Chapter 442
Forty-eight hours remained before my journey to the Murim Alliance. At the behest of our leader, I made my way to the Tae-eul Hall. Although our faction had recently celebrated a grand and joyous milestone, the Sect Leader appeared remarkably haggard, his eyes deeply shadowed and hollow compared to his state prior to our grand reopening.
‘It is evident that governing an entire sect demands a strength few possess.’
While the common disciples of the Tae-eul Sect were busy envisioning a glorious future, walking a path seemingly paved in gold, this single man was bearing the crushing weight of our destiny in isolation. Because I possess knowledge of what lies ahead, it is impossible for me to simply rejoice in every stroke of good fortune. Yet the Sect Leader, who had every right to celebrate alongside his followers, chose instead to shoulder the profound duty and accountability of his position, proving himself a true commander by greeting this success with sober gravity.
“So-un, there is a matter I need to clarify with you.”
The immense pressure weighing upon the Sect Leader manifested clearly in the heavy timber of his voice.
“By any chance, did you make any peculiar statements while in the presence of the Alliance Leader and the Chief Tactician?”
*What?* I was perplexed by the ambiguity of his inquiry and tilted my head in confusion. His approach felt rather cryptic—as though he were presenting merely the outer shell of an idea while withholding the core substance, expecting me to decipher its hidden meaning.
“To what sort of conversation are you referring, Sect Leader?”
“That is to say…… a topic of critical import, one that implies assuming a monumental obligation, *ahem*…… something along those lines.”
I combed through my recollections, but I had absolutely no memory of promising to shoulder any massive obligations in their company. Furthermore, the Tae-eul Sect had long been viewed as an insignificant entity with no real standing inside the Murim Alliance. Even if an ordinary disciple like myself—someone who wasn’t even the head of the house—had spoken carelessly, would it truly bind our faction to such a monumental responsibility?
“I recall nothing of the sort.”
“……Is that so.”
A profound sigh escaped the Sect Leader’s lips, and he seemed to age several years in that single moment.
“Does a particular anxiety trouble you, Master?”
“……No, it is merely that the current turn of events is so baffling……. Ah, forget it! Pretend I never mentioned it.”
He appeared highly agitated, like a man trapped beneath a massive dilemma he could not share with anyone else. After a brief hesitation, he produced a slender, elongated container.
“Uncover it.”
Lying within the container was a long blade shrouded in protective fabric. The very instant my eyes landed upon the weapon, recognition struck me like a flash.
“This is the **Gu-jung-geom** belonging to the Iron Sword Sect.”
“Indeed.”
“…….”
A heavy quiet settled over the room. For generations, the Iron Sword Sect had acted as a relentless adversary, constantly suppressing the Tae-eul Sect. When they attempted to degrade us during our attendance as guests at their leader’s sixtieth anniversary celebration, their plans backfired completely, resulting in the forfeiture of their most revered relic—the legendary **Gu-jung-geom** once wielded by the Ghost Sword Immortal. For our faction, keeping this blade served as undeniable proof that we had wiped away years of degradation inflicted by our rivals.
Yet, the Sect Leader clearly intended to surrender this token back to its original owners.
“If I may offer my perspective, I believe we should keep it.”
Through the bonds forged during my tenure at the Academy, I had developed a close camaraderie with Seong Mo-ran, and presently, the Tae-eul Sect and the Iron Sword Sect maintained a civil relationship, exchanging occasional emissaries. However, those alliances belonged strictly to the present reality. In the timeline of my previous existence, the Iron Sword Sect was a merciless persecutor that continuously hounded the Tae-eul Sect until our absolute ruin.
“Our standing with the Iron Sword Sect will not deteriorate simply because we retain custody of this weapon.”
The Tae-eul Sect was no longer the defenseless entity it once was. Although our operational scale could not yet match theirs, no amount of lingering malice on their part would allow them to unilaterally dominate and oppress us as they did in days past.
