Chapter 444
“What are you saying? To wipe out the Mo-san Sect!”
I conveyed the entire account exactly as I had received it from Yu Ji-ryang.
“Hah!”
Jegal So-myeong, processing the full weight of the situation, could not mask his sheer disbelief. And then—
“Those absolute lunatics!”
His fury boiled over completely.
“I have warned them over and over again!”
Just as I suspected, this plot had absolutely nothing to do with the intent of either the Man-tong-bu or Jegal So-myeong. To prune away internal rot within the Murim Alliance, the Inspection Bureau and the Execution Bureau had been set up as autonomous legal branches, but that setup had backfired into a deadly toxin.
“As I thought, the two of us making a move at the same time must have been taken as a threat.”
“Even so, there are lines that simply cannot be crossed!”
Jegal So-myeong’s breathing grew heavy and ragged.
“We have to halt them this instant, without delay. Is the Mo-san Sect not one of the rare clans in the Jianghu masters of sorcery (Bang-sul)? If they are destroyed, in the days ahead—”
Pure rage burned across the Chief Tactician’s features.
“We will find it incredibly difficult to stand against the scum of the Demonic Cult.”
Jegal So-myeong moved swiftly to ready his brush, ink-stone, and parchment. I interjected.
“It will take far too much time to get back to Jiangsu Province if we go all the way to the Murim Alliance first.”
“I am well aware of that.”
He countered immediately, anticipating the core of my thought.
“Can you buy us some time?”
“I will do everything within my power.”
“Excellent. Then set out ahead of me.”
The moment the words left his mouth, Jegal So-myeong’s brush began flying across the paper to draft a directive. Taking in the sight, I asked with a note of caution.
“Still, managing this entirely on my own is a heavy ask, so might I enlist the aid of the hall members?”
“The hall members?”
“Yes.”
I currently hold the rank of Hall Master for the Yuseong-dang (Meteor Hall) operating under the Man-tong-bu. Though I have yet to lay eyes on a single one of them, anyone assigned beneath the Man-tong-bu ought to possess formidable martial skill. They would be more than capable of holding the line until our primary forces can reinforce us.
However—
“Huh? What hall members?”
“Are there no troops stationed within the Yuseong-dang?”
Jegal So-myeong let out a sharp, dismissive scoff, as if stating the most elementary fact.
“The only person assigned to that place up to this moment is the Hall Master himself.”
“……Beg pardon?”
“Hall Master Jin. I expect you to execute your duties with the utmost diligence.”
I stood completely frozen by the absolute audacity in Jegal So-myeong’s tone.
“…….”
“My faith rests entirely with Hall Master Jin.”
What sort of absurd Hall Master position has zero subordinates attached to it? I was nothing more than a glorified errand runner.
—
Once Jin So-un departed, leaving the chamber empty save for the two remaining figures, Hyeok Mu-gang kept his gaze locked onto Jegal So-myeong as the man continued scrawling his missive.
*Scratch, scratch—*
Jegal So-myeong’s hand glided fluidly without a single pause, completing characters in continuous strokes. It was as though every piece of guidance was already perfectly mapped out in his mind, leaving no room for a moments hesitation.
“Is there something you wish to voice?”
Hearing Jegal So-myeong speak without even lifting his eyes from the paper, Hyeok Mu-gang shook himself out of his thoughts.
“……It concerns the Yuseong-dang.”
“Speak.”
“It is ultimately being deployed before it is even properly formed.”
The Man-tong-bu and the personal hall of the Alliance Leader were strictly forbidden from maintaining direct combat regiments. This restriction was explicitly forced by the constant scrutiny of the Righteous Path Society, the White Path Society, and the Twelve Peaks, all of whom deeply dreaded the unchecked authority of Hyeok Mu-gang and Jegal So-myeong.
Yet, the tides of the Jianghu were shifting at a terrifying pace. The creation of the Yuseong-dang was a countermeasure designed specifically to handle the internal rot fracturing the Murim Alliance.
“Was this outcome not entirely predictable from the start?”
In a reality where their adversaries had already compromised the Cheon-mok-gak, remaining passive meant allowing their limbs to be severed and their eyes and ears to be thoroughly covered. Even now, factions irritated by the mere concept of the Yuseong-dang were raising formal protests, though they chose to deliberately look past them for the time being.
