Chapter 424
## Chapter 424. The Price of Fame (4)
“Ahem…….”
Jegal So-myeong sank back into his seat, massaging the nape of his neck. Instantly, the warm ambiance plummeted into a freezing chill.
‘It feels absolutely freezing here.’
He hadn’t committed any crime, yet he suddenly felt like a condemned man awaiting execution. Part of him wanted to immediately yank Dam-ak’s missive out from his robes and hand it over, laughing it off as a mere prank, but…
‘To travel this entire distance only to leave empty-handed without gaining a single thing. No one could possibly be that foolish!’
Grit teeth, he stubbornly withstood the oppressive air. The heavy silence stretched on, making a mere second feel like an eternity. After what seemed like a considerable delay in the wordless room, he cautiously shifted his gaze.
‘Wait……?’
Hyeok Mu-gang’s response was entirely different from what he had anticipated.
‘Is he…… amused?’
He had just announced the loss of a crucial document that dictated the future and alliance between the Murim Alliance and the Four Black Lotus. Despite this gravity, Hyeok Mu-gang carried a strange grin. Realizing his expression had been caught, the man spoke up casually.
“That was quite entertaining. But perhaps it is time to put an end to this farce?”
Just as he was debating whether to drop the act now or push his luck a bit further.
“Chief Strategist, you ought to cease this playfulness as well. Look how irritated the youngster has become.”
Hyeok Mu-gang directed his comment toward Jegal So-myeong.
What?
Confused, he turned his eyes toward Jegal So-myeong…
“A fellow like you would never misplace such a document, if only because you care too much about the compensation.”
Jegal So-myeong was glaring back, his posture stiff with the stern demeanor typical of an elder. What was wrong with these two? Though relieved to find their previous reactions were just part of a joke, a sudden thought gripped his mind.
‘Just what kind of impression do I leave on people?’
With a dazed look, he pulled out the blood-stained document. Jegal So-myeong snatched it instantly, like a swooping eagle. He tore the envelope open right there and scanned the contents with rapid speed.
“…….”
Nodding quietly, he passed the paper to Hyeok Mu-gang, who likewise devoured the text before folding it away. Though burning with curiosity about what was written, he lacked the nerve to ask. As he remained quiet, the two older men traded several meaningful looks, driving his curiosity to an unbearable level. At last, the Alliance Leader spoke.
“The service you have rendered in this affair is beyond words; it is immensely significant.”
His tone carried the warmth of a proud parent speaking to a child. Perhaps it reflected his genuine affection for a junior member of the orthodox world.
“In essence, you have averted an otherwise certain conflict between the Murim Alliance and the Four Black Lotus.”
Yet, because of the gravity of the situation, a bitter truth had to follow.
“Even so, you must understand that the Alliance cannot grant you public recognition for this achievement. To do so would cause a deep rift within the Murim Alliance itself.”
Indeed, if those arrogant members of the Wudang sect believed they were being labeled as backstabbers simply for targeting a faction of the Black Path, they would instantly revolt. The individuals he had encountered at the Wuhan Manor were mostly at the rank of Squad Leaders, but the sentiment would be identical even among the higher-ups.
‘The barracks of the Beggars’ Union are probably overflowing with people right now, trying to uncover everything about my past.’
As he briefly lost himself in thought, Hyeok Mu-gang’s authoritative voice broke through again.
“Furthermore, no disciplinary actions will be taken against you.”
He had expected the matter to conclude roughly this way. Had he shown hesitation in his battles out of some foolish hope for official glory, he would be drowning in regret now. He stepped backward, bowing low in gratitude for being shielded from the wrath of Wudang and the Jeongdo Association.
“My deepest thanks.”
Yet, one particular detail lingered in his mind. The leader had specifically used the word ‘publicly,’ hadn’t he? If so…… did that imply a reward could be given ‘privately’?
‘Should I bring it up?’
Torn between the fear of appearing overly greedy and the realization that it was better to try than to remain silent, he finally made his choice.
“In that case…… is there a chance I could receive something ‘privately’?”
“…….”
Ah…… Jegal So-myeong’s stare grew sharper than it had ever been.
‘He’s looking at me like he wants to bore a hole right through my forehead.’
Still, when else would he ever get a private audience with the Murim Alliance Leader? As he kept his chin up, Hyeok Mu-gang’s expression began to twitch.
“Hehe…… Hehehehe.”
Ultimately, Hyeok Mu-gang erupted into boisterous laughter. After his frame shook for a few moments, a gentle, kind smile returned to his features.
“Naturally, you shall have it. Is there something specific you desire?”