“I am well aware.”
The **Gu-jung-geom** was a potent emblem. It stood as a testament that the Tae-eul Sect was equal to the Iron Sword Sect in every measurable way.
“Then, if I am not overstepping my bounds, may I understand your reasoning?”
I pressed the issue, fully aware that my persistence might border on disrespect. Yet, I could not let it slide, knowing full well the immense sociopolitical weight that such emblems carry across the entire Jianghu.
“Because the Tae-eul Sect has evolved past the point of relying on mere tokens to assert its worth.”
“……!”
When I raised my gaze to look upon the Sect Leader once more, the weary old man had vanished, replaced by the resolute visage of the fierce Tu-sa I remembered from the past.
“Crushing our adversaries, constantly validating our might, parading our triumphs while concealing our shortcomings.”
He paused momentarily, his voice dropping to a solemn whisper.
“Our Tae-eul Sect does not exist for such petty vanity, does it?”
“…….”
I had erroneously assumed that the Sect Leader had undergone a fundamental transformation—that he had simply cast aside his former fragility to become ruthless and dominant. Observing his recent conduct, I had even suspected that his past gentleness was merely a facade, given how uncompromising he had been ever since reclaiming his true power.
But my judgment was flawed. The man had not shifted his principles at all. His previous life had been entirely devoid of falsehood. From the very beginning, his spirit was more resilient than any steel, and his character possessed a boundless capacity to accept others. To a master of his spiritual caliber, a physical token of conquest held absolutely no intrinsic value.
“Besides, there is a far more pressing logistical issue at hand.”
“What might that be?”
“Our storage vault is entirely out of space.”
A faint glimmer of amusement danced in the Sect Leader’s eyes as he cracked the joke. Looking at his expression, I found myself unable to suppress a chuckle. His outer demeanor had transformed so radically that he appeared to be an entirely different warrior, yet at his core, his essential nature remained beautifully untouched.
“In that case, returning it is our only logical option.”
“Good grief, you truly lack a sense of humor.”
The Sect Leader feigned a slight pout, looking momentarily disgruntled before reassuming a dignified posture.
“Throughout the duration of our self-imposed isolation, the Iron Sword Sect extended unconditional support to the Tae-eul Sect. Their assistance bought us the vital window needed to fortify our foundations. In my estimation, that service alone balances the scales.”
“Does this mean you are wiping the slate completely clean?”
“Absolution was granted long ago. I am simply keeping the past in mind.”
“…….”
To grant absolution while maintaining awareness of the past…….
“Furthermore, does our faction not boast a particular student who possesses a flawless memory for every detail?”
The Sect Leader focused his warm, appreciative gaze directly on me.
“With you around, what purpose does a dilapidated blade serve?”
Hearing him refer to the legendary relic as ‘a dilapidated blade,’ I couldn’t help but nod in total agreement.
“I understand your will, Master. I shall personally deliver the weapon back to them.”
—
The Iron Sword Sect had successfully asserted its dominance as the absolute authority over Hefei and a major force throughout Anhui Province. Yet, the grand avenue leading toward their headquarters, which normally bustled with travelers regardless of the season, now presented a remarkably bleak sight. Due to the overwhelming influx of supplicants seeking entry into the compound, the vibrant commercial district flanking the thoroughfare had completely shut down. Surveying the eerie stillness of the area, which now resembled a deserted ghost town, the severe decline of the Iron Sword Sect’s fortunes became painfully evident. The absolute coldness of the Jianghu never fails to send a chill down my spine whenever I witness it firsthand.
As I approached the primary threshold, the sentry posted at the gates recognized my face, his entire posture freezing in astonishment.
“Jin So-un…….”
Detecting the conflicted undercurrent in his voice—a strange mixture that was neither overt malice nor genuine warmth—I broke the silence.
“I have journeyed here to deliver an artifact dispatched by the Sect Leader of the Tae-eul Sect. I request an audience with the representative in charge.”
