Chapter 363
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## Episode 363. Self-Reflection
Mu Geuk, the leader of the Infinite Heaven Alliance, gave a slight nod to Gong Son-il, indicating that he should take charge of the meeting.
With a slightly tense expression, Gong Son-il stepped forward to address the leaders of the Seven Great Sects (칠파일문).
He was well aware that his level of martial arts skills and experience were far inferior to theirs. If it weren’t for his extensive knowledge of military strategies, he wouldn’t even have been considered for this position. This thought made him even more nervous.
—As you know, the Yoomyung Cult has split into two factions: the Yoomyung Cult, with its sanctuary on Mount Fengzhi in Shanxi Province, and the Myeongwang Cult, based on Mount Lu in Jiangxi Province.
The sect leaders observed him in silence, as if they were evaluating him. Gong Son-il swallowed and continued:
—The Yoomyung Cult has retained its leader and three of the Great Demonic Generals, while the Myeongwang Cult has four of them. As the Yoomyung Cult is already well-known, I will spare you the details. Regarding the Myeongwang Cult, their Great Demonic Generals are…
At that moment, Mu Jong Sang, the leader of the Quanzhen Sect (전진파), interrupted him:
—Before you continue, I want to know why they split.
—According to the Myeongwang Cult, it happened because the leader of the Yoomyung Cult was too greedy.
—Greedy?
—It is said that she monopolized the way to become the Heavenly Demon King (천두마왕), which caused a group to rebel and separate to form the Myeongwang Cult.
—So the Myeongwang Cult knows that way to become the Heavenly Demon King?
—We don’t know that yet…
Mu Jong Sang’s expression darkened. He seemed frustrated by the lack of key information about the Myeongwang Cult.
To ease the tension, Mu Geuk intervened in defense of Gong Son-il:
—Please be patient. Today is his first day as Commander General, so there are still many things he doesn’t know. The Myeongwang Cult only announced its creation last month, in August. I believe that, with time, we will be able to gather the necessary information and take appropriate measures.
The leader of the Uicheon Sect, known as Lee Yeon-ik, the Virtuous Swordsman (군자검), also showed support:
—It is likely that the Commander doesn’t yet know who the experts of the Intelligence Division are.
The sect leaders nodded, realizing that it was unreasonable to expect Gong Son-il to have the same level of information as his predecessor, the renowned strategist Jegal Seun.
Mu Geuk gestured for Gong Son-il to continue. After bowing his head in gratitude, he resumed speaking:
—Thank you for your understanding. We will gather information about the Yoomyung Cult and the Myeongwang Cult as soon as possible to discuss the matter again. Now, the most urgent matter is to officially announce the creation of the Infinite Heaven Alliance to the Murim world.
Gong Son-il suggested sending messages through the Murim Information Network (무림첩), and the sect leaders agreed.
Thus ended the first meeting of the Infinite Heaven Alliance. The lack of information about recent events limited the topics they could address.
———————
Autumn.
The Murim world was stirred considerably.
The unexpected declaration of independence by the Myeongwang Cult and the announcement of the creation of the Infinite Heaven Alliance were the detonators.
Many saw it as a sign that the “Three-Year Agreement” was about to be broken.
However, there were those who trusted that the Seven Great Sects, with their strong sense of honor, would not allow the agreement to be violated.
Meanwhile, neither the Yoomyung Cult nor the Infinite Heaven Alliance issued official statements.
Mount Wudang, Five Dragons Palace (오룡궁)
As the end of the month approached, the disciples were more agitated than usual.
Among them, the disciples of Namchaego (남채고) looked at Yeon Jeokha with suspicious eyes.
It was said that he would try again to deceive someone using the examiners’ names.
Although most of the disciples of the Eight Immortals Pavilion avoided him, some didn’t hesitate to approach him.
—I’m not selling anything.
From under an eaves, Yeon Jeokha rejected a disciple who insisted on talking to him.
—Come on, don’t be like that. Just tell me something. If it’s money you need, I’ll give it to you.
—I already told you I don’t know anything! Didn’t you hear the rumors? I returned all the money I got after I was shamed for selling false information.
—That’s why I’m asking for your help. That proves you didn’t do it intentionally. I’m sure you have useful information.
—How can you think I have contacts? Who in this place would approach someone with this face?
—They say you roam around the Five Dragons Palace every night.
—W-w-who said that?
—You’re not as discreet as you think. Several people have seen you while going to the bathroom at night. Everyone knows you have connections with the palace sages.
—I don’t have connections with any sages!
—Come on, please. I won’t tell anyone. Just this once.
—Argh! This is crazy! Why do they always bother me? Don’t they see I’m trying to be a good boy and live peacefully? Brother, can you help me live in peace once and for all?
Faced with Yeon Jeokha’s plea, the disciple finally gave up and left.
When he was alone, Yeon Jeokha sighed deeply.
—Haa… I made one mistake, and it keeps haunting me.
It was clear that his reputation among the disciples of the Pavilion was still negative. If there was anything he had learned, it was that “he who plays with fire gets burned.” He would have to be much more cautious if he wanted to continue visiting his master at the Five Dragons Palace.
——–
Later-
While walking towards his lodgings, Jang Ido suddenly appeared around a corner.
Both reacted like experienced warriors, dodging each other before colliding.
Yeon Jeokha looked at him blinking, but Jang Ido passed without saying a word.
Remembering how he had treated the Seven Sages with disrespect during the lesson, Yeon Jeokha couldn’t resist making a comment:
—Hey, if you appear suddenly, shouldn’t you at least apologize?
Jang Ido stopped short.
—What did you just say?
—We almost collided. The least you could do is apologize.
