Chapter 428
## Chapter 428. Five Hundred Years of Waiting (3)
—
The Taepyeong Pavilion.
This particular area was once the Tai-eul Pavilion, utilized by Hong Mun-gi before being relocated to a freshly constructed edifice, transitioning this structure into a residence for visiting dignitaries. Though rather unassuming in scale due to constrained resources, the space maintained a classical grace, enhanced by a meticulously tended pond and a secluded guesthouse.
“Uncle!”
“So-yeon!”
Baek So-yeon, daughter of Baek Hae-gwang, pulled away from her mother’s grasp and sprinted toward me. In response, I scooped her up and launched her into the air repeatedly. Giggling with pure delight, Baek So-yeon eventually took her mother’s hand and moved toward the inner quarters.
Remaining outside, Baek Hae-gwang let out a deep, troubled scowl.
“Do you have any idea what you’ve done? You get to enjoy a brief moment of fun and leave, but I am the one left to deal with the consequences. I will be throwing her in the air for the next two weeks straight.”
“Aren’t you just making up for lost time from when she was younger?”
“…….”
Good grief, he never learns when it comes to picking verbal battles he cannot possibly win. Completely silenced by my rebuttal, Baek Hae-gwang stood there, unable to wipe the irritation from his face.
“So, why not simply settle down here at the Tai-eul Sect? The students of our Tai-eul Sect can act as older brothers and sisters to So-yeon. They can entertain her and look after her when you’re occupied.”
“You are losing your mind.”
“Sifu…… ah, my mistake. You ordered me never to address you as Sifu in public. Still, it hardly seems like the right response from an elder…….”
“It sounds like you are begging for a harsh training session.”
He grumbled defensively, though he didn’t seem entirely opposed to the concept. It was obvious he still carried anxiety regarding his historical background. If that weren’t the case, why would he choose to stay at the Taepyeong Pavilion rather than moving into the fully reconstructed premises of the Baekgeom Sect?
“There is a perfect designation known as Mun-oe-jang-ro (Elder Outside the Sect). It grants you the freedom to come and go precisely as you please.”
From the beginning, my strategy was to position the Baekgeom Sect close to the Tai-eul Sect so they could offer mutual assistance. Observing how seamlessly they were integrating with the Tai-eul Sect, I believed it would be highly advantageous for them to establish permanent roots here. Even so, it remained a challenging choice for him to make.
“Your physical state…… what on earth is going on there?”
Baek Hae-gwang abruptly shifted the topic of conversation.
“What do you mean?”
“You…… what kind of reckless things have you been doing?”
Baek Hae-gwang’s eyes were fixed directly on my Danjeon.
“Aha, so you noticed?”
“Unbelievable…… you lunatic. How did you manage to attain the Dan-sang-gi (Stage of the Platform Image)?”
“Is that what this is called? Dan-sang-gi?”
“You reached this peak without even realizing it……?”
“Since my Sifu chose to keep me in the dark, I had to figure it out myself.”
“You complete fool! The only reason I withheld that information was because your condition was nowhere near ready to handle the transition into Dan-sang-gi!”
Well, look at that. He didn’t even protest the title of Sifu this time around.
“……What makes you say I wasn’t ready?”
“Stepping into the realm of Dan-sang-gi demands a state of profound internal harmony. Your inner force and mental intent must merge as one. What do you think occurs when your cultivation advances an entire tier before your mind can even grasp the core concept?”
I am well aware that things usually resolve themselves properly. But it’s not as if I had a choice in the matter.
“Which is exactly why it would have been wonderful if Sifu had filled me in much sooner.”
Right at that instant—
*Thump!*
A resounding vibration echoed through my skull, causing my surroundings to blur into multiple overlapping images.
‘Wh-when did he move?’
With a speed that defied both my physical vision and heightened spiritual senses, a powerful strike impacted my head.
“Do you possess multiple lives to throw away?! If you are that eager to perish, why not leap from a thousand-ri precipice?”
“I actually attempted that, but I managed to survive…….”
*Thump!*
This time, I was fully prepared, maximizing my defensive awareness to the absolute limit. Even so, I remained completely oblivious to the moment the blow landed and receded from my skull.
“……How are you achieving that?”
“Why do you ask? Are you eager to master this as well? Very well, I shall give you all the instruction you desire.”