“The representative, you say?”
Recognizing that demanding an immediate audience with their supreme leader would be a grave breach of etiquette, even given the fact that I was restoring their faction’s sacred treasure, I kept my request formal and reserved.
“Kindly remain here for a brief moment.”
With those words, the sentry hurried into the interior complex. I remained standing out in the wide martial grounds, waiting patiently.
“……Is that truly Jin So-un?”
“What brings the Black Flame Dragon to our gates?”
“Could it be…… has he arrived to exact vengeance for past grievances?”
The surrounding disciples began to murmur among themselves, a wave of anxiety rippling through the crowd.
‘You have it all wrong.’
I had established a deep bond of mutual respect with Seong Mo-ran, and the historical friction between the Tae-eul Sect and the Iron Sword Sect had already been largely resolved following the formal contrition offered by Sect Leader Seong Cheon-wol. Even so, the gathered combatants of the Iron Sword Sect remained completely on edge, watching me with the defensive hostility of threatened animals.
‘I should hand over the artifact and make a swift exit.’
As I waited for their representative, hoping to avoid any further unnecessary friction, the guard who had run inside came sprinting back toward the courtyard, accompanied by another figure.
‘Oh, no…….’
The individual approaching was none other than the Young Sect Leader himself, Seong Ju-tak.
‘I explicitly stated I was merely delivering an item!’
Completely oblivious to my internal reluctance, Seong Ju-tak advanced with such frantic speed that the sentry who summoned him was left far behind in his wake.
“W-Welcome, Young Master Jin…… So-un. I trust you have been in excellent health since we last met?”
Given his overly strained greeting and his stiff, nervous laughter, I found myself feeling incredibly awkward standing there.
“Yes. By your grace, I have been faring well. There was truly no need for you to personally receive me out here…….”
“Nonsense. Given your arrival at our estate, it is only proper that I come out to greet you personally.”
“I am…… deeply grateful.”
The sheer discomfort of the situation intensified as Seong Ju-tak continued to fuss over me, treating me with the excessive deference one might show to a long-lost benefactor.
“Think nothing of it! Come, let us lose no time and escort you to the Sect Leader immediately.”
“To the Sect Leader??”
“Indeed. I have already dispatched word to inform him of your arrival.”
My mind reeled; I had explicitly requested a simple drop-off.
“Young Sect Leader, regarding that…….”
Before I could finish my sentence, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from behind the main hall, kicking up a thick cloud of dry earth. The Young Sect Leader, Seong Ju-tak, spun around and bellowed with a deep scowl.
“Who dares to create such a disruptive ruckus when we are hosting an esteemed guest…….”
His reprimand died in his throat.
“Young Master Jin! You have actually graced us with your presence! Ha-ha!”
The figure charging through the billowing dust cloud was none other than Sect Leader Seong Cheon-wol himself.
—
“This artifact was sent as a gesture from the leader of the Tae-eul Sect.”
Without further delay, I unclasped the container to reveal its contents. Resting securely inside was the **Gu-jung-geom**, the very weapon I had claimed as a prize following my historical duel against Seong Mo-hyeon.
“…….”
“…….”
Despite the restoration of their faction’s ultimate treasure, the countenances of both men remained clouded with intense anxiety. Guessing the root cause of their trepidation, I proceeded to articulate my master’s true intent.
“Our Sect Leader wished to convey his enduring appreciation for past assistance. Lacking a formal venue to express it properly, he hopes that restoring this relic—which has served as the primary source of discord between our houses—will completely dissolve any lingering animosity from days gone by.”
Seong Ju-tak blinked in rapid astonishment, while Sect Leader Seong Cheon-wol closed his eyes, sinking into a profound, prolonged silence.
“Incredible…….”
Though only a handful of years had transpired since the fateful events at the Magic Spirit Highlands, the old master had grown incredibly frail, resembling a spent candle wasting away to its final thread of wax as he whispered softly.
