations.”
Granted, despite their technical isolation, the recent clash had been far too massive to remain hidden.
“If that is the case, what business does that swordsman have waiting outside our gates?”
“The exact reason eludes me, but there is one certainty I can guarantee.”
“And what might that be?”
Baek Hae-gwang allowed a wry grin to surface, tilting his head slightly.
“Your period of leisure has officially concluded.”
dishonesty
“…….”
Gang Chae-seok, who had been attempting to prolong his rest period by engaging in the conversation, surged to his feet as if struck by lightning.
“……He remains posted out there.”
The fourth morning arrived. The traveler continued to fix an unblinking gaze upon the entryway of the Tae-eul Sect, completely motionless. On this occasion, two additional figures had aligned themselves beside him, mirroring his vigil. Judging by the palpable tension radiating from them, it was precisely as Baek Hae-gwang had predicted—there wasn’t a shred of goodwill to be found.
“Is a confrontation imminent?”
The sixth morning dawned. The contingent of observers arrayed outside the Tae-eul Sect had multiplied once more.
“Te—ten individuals?”
While the headcount itself was not overwhelmingly massive, the spectacle of martial artists wearing entirely different uniforms all staring down the Tae-eul Sect with an identical, grim focus generated a profound sense of foreboding. Ultimately, Hong Mun-gi decided to take matters into his own hands.
dishonesty
*Creak—*
The reinforced timber of the Tae-eul Sect’s front gate swung inward. Hong Mun-gi advanced to the threshold with a measured, authoritative stride. He had taken a solemn oath that if any force came seeking to harm his sect, he would position himself at the absolute vanguard to meet them, regardless of their identity or reputation.
“I am the Leader of the Tae-eul Sect, Hong Mun-gi.”
Upon the Sect Leader’s appearance, the gathered crowd directed an incredibly intense pressure toward him. Seeing this, just as Hong Mun-gi prepared to speak further—
“We extend our greetings to the Sect Leader.”
In perfect unison, every individual present brought their fist to their palm in a traditional formal salute, showing their respect to Sect Leader Hong Mun-gi.
“……!”
“……!”
Witnessing this display, the watching members of the Tae-eul Sect positioned further back felt a sudden wave of emotion wash over them. To receive a salute where the opposing party voluntarily lowered their heads first was an entirely novel experience for anyone associated with the Tae-eul Sect. In stark contrast to his subordinates, who stood frozen in astonishment, Hong Mun-gi maintained his composure.
“I remain unaware of the precise purpose that brings you to our threshold. Nonetheless, the Tae-eul Sect is currently observing a period of strict seclusion. I must request your understanding regarding our inability to host visitors appropriately, and ask that you depart. Your presence is causing distress to our young disciples as they go about their tasks.”
As Hong Mun-gi delivered his refusal, the martial artist positioned at the very front—the original individual who had initiated the watch—took a single pace forward and lowered his head once more.
“This insignificant warrior is surnamed Jang, hailing from the region of Shandong. May I be permitted to pose a single inquiry to Sect Leader Hong?”
“Speak your mind.”
“There appears to be an inconsistency in the words the Sect Leader offers. While you maintain that the Tae-eul Sect is bound by seclusion, did your forces not engage in a violent clash with Jeomchang within the borders of Hubei a mere matter of weeks ago? By any logical standard, such an action signifies that your isolation has been abandoned.”
Signaling their agreement with the speaker’s point, the individuals arrayed behind him nodded their assent simultaneously.
“That particular event was an entirely unforeseen obstacle we chanced upon while navigating our return journey to Anhui. It cannot reasonably be interpreted as a formal resumption of our operations within the *Kangho*.”
“Even if one were to set that matter aside, is it not an undeniable fact that the Tae-eul Sect is conducting numerous external ventures, specifically through your ties with the Dae-cheon Merchant Group? If you seek to evade your worldly obligations and reap material wealth under the shield of a self-declared seclusion, the inhabitants of the *Kangho* will inevitably brand your sect as hypocritical and self-serving.”
“……!!!”
“……!”
As the dialogue shifted into increasingly dangerous territory, the watching members of the Tae-eul Sect prepared to surge forward in outrage, but Hong Mun-gi lifted an arm, signaling for them to hold their ground.
“I harbor genuine appreciation for your concern regarding the standing of the Tae-eul Sect. However, those matters fall strictly within the purview of our own governance. They are not issues that require the oversight of external parties.”
“The nature of the situation has evolved beyond that point.”
“What are you implying?”
The warrior who had introduced himself as Jang reached into his traveling attire, extracted a formal document, and lofted it toward Hong Mun-gi. At that gesture, the eyes of the hostile Tae-eul Sect disciples widened in surprise. The missive, which by all natural laws should have been caught by the breeze and fluttered to the earth, traveled in a perfectly linear trajectory straight into Hong Mun-gi’s grasp, defying the wind.
*Tak.*
“…….”
The countenance of Hong Mun-gi, now holding the parchment, grew intensely serious. The precision with which the man had manipulated his internal energy served as undeniable proof that this was no mere street brawler looking for trouble. Regardless of intentions, the explicit motive for this gathering would be contained within the text. Hong Mun-gi broke the seal and scanned the lines, his brow furrowing instantly.
“A formal challenge to a duel (*Bimu-cheop*)?”
Spurred by his words, the gathered martial artists outside dropped all pretense, unleashing their raw killing intent.
“The forces gathered before you represent merely the vanguard. At this very moment, a multitude of prominent figures across the Jiangbei territory are converging on this location, determined to hold the Tae-eul Sect accountable for its transgressions.”
“…….”
“Attempting to remain out of sight by hiding behind the pretense of seclusion will buy you no further time.”
A violent storm had begun to brew over the lands of Anhui.