I carefully retreated backward, gesturing for Baek Hae-gwang to hold in place as he aggressively rolled up his sleeves to continue. The agony was genuinely excruciating, making me feel as though my life was flashing before my eyes.
“Sifu, please let me explain. I will recount the entire sequence of events clearly.”
“Save your breath. I have no interest in listening. It is only fitting that I suffer the consequences of my own actions.”
No, you need to actually listen to me!
*Thump!*
I scrambled to explain my recent encounters. Yet, before I could finish, another heavy strike found its mark on my head. Writhing from the sheer agony that made me feel near death, I rapidly yelled out, “Sura-soe-geum-tan-pa-ok-gyeol!” Only then did Baek Hae-gwang halt his assault.
“Whew…… I am trying…… to tell you that there was a perfectly logical explanation.”
“How are you familiar with the Sura-soe-geum-tan-pa-ok-gyeol?”
“You are well aware of my flawless retention.”
“This goes far beyond mere memory…….”
I swiftly steered the dialogue elsewhere. It was impossible for me to disclose the reality of the Sim-hyeon Pavilion. Nevertheless, I needed to address the primary objective behind my visit to Baek Hae-gwang.
“While in this condition, I utilized Sifu’s ultimate techniques, yet I suffered a defeat.”
“What did you say?”
“Is it possible…… that Sifu’s martial arts are fundamentally flawed?”
“……You utter lunatic.”
His face flushed with pure fury, Baek Hae-gwang raised his hands once more before demanding an answer.
“Who defeated you?”
“Yong So-ah.”
“If it was Yong So-ah…… that is entirely plausible.”
“I knew it. The martial arts themselves must be defective.”
“You insolent brat!”
Once more, *thud!* A sharp blow struck my head. What is going on…… why can’t I see his movements at all?
“How dare you insult my techniques just to mask your own lack of capability!”
“Lack of capability! I attained the level of Dan-sang-gi among the elite of the Five Dragons and Phoenixes at my current age! My abilities are beyond reproach! The flaw clearly lies within the techniques themselves!”
“You ungrateful wretch!”
Anticipating another imminent strike, I blurted out instantly.
“I am speaking with absolute sincerity. I managed nothing more than slicing the front edge of his garment.”
Hearing this, Baek Hae-gwang’s fist froze mid-air.
“Only the front edge?”
So he was using his fists? I could have sworn he was striking me with his feet.
“Precisely. Even though I executed the strike in a deceptive, underhanded manner aligned with Sifu’s tactical outlook, that was the only result.”
“……Are you looking to get killed?”
“No! But doesn’t this strike you as incredibly bizarre?”
“…….”
I explained the conclusion I had reached after reviewing the memory hundreds of times over. Baek Hae-gwang’s expression shifted, looking at me as though I had entirely lost my sanity.
“He anticipated your attack and raised his guard beforehand?”
“If that wasn’t the case, how could anyone counter Extreme Speed?”
“Your recollection has to be flawed…….”
“‘M-My apologies. I shall remove this immediately.’”
“……???”
I reenacted the exact behavior Baek Hae-gwang had displayed when facing the So-cheon-su technique of the Cheon-gang Gate during our initial encounter inside the Library of Ten Thousand Books.
“I can even recall the exact number of stray hairs protruding from your nose at that very moment.”
“……I have never had hairs protruding from my nose.”
“You absolutely did.”
*Thump.*
This final impact sent me collapsing straight to the floor. I felt as though my body was ready to give out entirely. I groaned from the ground, shifting slightly as I questioned him further.
“Do you honestly…… believe this is mere happenstance?”
“Discounting the Sect of Ten Thousand Poisons due to your inadequate cultivation back then…… for someone who has reached Dan-sang-gi to achieve nothing more than a clipped garment is alarming.”
“Among the techniques of Wudang that I have studied, no such martial art exists. Is there anything within Sifu’s vast repository of knowledge that matches this?”
On the surface, Wudang boasts a massive array of styles, but its hidden techniques are far greater in number. Regardless of my perfect memory, my previous life as an insignificant figure meant I never had the chance to witness every hidden style, leaving me ignorant of many specific forms. However, considering his history of infiltrating various factions to engage in continuous Bimus, he was bound to have some insight.
“No such technique exists.”
“Don’t dismiss it so quickly, try to remember…….”