“He possesses a soul of immense magnanimity and boundless grace. To think of the petty, disgraceful actions we have occupied ourselves with for so long…….”
His frame seemed to sag as though the final remnants of his vital energy had deserted him. Slowly and with total humility, he bowed his head before me.
“I am filled with profound mortification and regret. Reflecting upon the transgressions the Iron Sword Sect has perpetrated over the years…… I feel entirely unworthy of even offering an apology.”
To witness a supreme leader lowering his head in contrition to an ordinary disciple was staggering. I moved quickly to put him at ease.
“It is a tremendous blessing that our respective factions have finally achieved a true understanding of one another.”
Seong Cheon-wol’s eyes shimmered with a complex flurry of emotions.
“……Word has reached me that you have been looking after Mo-ran with great care.”
It clearly baffled him that I was journeying alongside his granddaughter, a scion of the Iron Sword Sect.
“She is an invaluable companion-in-arms to me.”
“……It appears nobility of character is indeed a hereditary trait.”
“……?”
Paying no mind to my confusion at his cryptic remark, Seong Cheon-wol added with great hesitation.
“Is it possible for you to find it in your heart to grant absolution for the crimes committed by that foolish boy, Mo-hyeon?”
The moment that name left his lips, my entire body went rigid. Could it be……?
“Is he still held in isolation within the Gold Prison?”
“Indubitably. Regardless of our historical rivalry, fabricating accusations that a fellow martial artist had dabbled in a forbidden art was an unforgivable transgression that should never have been uttered.”
“…….”
A profound heaviness settled into my chest. The reality was that Seong Mo-hyeon’s suspicions hadn’t been entirely baseless. To think he had languished in the depths of the Gold Prison all this time because of it.
“I have…… long since put that malice behind me. Please grant him his release and let him return to his family.”
Seong Cheon-wol shook his head in resolute denial.
“Absolutely not. Your personal absolution cannot absolve him of the debt he owes for his misdeeds. He has yet to fully expiate his sins.”
“……Is this not the perfect moment for us to take a step forward in unison? True transformation is rarely achieved through endless confinement; rather, a man redeems his errors by actively reforming his conduct and choices.”
Upon hearing my perspective, Seong Cheon-wol’s gaze shifted erratically, betraying his deep inner turmoil.
“Do you truly hold that belief?”
“……I do. Should he stumble into the same errors down the road, it will simply be the duty of his elders to guide him back to the proper path. While enforcing harsh penalties to deter the masses has its place, allowing a transgressor to reform, achieve true remorse, and dedicate his strength to the betterment of the realm is surely of equal consequence, is it not…….”
*Drip, drop.*
Without warning, tears began to stream down Seong Ju-tak’s face. Before I could recover from my bewilderment or figure out how to comfort him, Sect Leader Seong Cheon-wol stared up at the ceiling, murmuring under his breath.
“What an extraordinarily vast spirit. Whether in the days before you unearthed your faction’s hidden legacy or in the present…… it is blindingly obvious why we were never a match for you.”
Seong Cheon-wol rose abruptly to his feet.
“Come along. If you intend to grant him his freedom, it is only proper that you deliver the verdict yourself.”
“No, I would prefer to decline…….”
“Should the boy not look upon the face of the benefactor who has granted him a second chance?”
Inwardly, I was screaming in protest. *’Absolutely not, I refuse! This is going to be incredibly awkward!’* Yet, driven forward by Seong Cheon-wol’s unyielding insistence, the three of us marched down toward the subterranean chambers of the Gold Prison. Upon reaching the cells, we found Seong Mo-hyeon. His hair and beard had grown wild and unkempt, his garments were reduced to tattered rags, but his eyes still burned with an intense, volatile light.
Recognizing his paternal elders, he began to violently rattle the heavy iron enclosures like a caged predator.