“We should have at least provided a baseline of soldiers to fill the ranks.”
There was a definitive reason this half-baked Yuseong-dang was being pushed into action without so much as a formal gathering.
“It is because finding individuals actually worthy of the position is no simple task.”
Countless sycophants were practically drooling for a chance to taste the influence that came with an autonomous body directly tied to the Man-tong-bu. If they filled the roster carelessly with whatever warm bodies applied, the hall would quickly degenerate into another version of the corrupted Inspection Bureau.
“The ranks must be populated exclusively by untainted blood.”
It was an impossible task to unearth politically neutral recruits among those already entangled with the Righteous Path Society, the White Path Society, and the Twelve Peaks.
“So you intend for Jin So-un to act as the catalyst?”
“Because that boy is the only one capable of standing firm against such a violent current.”
“…….”
Hyeok Mu-gang’s brow knit together tightly. The sheer weight of responsibility being shoved onto such a youthful martial artist felt excessive. Jegal So-myeong offered a remark that sounded like an attempt to ease his own conscience.
“To transform into a ‘Big Horse’ (Dae-ma) on the board, one has to be dropped straight into the heart of hostile territory.”
“My concern is that he will end up serving as nothing more than a dispensable meat shield.”
“……Do you truly believe that kid is the type to quietly sit still and catch an arrow for anyone?”
Faced with Jegal So-myeong’s counter-question, Hyeok Mu-gang let his gaze drift as he pondered. Quietly catching an arrow……
“No, that is indeed quite impossible to envision.”
If anything, it was far easier to picture the boy storming right back to slaughter the archer while gripping the very arrow that struck him, his gaze burning with unyielding venom.
“Who can truly say? It might just happen that the fiercely arrogant Mo-san Sect finds themselves realigned to Jin So-un’s side when this storm settles.”
—
Jin So-un turned his course toward Hefei, taking custody of Sa-ryeon along with the Geum-Eun-Dong brothers, who had been making their own preparations to travel toward the Murim Alliance. Along their path, they paid a brief visit to the Dae-cheon Merchant Group to arrange an emergency cache of provisions for the Mo-san Sect, before finally making contact with Yu Ji-ryang within Hefei.
The moment they stepped into the secluded courtyard cottage, Yu Ji-ryang, who had been pacing the stone pathways in a state of high anxiety, jumped slightly before letting a massive breath of relief escape his chest.
“Y-You have returned safely?”
“I have just come directly from a council with Chief Tactician Jegal.”
“Pardon? You spoke with the Chief Tactician himself?”
“Ah, so the news had not reached you yet?”
Upon learning that figures as prominent as Hyeok Mu-gang, Jegal So-myeong, Namgung Tae-ha, and Moyong-gang had personally attended the grand revival ritual of the Tae-eul Sect, Yu Ji-ryang’s expression flickered with intense emotion.
“It seems my decision to seek you out was correct after all.”
“The danger has far from passed.”
“I realize that. Even so…….”
Yu Ji-ryang offered Jin So-un a deeply complicated look.
“I have at least proven to myself that my judgment regarding your character was entirely accurate.”
Knowing that any further response would sound vain, Jin So-un deliberately shifted the direction of the talk.
“Let us focus on the facts. My inquiries confirmed that the Man-tong-bu has never authorized or drafted any sort of campaign against the Mo-san Sect. On the contrary, the Chief Tactician was absolutely incensed by these developments.”
“What a profound relief…….”
“There is absolutely nothing reassuring about this.”
“What do you mean?”
Jin So-un’s tone dropped into a grim register, given his intimate familiarity with how these shadow factions operated.
“Because those bastards will almost certainly attempt to finish the job completely before the Man-tong-bu can step in to halt them.”
“……!!!”
Yu Ji-ryang’s eyes split wide with terror.
“The dictates of the Murim Alliance strictly forbid rogue executions under the guise of routing out the Demonic Cult or the Blood Cult, but those rules are easily bypassed by the internal factions holding real sway within the Alliance itself.”
“……”
“Those snakes are going to press their advantage to ensure the execution is a done deal before any official oversight can be organized.”
“Ah……”
Yu Ji-ryang stumbled slightly as the strength left his legs, forcing Jin So-un to rapidly reach out and steady him by the forearm.
“How…… how has it come to this? Why have we…… been branded as traitors from one day to the next……”
“That is precisely what we are going to uncover from this point onward.”