“I am telling you it doesn’t exist! Within my knowledge, no such style exists even within the darkest arts of the Black Path.”
“……Then what could it be? Are you suggesting he has mastered some form of Demonic Art?”
Baek Hae-gwang raised his fist once more before letting it drop back down.
“This isn’t a question of martial mastery or technique tiers. If your description is accurate…… it implies that Yong So-ah possesses a rare, inherent gift from birth.”
“……That monster has an innate gift?”
“A truly terrifying capability, a divine talent that emerges only once in a millennium.”
“……Then how am I supposed to overcome an opponent like that?”
Faced with my grim inquiry, Baek Hae-gwang adopted a solemn expression, sinking deep into reflection. Just as a glimmer of hope began to form within me—
“Overcome him? If you encounter an adversary of that nature, your only option is to run for your life.”
Instead of offering a viable solution, he simply left me feeling utterly demoralized.
The grand opening ceremony commenced. The primary gates of the Tai-eul Sect swung wide, and the faction made a public declaration that they would host a comprehensive Bimu Tournament, welcoming any individual eager to test their skills in combat. This declaration only served to further incense the crowds assembled outside.
“How arrogant must they be to think they can take on all of us?”
“Do these people believe the Tai-eul Sect is on par with Shaolin!”
“They likely assume we will back down in fear! They are sorely mistaken!”
The infuriated martial artists grew increasingly hostile, casting aside all restraint to project open malice.
“I intended to show them some measure of leniency if they had shown proper humility, but their hubris is intolerable.”
“There is no turning back now. Welcoming us in this manner demonstrates they have no regard for the established customs of the Murim.”
With the situation escalating to this degree, the agitators saw no reason to hold back. They committed themselves to launching far more aggressive and disruptive blockades.
“If you think you can pass through here, just try it!”
Their strategy involved completely sealing off the main pathway. By anchoring themselves squarely in the center of the road, they successfully disrupted all inbound traffic, halting both horse-drawn transport and pedestrians from approaching the Tai-eul Sect directly. Those arriving with official invitations from the Tai-eul Sect were forced to take extensive detours around the blockade just to reach the outer perimeter.
A few representatives from the Tai-eul Sect emerged to issue stern demands for the crowd to cease disrupting the proceedings, but the confrontational assembly merely responded with defiant glares, daring them to act.
“Ha! They are getting exactly what they deserve!”
“Let us see how long this opening ceremony lasts!”
“Stand your ground, regardless of who approaches!”
Right at that moment—
“Hmm.”
An arriving party moved up from behind the cluster of blockaders.
“Haha, I assumed these individuals were guests waiting in a queue, but they are nothing more than common rabble.”
“Grandfather, please hold on a moment. I will settle this…….”
“No need. I shall address them myself.”
Hearing the exchange between the elderly gentleman and the young woman, the agitators scowled deeply, preparing to intimidate the newcomers.
“Listen here, old man! Don’t think you can just wander into a useless gathering and return home safely with your granddaughter…….”
The threat dissolved instantly as the speaker caught sight of the individual’s face and the unmistakable emblem of the Namgung Clan stitched into his flowing robes.
“Haha, young man. What was that? You mentioned something concerning my granddaughter. My advanced years have left my hearing rather poor.”
“……Uh, uh, ugh…… th-that…… the Singeom, the Chang-je-sin-geom (Divine Sword of the Progenitor)?!”
“Haha, indeed, this old fellow used to bear that particular title across the lands long ago.”
“Hieeeek!!!”
Overcome with sheer terror, the martial artist stumbled backward, frantically tugging at the garments of his companions.
“M-Move! Clear the way!”
“Hey! What are you doing! Order them to step back…… C-Cack, the N-Namgung Clan?”
The path that had been sealed so tightly it seemed impenetrable—
*Shhh—*
Parted down the center, clearing completely to both flanks.
“They are exceptionally discourteous individuals. Why are they permitted to remain here?”
“This remains entirely an affair of the Tai-eul Sect. Let us proceed inward without a fuss.”
“Understood, Grandfather.”
As the Namgung Clan alongside the Chang-je-sin-geom moved past, an uncomfortable stillness descended upon the unsettled crowd.
“…….”
“…….”
“……Ahem!!!”