“Grandfather! Father! I did nothing wrong…… Y-You! You dare show your face!”
The moment his eyes locked onto me, his expression twisted into pure fury.
“How dare you set foot in this place!!! Grandfather! Father! Apprehend that scoundrel immediately!”
Seong Cheon-wol let out a heavy sigh, clicking his tongue in bitter disappointment. His voice was saturated with profound sorrow and absolute hopelessness.
“As you can see, his mind remains completely warped. Can a broken vessel like this…… truly be mended?”
“…….”
I stood silently, peering down at the frantic youth who was foaming at the mouth in his rage. A pair of eyes entirely consumed by malice stared back up at me.
“Would you grant me a brief moment alone with him? I shall attempt to reason with him properly.”
Seong Cheon-wol scrutinized my face, his expression divided between deep anxiety and profound wonder.
“Are you certain you wish to attempt this?”
“Yes. Leave the matter entirely to me.”
“Very well. We shall entrust him to your care.”
The moment the heavy doors closed behind Seong Cheon-wol and Seong Ju-tak, leaving only the two of us in the damp cell, Seong Mo-hyeon bared his teeth, hissing in a low voice.
“The very second I break free from these walls! I will tear you limb from limb!!!”
*Thwack.*
I unleashed a sudden burst of finger-wind, instantly shattering the heavy iron lock. Seong Mo-hyeon’s threats died instantly in his throat. As I stepped through the threshold into the cell as if I were merely entering a sitting room, he shrank back in confusion.
“Wh-What are you doing!”
“What exactly do you plan on achieving?”
“Huh?”
His eyes bulged in absolute bewilderment. I didn’t waste any time and promptly delivered a sharp kick straight to his head.
“You were just bragging about what you’d do to me the moment you got out, so I decided to expedite the process. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
“Y-You bastard!”
“Is your internal cultivation currently bound by a restriction?”
I struck several of his critical pressure points in rapid succession, completely dismantling the energetic seal binding his meridians. The moment the blockages cleared, his tattered garments began to billow outward violently from the sudden surge of internal power.
“Insolent fool! I will expose your forbidden sorcery and end your life right here……!”
With his full strength restored, Seong Mo-hyeon’s vision blurred with murderous intent as he launched himself straight at me with the velocity of a fired projectile. His aggressive display was exactly what I had been hoping for.
“You will think twice before uttering a word about forbidden sorcery ever again.”
“Perish!”
“Because I am about to provide you with a very thorough education.”
—
A short while later, I emerged from the depths of the Gold Prison alongside a completely reformed, polite version of Seong Mo-hyeon.
“……?!”
“……?!”
Seong Cheon-wol and Seong Ju-tak stood frozen, their gazes darting back and forth between myself and the young man in utter disbelief. Offering a subtle, serene smile, I raised my clasped hands in a traditional martial greeting.
“Following a thoroughly transparent and deeply earnest dialogue, we have managed to find common ground and mutual ‘understanding.’”
“C-Could it truly be?”
Seong Cheon-wol continued to stare at his grandson, his expression a mix of awe and skepticism. I quietly gave Seong Mo-hyeon a sharp nudge in the ribs.
“Eek! N-No! Young Master Jin…… that is to say, Young Master Jin has absolutely no connection to any forbidden arts! It is the absolute truth. He has never practiced any forbidden sorcery, and the Tae-eul Sect is entirely blameless in this regard. The entire incident was born of my own delusions and ignorance. I state with total certainty that Young Master Jin is innocent of such arts!”
“…….”
While his delivery was undeniably stiff and panicked, it was clear that our little ‘diplomatic session’ had yielded excellent results. It had been an incredibly productive conversation, all things considered.
“We have also agreed to maintain regular contact moving forward, so we can collaborate on our future endeavors.”
The moment I casually slung my arm over his shoulder to emphasize our new fellowship, Seong Mo-hyeon’s entire frame shuddered violently.