“…….”
“Our window of opportunity is narrow, which means traveling by carriage is out of the question. If the physical toll is too severe for you, it might be wiser for you to follow our trail at a slower pace.”
Yu Ji-ryang forced his frame upright, deliberately locking his joints to project resolve.
“Absolutely not. I am coming with you! This is a crisis that threatens the very existence of my master’s lineage. I refuse to prioritize my own physical comfort while my home burns.”
“Very well. Then despite the grueling pace ahead, we move as one.”
With the understanding between Jin So-un and Yu Ji-ryang settled, Jin So-un turned his attention to the Geum-Eun-Dong brothers to issue their immediate directives.
“We ride hard on horseback, so secure your mounts immediately.”
“Wait, Dae-sahyeong…….”
“What is it?”
A profound look of bewilderment washed over Eun-ho’s features as he stared down at the visibly haggard Yu Ji-ryang.
“What exactly is the nature of the trouble we are riding into?”
They had been explicitly bound for the headquarters of the Murim Alliance before being abruptly rerouted to Hefei. Now, without warning, their destination had shifted entirely toward Jiangsu Province.
“There is a hidden cabal actively seeking the total annihilation of the Mo-san Sect.”
Eun-ho gasped in absolute shock.
“How can that be possible…… the Mo-san Sect commands immense respect and standing even within the hierarchy of the Murim Alliance…….”
“Precisely. And the culprits orchestration this ruin are the very figures entrenched within that hierarchy.”
“What?”
“It means the hidden hands of the Heuk-gwan are out in force.”
“…….”
When a person faces an absurdity so vast it breaks their understanding, the mind tends to briefly shut down. Eun-ho could only offer a faint, hesitant query as he fought to keep his mental bearings.
“So…… our purpose in journeying to the Mo-san Sect is……”
“Correct. We are going to throw ourselves in front of the execution squad, including the Heuk-gwan, to stop them from tearing the sect apart.”
“…….”
Eun-ho felt the last remaining threads of his sanity snap clean away.
—
Cutting straight through Hwa-hyeon after leaving Hefei, the group eventually arrived at the gates of Nanjing. Just as the old proverb claims, ‘Beijing rules the frozen north, while Nanjing dominates the fertile south,’ the metropolis radiated a level of architectural grandeur and bustling prosperity far eclipsing any settlement they had traversed prior. Yet, with every second counting against them, they allowed themselves only the briefest period of rest within Nanjing’s borders before pressing onward directly toward Mo-san.
During the frantic transit, I dispatched an urgent inquiry to the shadow networks of the Hao-mun (Beggars’ Sect) to dig up the underlying catalyst for the fall of the Sajung-mun, and why the Mo-san Sect had been selected as the next target.
“Hmm…….”
The sequence that led to the obliteration of the Sajung-mun was documented cleanly enough.
1. Pursuing the breadcrumbs left behind by the recent unrest caused by the Black Way within Jiangsu Province, the Inspection Bureau launched an unannounced raid on the Sajung-mun.
2. During the raid, evidence was uncovered proving the clan was actively cultivating forbidden heretical arts.
3. A formal petition detailing these crimes was submitted to the Man-tong-bu, which subsequently ratified the total ‘destruction’ of the offending Sajung-mun.
On paper, the entire process was legally sound. Where did the discrepancy lie, then? It lay in the fact that the Mo-san Sect was currently being set up for an identical execution under the exact same pretext—only this time, the mandatory sanction of the Man-tong-bu had been bypassed entirely.
“Is it not possible that this is merely a preliminary inquiry?”
Eun-ho leaned in close, dropping his voice to a low murmur to ensure Yu Ji-ryang remained out of earshot.
“Certainly, that remains a distinct possibility.”
We could simply be overreacting out of paranoia.
“If we are merely chasing shadows.”
It could all amount to a massive string of unfortunate coincidences.
“That would be the absolute best-case scenario.”
But the reality was grim. The Mo-san Sect was an indispensable asset that the coalition could not afford to lose in the impending Great War of Justice and Evil. Over the course of the last five centuries, the practice of sorcery (Bang-sul) and the utilization of spiritual incantations (Ju-sul) had withered to near nonexistence across the wider Jianghu. The primary reason these disciplines, which were once revered as sacred branches of the True Way (Do), fell into deep disrepute was due to the proliferation of corrupted evil arts (Sa-sul). As a consequence, even a clan as legendary as the Hyeong-san Sect had systematically stripped away its spiritual lineages to focus exclusively on standard martial development. In this current age, the orthodox world was left with nothing but superficial talismans for suppressing low-level malevolence.