Even so, the presence of the Chang-je-sin-geom alone wasn’t enough to permanently break their resolve.
“L-Let us see if their grand event can actually succeed!”
“Y-Yeah! This time, we do not budge for anyone, no matter who they are!”
It was an obstinate display of defiance born of narrowed perspectives.
“What is the meaning of this garbage blocking the path?”
That renewed confidence vanished almost immediately.
“Gasp, the Pa, the Pa-geom (The Shattering Sword)…….”
*Whack!*
The martial artist who had uttered the title ‘Pa-geom’ was sent flying thirty feet through the air, spitting up crimson before losing consciousness entirely.
“Do you vermin mistake yourselves for my peers?”
“…….”
“Clear the path before I make you.”
The crowd scrambled to clear the roadway twice as fast as they had for the Namgung Clan.
“Tsk.”
Moyong Gang, guiding the entourage of the Moyong Clan, strode effortlessly through the remaining agitators and walked through the primary gates. Spotting Jin So-un awaiting his arrival, his brow furrowed in irritation.
“If you intend to host dignitaries, you ought to maintain your access roads properly; what is the meaning of this chaos!”
“A grand spectacle requires a sizable audience, does it not? I harbored doubts about your attendance, yet you made it after all.”
“You promised to present something highly entertaining. If it falls short of my expectations, you will answer for it.”
“Naturally.”
Under the direction of Geum-pyo, the members of the Moyong Clan filed into the interior. Watching the protesters waver between reforming their blockade or abandoning the effort entirely, Eun-ho turned to Jin So-un.
“Are you truly going to leave them to their own devices?”
“Why deplete our reserves before the Bimu Tournament even begins?”
“Be that as it may, you could at least compel them to clear the main thoroughfare.”
“To what end? Who stands to benefit?”
Eun-ho suppressed the obvious retort—’It would clearly benefit the Tai-eul Sect!’—and cast his gaze past the entrance. The wavering agitators were now crossing their arms, reclaiming their positions with renewed stubbornness. Various arriving carriages and representatives from the Murim Academy were turning around in frustration, disgusted by the hostile atmosphere.
Allowing guests to face harassment from ruffians was an egregious breach of etiquette for any host faction.
“If the Dae-sa-hyeong refuses to take action, then I shall.”
Just as Eun-ho reached the limit of his forbearance and prepared to intervene, Jin So-un spoke up.
“You previously expressed curiosity regarding the compensation I secured from the Alliance Leader and the Chief Strategist regarding the matter of Strategist Dam, correct?”
“Why bring that up at a moment like this?”
When I wanted answers before, he refused to provide them. Jin So-un simply gestured toward the horizon with a nod of his head.
“Cast your eyes over there. The compensation I negotiated is arriving as we speak.”
“What?”
Unable to comprehend the statement, Eun-ho turned his gaze toward the road.
“…….”
Emerging from the far end of the highway, an immense vanguard adorned with gleaming banners and magnificent steeds stretched out as far as the eye could see, advancing steadily toward the Tai-eul Sect. Witnessing the approach of this massive assembly, the blockaders braced themselves to hold the line. However, as the crowd processed the symbols emblazoned on the approaching flags, a collective gasp of utter bewilderment swept through the audience, mirroring Eun-ho’s own shock.
“The M-Murim Alliance?!!!!!”
“L-Look at that! That is the official crest of the Alliance Leader’s Palace!”
“The standard of the Mantong-bu is alongside it!!!”
It was completely unprecedented for a contingent from the Murim Alliance to grace the opening ceremony of a minor, lower-tier faction from the 108 Peaks. To make matters more staggering, the standards of both the Alliance Leader’s Palace and the Mantong-bu were flying in tandem. The implications of those combined banners pointed toward a singular reality. Looking at Eun-ho, who appeared stunned to the core, So-un offered a casual shrug.
“Indeed. I secured the backing of those two figures as payment for handling that affair.”
“Aah…… ugh…… ugh…….”
Eun-ho stood entirely paralyzed, unable to formulate words.
“Ugh…… ugh…… ugh…….”
The protesters were frozen in identical shock.
“Did I not assure you? I always maintain a strategy.”
“You absolute madman…….”
Never before in the annals of history had the Murim Alliance Leader and the Murim Alliance Chief Strategist simultaneously attended the local ceremony of an individual Murim sect.