“Hieek!”
“Did you say hieek?”
“Ah, no! I meant that I look forward to meeting frequently with Young Master Jin, who definitely does not use forbidden sorcery. Yes! We shall gather often. Eek—indeed. *Hiccup*! That is our firm agreement.”
“M-Marvelous…….”
Regardless of the unconventional methods employed, every party involved had arrived at a harmonious resolution, which was the best outcome one could hope for. Delighted by the turn of events, Seong Cheon-wol eagerly proposed organizing a grand celebratory feast. I expressed my gratitude but politely declined, citing my strict departure schedule for the Murim Alliance the following morning, before making my way back toward the Tae-eul Sect.
As I walked through Hefei, the afternoon sun dipped low on the horizon, yielding to the approaching twilight. Surveying the familiar streets, a complex mix of emotions swelled within me. The physical landscape of Hefei remained entirely unaltered, yet the socio-political standing of the Iron Sword Sect and the Tae-eul Sect had completely reversed. The populace’s view of us had transformed, and the destiny awaiting the region had shifted entirely.
If I were to identify the single most jarring disruption to this new reality—it was the fact that Yong So-ah had personally paid two separate visits to the Tae-eul Sect.
‘What could his true objective be?’
*Do not cross his path. This time around, he intends to destroy me.* On the surface, such declarations sounded like the mad ramblings of a lunatic, but given the circumstances surrounding the Gong-myeol-gwon incident, I could not afford to dismiss them lightly. The ultimate value of executing a technique like the Gong-myeol-gwon as a trump card relies entirely on its absolute secrecy and elements of surprise, rather than raw power alone. Yet, somehow, that man had anticipated and countered a strike that even the most seasoned masters struggle to deflect, moving with a fluidity that implied he possessed prior knowledge. The sheer certainty of his actions left my mind spinning in confusion.
The mystery of the Gong-myeol-gwon coupled with his ominous warnings swirled through my thoughts, giving me a massive headache. As I struggled to untangle the messy web of clues—
“Huh?”
An entirely unexpected figure materialized directly in my path.
“Young Master…… Jin.”
I stopped dead in my tracks, momentarily paralyzed by shock.
“What in the world…… what brings you to this place?”
Even more staggering than his sudden appearance was the absolutely deplorable condition he was in. He bore the unmistakable signs of a man who had been sleeping exposed to the elements for days on end, his face drawn and exhausted from the unaccustomed rigors of the wilderness.
‘Could he possibly be destitute? No, that makes no sense!’
Ever since his faction pioneered their breakthrough research into the Invincible Spirit-Destroying Formation of Infinite Measurement, their political clout and renown in the realm of mechanical constructs had eclipsed even the legendary Jegal Family. It was common knowledge across the Jianghu that their faction currently deployed far more strategic formation experts than their rivals. Given such success, there was absolutely no reason for him to be suffering from a lack of resources…….
“I beseech you! Please extend your aid, Young Master Jin!”
“Calm yourself. What catastrophe has occurred?”
“My ancestral sect…… the home of my master…… is on the brink of total annihilation.”
“What utter nonsense are you spouting…….”
The Mo-san Sect was a foundational pillar whose survival was absolutely vital for the balance of power in the upcoming Great War of Justice and Evil. Their tactical relevance was equal to that of the Hyeong-san Sect and the Jegal Family. How could such a formidable bastion be facing immediate ruin?
“Have you brought this matter to the attention of the Murim Alliance? There is no logical way the Mo-san Sect could be facing destruction!”
As I pressed him for answers, the hands clutching desperately at my robes began to tremble violently. Finally, he choked out a reply drenched in tears.
“The force orchestrating our ruin…… is the Murim Alliance itself.”
“……!”
Yu Ji-ryang of the Mo-san Sect collapsed into a fit of weeping, burying his face in my chest, while I stood frozen in absolute horror.