The path chosen by the Mo-san Sect followed a similar trajectory. The clan, whose entire foundation rested upon spiritual manipulation, chose to completely padlock any esoteric methodology that could be misconstrued as heretical, choosing instead to focus their absolute mastery on intricate mechanical formations and defensive counter-spells (Hae-ju).
Should the Mo-san Sect be wiped from the map—
‘The Great War of Justice and Evil will devolve into a meat grinder far more horrific than the conflict I witnessed throughout my previous life.’
A martial vanguard restricted purely to passive wards and basic undoing spells stands zero chance of surviving the onslaught of a foe wielding genuine black magic (Ma-sul). It takes a master of the spiritual arts to neutralize a spiritual threat. The Mo-san Sect, which held the keys to breaking those ancient seals and deploying true sorcerers the moment open warfare ignited, was an entity that absolute must be preserved within the alliance.
“In all honesty, the deeper my understanding of the Murim Alliance grows…… the more futile everything seems.”
The words left Eun-ho’s lips completely devoid of energy. I considered offering some standard phrase of comfort, but chose to hold my tongue. Shielding him from the sting of immediate despair would do him no long-term favors. Eun-ho was bound to witness far uglier truths regarding the internal mechanics of the Murim Alliance in the days to come, whether he wished to or not. That was the unvarnished reality of executing the mandates of the Man-tong-bu. Accepting the world as it truly exists and forging a path through that disillusionment was a hurdle Eun-ho had to clear through his own resolve, independent of anyone else.
Before much longer, our horses carried us into the boundaries of Jang-sa County. Recognizing this as the final hub of civilization before ascending to the domain of the Mo-san Sect, we agreed to cleanse the road dust from our skin, swap out our traveling gear, and finally quiet our protesting stomachs. After securing serviceable martial attire from a local clothier, we allowed Yu Ji-ryang to lead us into a nearby establishment where we placed an order for basic sustenance. Leaving the others to wait for the kitchen to prepare the meal, I performed a lightning-fast change of clothes and returned to the main dining room.
“…….”
Yu Ji-ryang sat entirely rigid, his face completely pale.
“Brother Yu. Has something occurred?”
“…….”
Yu Ji-ryang’s eyes locked onto mine, his pupils darting back and forth in a frantic panic. His voice emerged dry and trembling as it cut through the room.
“……The staff.”
“What about them?”
“The individuals occupying this establishment…… they have been replaced.”
“……!”
My gaze snapped instantly toward the figure hovering near the cook-fires and the server who had processed our request. Sure enough, both individuals quickly wrenched their eyes away the moment I looked in their direction.
*Slide—*
The very instant my palm made contact with the hilt of the Red Light Sword.
*Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap.*
The faint, unmistakable rhythm of shifting weight echoed from various concealment points throughout the building.
“…….”
An oppressive, suffocating quiet blanketed the room. A single bead of cold sweat rolled down the side of Yu Ji-ryang’s face, splashing silently against the wooden tabletop.
“Ah! That completely turned things around!”
“I finally feel like a civilized human being again.”
“Food, now!”
The Geum-Eun-Dong brothers alongside Sa-ryeon, having taken slightly longer to change, strode back into the main floor of the tavern.
“Why is it so deathly still in here…… Wait, what??”
Sa-ryeon quickly snagged the back of Geum-pyo’s collar just as the boy was about to advance further into the room.
“…….”
Without wasting a beat, Sa-ryeon’s hand dropped purposefully toward her waistline. The Geum-Eun-Dong brothers, finally reading the lethal tension vibrating through the air, froze mid-motion as though their meridian points had been locked by an expert.
“…….”
Though no weapon had been bared and no challenge issued, every soul present understood implicitly that they were surrounded by enemies. Neither side permitted themselves a single moment of relaxed vigilance. Expanding my sensory perimeter, I cataloged every hostile signature within the building.
‘Thirty targets total…….’