Jang Ido looked at him coldly. For someone as infamous as Yeon Jeokha, talking about apologies was outrageous.
—Do you know who I am?
—Of course, you’re Jang Ido of Jongryeongwon (종리권).
For the disciples, the place where they were staying was a very important and delicate matter, as it revealed, to a large extent, their origin and status.
For example, the “Yeo Dongbin” was the lodging for selected external disciples.
The next in prestige was “Jongryeongwon,” which housed those who had made large donations or who were considered promising disciples.
—And you’re asking me to apologize? You, who are a disaster with legs? — Jang Ido replied disdainfully.
—If someone makes a mistake, they should apologize, whoever they are.
—What if I don’t want to?
—Then you’ll get a beating.
Yeon Jeokha’s eyes flashed with a gaze as piercing as lightning.
For a moment, the cold intensity of his gaze made Jang Ido shiver. Until now, he had considered him a simple scammer, but it seemed clear that he was not an ordinary person.
—‘Hmm… That look isn’t that of an amateur. It seems I’m facing a true expert’.
Recognizing that Yeon Jeokha was not a mere apprentice, the idea of fighting disappeared from his mind.
—Fighting between disciples is forbidden. I don’t intend to fight you.
When his opponent backed down, Yeon Jeokha said with an indifferent expression:
—Then apologize.
—Alright. I apologize for almost colliding with you while I was in a hurry. Is that enough?
Yeon Jeokha’s face twisted, clearly dissatisfied. He had expected Jang Ido to confront him, which would have given him an excuse to hit him, but the man had already surrendered without resisting.
He couldn’t keep looking for a fight with someone who had already apologized.
—Be more careful next time.
—I will.
Despite Yeon Jeokha’s warning, Jang Ido remained calm, an attitude completely opposite to his defiant behavior during the lesson, when he demanded that the Seven Sages lower their standards.
—Are you satisfied now?
If Yeon Jeokha had asked him to bow, it seemed that Jang Ido would have done it without hesitation.
Frustrated because his plan to provoke him had failed, Yeon Jeokha asked disdainfully:
—Why are you in such a hurry? There’s still time for the lesson.
Although Jang Ido was older, Yeon Jeokha spoke to him informally, resentful of his previous behavior towards the Seven Sages.
Jang Ido felt irritated, but he didn’t show it.
—I just returned from the reception hall, where I met an elder from my family. I was informed that the Seven Great Sects (칠파일문) have formed the Infinite Heaven Alliance (호천맹). I want to quickly inform the others of Jongryeongwon.
He finished his explanation with a slightly nervous tone.
In Jongryeongwon, there was a tacit competition among the disciples. It wasn’t just about personal merit, but also about demonstrating which family had the most influence in the Murim world. Obtaining important information before others was a way to stand out.
—The Infinite Heaven Alliance?
—That’s right. They said the Seven Great Sects sent the news a few days ago through the Murim Information Network (무림첩). It’s not easy to receive a message like that. As I mentioned before, I think this reinforces my point that the Five Dragons Palace should open its doors more.
—Is your house close by?
—I’m the third son of the White Sword Escort Agency in Sipeon. It’s the most prestigious escort in the region. Also, our family makes large annual donations to Mount Wudang.
—So you’re also an external disciple of Mount Wudang?
—Of course. I belonged to the prestigious Sangcheong Pavilion.
—And someone like you dared to challenge the Seven Sages?
—Although both are part of Mount Wudang, warriors and sorcerers or mystics are completely different worlds. Look at me, for example. Although I was a disciple of the Sangcheong Pavilion, here in the Five Dragons Palace I’m treated like a nobody.
—That’s because you’re not ready to learn mystical techniques. Why blame others for your own shortcomings?
—It’s easy to say, but, in the end, it all depends on the will of the Seven Sages. Look at Lee Doju, who ascended last month. How am I inferior to him?
—I don’t know that. I was also rejected.
—Lee Doju is from the Taihua Pavilion (태화궁). Anyone knows that it’s harder to enter the Sangcheong Pavilion. That proves my point.
—Tsk, tsk. It’s because of that petty mentality that you keep failing. If you keep going like this, they’ll keep rejecting you.
—It’s not about pettiness. Now that the Infinite Heaven Alliance has been formed, we need to learn mystical techniques as soon as possible. It’s for the good of the world.
—Master Bansangwol already said it: “If you want to learn, work hard.” Mystical techniques are as dangerous and terrifying as swordsmanship. The Seven Sages won’t teach mystical techniques to just anyone.
—In the end, sorcerers are just the support of warriors. As you have learned martial arts, you should understand that.
Yeon Jeokha didn’t respond. What was the point of arguing with someone who saw sorcerers as mere helpers?
—‘If I ever experienced the magical training of the Yoomyung Cult, I wouldn’t say such nonsense’, thought Yeon Jeokha.
Losing interest, Yeon Jeokha waved his hand to dismiss him.
—You better go.
Without another word, Jang Ido turned and left. He had no time to waste with someone like Yeon Jeokha; what really mattered to him was being with those from Jongryeongwon.
————
That night.
While learning mystical techniques at the Five Dragons Palace, Yeon Jeokha couldn’t help but glance at his master, Cheongbulno.
That night, his old master’s complexion looked especially good.
—Why are you looking at me like that?
—It seems your health has improved, master.
Cheongbulno replied serenely:
—You have a good eye. You’re right, but maybe it’s because today is my last night.
—What? What do you mean?
—I’ve spent too much time traveling far away, under the pretext of cultivation. Now I think the time has come to reflect on myself.
When he mentioned the term “hui guang fan zhao” (회광반조), Yeon Jeokha’s face tightened.
It was an expression used to describe someone who was on the verge of death.