There certainly was. He voiced the request he had debated until his brain ached, the one he had finally settled on before arriving. And.
“……Ugh.”
Upon hearing the demand, Jegal So-myeong rubbed his temples as if struck by a sudden migraine. Meanwhile, Hyeok Mu-gang stared blankly, completely caught off guard for the very first time.
“Hmm…….”
What was the meaning of this? After acting as though he would grant any request, was he suddenly going to back out? Just as disappointment threatened to show on his face.
“Is that truly what you want?”
The Alliance Leader’s tone turned solemn. He nodded without a single shred of doubt.
“Absolutely.”
Hyeok Mu-gang remained quiet for a brief moment, stroking his beard before raising his eyes to study him intensely.
“What concerns me is the path that lies ahead of you.”
A voice laced with deep anxiety soon followed.
“Your deeds were honorable, but the Alliance itself is deeply compromised.”
To think that a legendary figure, someone who seemed like an immovable mountain or a towering giant in his previous existence, would expose his true sentiments so nakedly. Before he could fully process the surprise, the leader’s words hit him.
“Those deep-seated corruptions will obstruct your journey forward, and eventually, they will attempt to crush the life out of you.”
He understood those anxieties perfectly. While his path was righteous, the reality that he had opposed the Jeongdo Alliance and struck down fellow Alliance members to protect Dam-ak would inevitably be turned against him as a flaw. He was bound to become a target from within.
“It will be an ordeal so grueling and agonizing that it will make scaling a peak against a raging torrent look simple.”
Even with that knowledge, he harbored no regrets. Those corrupt elements were the very parasites draining the life from the Murim Alliance. He had merely taken the first step in purging them, a grueling task that would have to be performed over and over again in the days to come.
“Do you truly intend to pursue such a suffocating path?”
His mind drifted back to the legendary figure who had ultimately succumbed to that very corruption in his past life. Individually, those corrupt souls were nothing compared to that giant. Yet, by pooling their malice, they had brought the colossus down. He adjusted his posture, looking the leader straight in the eyes.
“If someone refuses to clear away filth simply because it soils their hands, the entire area will soon turn into a wasteland. But if someone persistently cleans up the mess, others will gradually join in as they notice their surroundings becoming pristine.”
The current disaster existed only because people failed to clear away the rot when it was still manageable.
“……The vanguard bird always bears the brunt of the fiercest gales. And ultimately, it is the first to plummet.”
And the fact that I have not been branded a traitor is proof that a glimmer of hope still remains for the Murim Alliance.
“Should I fall, my Sa-jes will step forward to face those gales. If they fail, the generation after them will take their place…… as long as we keep moving forward, even if it is just a single step at a time.”
I refuse to let go of this hope. No, I will hold onto it tightly.
“Even if our progress is agonizingly slow, we will edge closer to our goal. Thus, our only duty is never to halt. Until the day we finally reach our destination. I have come to realize that Hyup (侠 – Righteousness) is not a solitary path, but a burden meant to be carried by everyone together.”
His words, which had resonated powerfully through the chamber, faded away. The heavy aura that had permeated the room dissipated completely. Looking around, he saw that both Hyeok Mu-gang and Jegal So-myeong had turned as still as stone monuments, gazing at him with absolute focus. After a prolonged silence, Hyeok Mu-gang finally broke his gaze, closing his eyes while continuing to stroke his beard.
“Never once in my entire existence have I regretted my choice to remain without a disciple, but today, for the very first time, I feel a pang of regret.”
He wasn’t entirely sure how the conversation had taken such a dramatic turn, but since it didn’t seem unfavorable, he chose to remain silent. Jegal So-myeong turned to look at Hyeok Mu-gang, who was still immersed in his emotions.
“What is your decision?”
“If you are in agreement, Chief Strategist, then I shall consent as well.”
“The boy claims he wants to march into the abyss of his own free will…….”
Jegal So-myeong paused for a moment, shifting his gaze toward him.
“Then let it be so.”
Despite the severity of his phrasing, Jegal So-myeong carried a soft, proud smile.
—
Jin So-un stepped out of the inner sanctuary. Inside, the remaining two men quietly sipped their tea for a long duration, each caught up in their own profound reflections.
“I find it hard to comprehend why that boy carries the moniker of the Black Flame Dragon.”
“That is because you choose to see only his virtues, Alliance Leader.”
Jegal So-myeong shook his head with an expression that seemed exasperated, yet his eyes held a warmth he couldn’t hide.
“The Wudang disciples who suffered broken bones at the estate number greater than fifty. What’s more, he precisely targeted only their right arms and left legs.”