Setting aside the seventeen operatives playing the roles of patrons and workers, there were thirteen additional combatants maintaining complete concealment in the shadows of the structure. My mind quickly began calculating tactical paths to neutralize these hidden threats while ensuring Yu Ji-ryang didn’t take a fatal strike in the crossfire. If their objective was simply to eliminate our party, the tactical equation was straightforward…… but what if their sole mandate was the execution of Yu Ji-ryang? That variance guaranteed the upcoming clash would be a bloody affair.
Right at that critical juncture.
“Your orders are ready for the table!”
The young man who had vanished into the rear kitchen emerged balancing bowls of steaming noodles and a shared platter with effortless grace, weaving through the hostile grid of the tavern toward our position as if he were completely oblivious to the danger.
“…….”
“Did you group not come here for a meal? These wheat noodles lose their bite entirely if left to sit and absorb the broth.”
The young fellow possessed a notably ruddy complexion (Hong-an), appearing roughly the same age as Dong-ryong, and he delivered his lines with complete nonchalance.
“The current mood in this establishment is far too thick for anyone to comfortably swallow food.”
“Oh, come now! Should an illustrious figure of the Jianghu like the great Black Flame Dragon voice such anxieties?”
While every veteran in the room remained locked in a state of absolute combat readiness, this solitary youth continued to chuckle softly, projecting an aura of total ease. That bizarre juxtaposition sent a distinct shiver straight down my spine.
Black Flame Dragon, he says……
“You are familiar with my identity.”
“The legendary exploits of the esteemed Black Flame Dragon have been repeated to me so frequently that I have developed calluses on the inside of my ears.”
“Am I permitted an audience with whoever is directing this operation?”
“And what would be your purpose in speaking with the manager?”
“Because I require an explanation for this welcome.”
“Hmm…… the proprietor of this establishment is currently occupied with inventory.”
The youth deliberately brought his hand up, rubbing his thumb against his first two fingers in a universal gesture for currency. To have the audacity to demand a bribe under these conditions. I retrieved a single silver piece from my inner lining and let it drop onto the table. The youth let loose a sharp bark of laughter, shaking his head in mock disbelief.
“The rumors whispered that the great Black Flame Dragon was an incredibly parsimonious miser, and it seems the gossip was entirely accurate.”
“……Any ordinary service worker would have dropped to their knees in gratitude if presented with an amount of silver that large.”
The youth—or rather, the operative masquerading as a simple employee—brushed a stray lock of hair away from his forehead and gave a casual shrug of his shoulders.
“Seeing as my cover has been thoroughly blown anyway, what purpose is served by maintaining the charade?”
“Then you can facilitate the meeting?”
“Follow my lead. I will personally show you the way.”
I shifted my weight to stand, casting a swift, scanning glance across the lower level of the tavern.
“What of those who ride with me?”
“They will remain entirely unmolested for the duration of our conference. Besides, is your organization not far past the point of sweating over minor details like this?”
I locked eyes with Geum-pyo.
“Do not allow yourself to drift more than three paces away from the esteemed Master Yu.”
“Understood.”
When I turned back around, the faux waiter was grinning broadly, executing a dramatic bow from the waist with both arms extended to usher me forward.
We reached the absolute boundary of the second-floor corridor within the establishment. The youth crossed the threshold first, entering a chamber that presumably served as the private office of the actual tavern owner.
“Where is the commander hiding?”
The interior was entirely devoid of other occupants. Furthermore, within the range of my sensory perception, there was no indication of any tactical movement converging on our location. After the youth spent a long moment simply staring back at me, he offered no verbal reply. Instead, he strolled over to the primary desk, pulled out a heavy wooden seat, and dropped his frame into it.
*Thud.*
He then swung both legs up onto the polished surface of the desk, interlocking his fingers behind his head to cradle it.
“Is the individual directing this entire operation not seated directly before you?”
“…….”
“I am the sole commander overseeing this specific assignment. For the time being, you may address me as Heo Gwan-jung.”
Take a look at this arrogant little bastard.
“You look absolutely furious. I imagine it is incredibly grating to realize you were toyed with?”
He easily could have skipped the theater, stated his rank, and requested that I accompany him upstairs from the start.
“What was the point of taking my silver?”
“…….”
Is this individual completely devoid of basic sanity?
“I expect you to return my money.”
“…….”
It wasn’t as though he genuinely appeared to be a person driven by petty greed.