For any practitioner of the martial paths, shattering a right arm and a left leg was equivalent to stripping them of their combat abilities for a long time. Furthermore, even after full recovery, they would never truly replicate their peak form again.
“Are those disciples going to be alright?”
Though he was inquiring about their state, his tone had turned biting and freezing, a stark contrast to his earlier demeanor. Even for someone as magnanimous as Hyeok Mu-gang, the conduct of the Wudang sect was crossing a line.
“They are currently assessing the political landscape, so they cannot act hastily. However, once the dust settles, they will undoubtedly push back.”
The mere thought of the impending internal discord caused a heavy sigh to escape his lips.
“Even so, isn’t the determination of that youth magnificent? It would be disgraceful for us elders to merely stand by idly.”
“…….”
He had always chosen to look away, despite seeing the truth. Because no matter how decayed the structure was, tearing out the central pillar to substitute a fresh one felt like an impossible endeavor. Three decades had slipped away while he remained indecisive. Now, the Murim Alliance was about to navigate a tempest with a compromised framework. Yet, a young man had just pledged to replace that very framework. This was despite the danger that the decayed beam might give way, bringing the roof down to crush him entirely.
“Words are cheap; anyone can make grand declarations.”
Hyeok Mu-gang offered a wide grin at Jegal So-myeong’s cynical remark.
“You constantly voice your doubts, yet your actions betray how much you are actually anticipating his success.”
“Hmph! What could I possibly expect from a reckless brat like him…….”
“Tell me, did his performance in your trial meet your expectations?”
“I merely discovered just how incredibly brazen that rascal can be.”
Even if no peer in his age group could rival his martial prowess, pure physical might alone could not shield him from the machinations of the calculating old schemers. After all, the adversaries that youth would face down the line were the seasoned masterminds within the Murim Alliance itself.
“Did you not observe him just now? Seeing how he managed to secure his own benefits while literally shivering in our presence, it is clear his resolve won’t easily bend before the clan elders.”
“Is that all? If anything, did he not essentially corner us and force our hands?”
The request made by Jin So-un was a heavy obligation, even for figures of their stature.
“Moreover, recall the underlying meaning of his words.”
[Should I fall, my Sa-jes will step forward to face those gales. Until the day we finally reach our destination.]
“Is he not subtly demanding that we throw our weight behind his entire school, as if showcasing them to the world?”
Jin So-un possessed absolute certainty. He believed that both himself and the Tai-eul Sect would become the epicenter of this reformation. Yet, could Jin So-un and his brethren truly manage such a feat? A gentle breeze aids a bird’s journey, but a violent tempest will swat a fragile bird from the sky. Currently, Jin So-un and the Tai-eul Sect were nothing more than fragile birds. Fledglings that could easily be grounded by a minor disturbance.
“…….”
But what if that assumption was entirely wrong? What if their long period of inactivity was simply because they were awaiting the arrival of a massive storm…….
“Could this be the great awakening after five centuries of silence?”
“What are you implying by that?”
Jegal So-myeong questioned the true meaning behind Hyeok Mu-gang’s quiet words, but…
“It was merely an idle thought.”
Hyeok Mu-gang simply shook his head, a smile gracing his face.
“At any rate, Jin So-un’s destination has been settled.”
“Given the current political climate, no other faction would dare to harbor him anyway.”
“My compliments. Things have finally aligned with what you secretly desired, Chief Strategist.”
Jegal So-myeong muttered crossly at Hyeok Mu-gang’s playful prodding.
“I fail to see his utility now that he has turned into the target of universal animosity.”
Hyeok Mu-gang consciously overlooked the slight twitch at the edge of Jegal So-myeong’s lips, an expression the man was trying desperately to suppress. A moment later, Jegal So-myeong stood up to leave.
“I must take my leave; there are many duties demanding my attention.”
Was finding a promising youth truly that exhilarating? His departing figure seemed so light it almost looked like a celebratory stride. Reflecting on it, despite his responsibilities in the Murim Alliance, Jegal So-myeong had always dedicated himself to cultivating the younger generation. It was as though he viewed it as his ultimate life purpose.
“Hmm, a disciple…….”
All at once, the yearning he had experienced while observing Jin So-un washed over him once more.
“Perhaps I should consider taking one under my wing…….”
A particular countenance surfaced in his thoughts. A delicate, slender youth who had recently arrived at the Alliance Leader’s Palace. A child who had conquered the dark fate of the Heavenly Killing Star solely to protect his flesh and blood, defying his very nature to preserve innocent lives.
“I recall that youngster also traces his roots back to the Tai-eul Sect.”
Strangely enough, it felt as though the threads of destiny were perfectly weaving themselves together.
