Chapter 166

Chapter 166
## Chapter 166: Crossroads (3)

“Phew!”

Hwa Nong released a heavy, lingering breath as he stood upright, having finally finished placing the acupuncture needles into Gu Cheon Jin’s flesh. Intense droplets of perspiration rolled down his brow, a physical testament to the grueling mental focus the task had demanded.

“Elder, Dam Ik has arrived.”

“Enter.”

Dam Ik stepped into the infirmary, his eyes briefly sweeping over the motionless form of Gu Cheon Jin, who was now bristling with needles from head to toe, before he took a seat.

“You appear completely drained.”

“I had to push my limits; we are operating on a very tight schedule.”

“Will you be alright?”

“I suppose my years are catching up to me. I can manage for now, but I certainly lack the stamina I once possessed.”

Hwa Nong offered a tired, thin smile as he wiped away the sweat and reached for his lukewarm tea.

“If I may, how much longer until the procedure is finalized?”

“Things are escalating quickly out there, aren’t they?”

“They are. We are holding the line for the moment, but our defense won’t last more than a few days. They are pushing forward with relentless aggression under the direct command of the Cult Leader.”

“Tsk, what a disaster those fools from the Divine Demon Division have managed to create.”

Hwa Nong clicked his tongue in disapproval, his gaze falling back onto the deathly still Gu Cheon Jin.

“Achieving a total physical recovery will be a challenge, but the Heart Seal Soul Suppressing Great Method should be largely settled by tomorrow.”

“Since the treatment for his primary ailment is already complete, the Red Dragon Hall should be more than satisfied. The true priority is the Heart Seal Soul Suppressing Great Method, is it not?”

Dam Ik’s tone carried a heavy, significant weight.

“Precisely. Our organization is about to inherit a truly magnificent blade.”

A look of profound satisfaction and pride flickered in Hwa Nong’s eyes as he admired the human weapon he was currently refining.

—

“We have conducted a rigorous search, but their movements don’t reveal anything particularly out of the ordinary. As previously noted, they were engaged in a hunt…”

“That is enough.”

Gwan Ung cut Heuk Cha off mid-sentence.

“What of Dark Fragrance? Provide me with the details we have gathered thus far.”

“As our earlier reports indicated, we’ve tracked the movements of several dubious factions. Their exact identities were shrouded at the time, but the evidence suggests they coalesced specifically for the strike against the Sword Hou.”

“What was their total strength?”

“Roughly fifty individuals. Thirty-six of them perished during the assault on the Sword Hou.”

“Have their origins been traced?”

“They carried no identifying marks. The only potential lead lies in the weaponry they carried.”

“Their blades?”

“Correct. They weren’t standard military issue, but rather the specialized tools favored by professional killers—narrower and shorter than a typical sword.”

“That alone isn’t enough to confirm a specific affiliation.”

“True. However, I suspect they are a unit specifically cultivated by the Blood Cult.”

“Keep digging.”

“As you wish.”

“And what of the losses sustained by the Sky Guard Unit?”

Hyen Nok spoke up, answering on behalf of Sima Ryu.

“The entire twelve-man detachment assigned to escort the Sword Hou was wiped out.”

“We were far too overconfident. We should have reinforced them.”

“Given how saturated the area is with intelligence operatives from both sides, it was hard to fathom they would act with such blatant audacity.”

Sima Ryu lowered his head, bearing the weight of the decision.

“Do not blame yourself. It was a logical choice based on the information we had. Hyeong Mu Gang.”

“Yes, Cult Leader.”

“How are the elders responding to this?”

“Opinions remain fractured. However, the momentum is shifting toward a cessation of hostilities. The threat of the Blood Cult and the chaos at Bi Cheon Manor seem to have altered their perspective.”

“Call for a formal assembly. A final decision is required.”

“Have you reached a conclusion yourself?”

Hyeong Mu Gang inquired with visible caution.

“I have.”

Gwan Ung gave a solemn, heavy nod.

“The Sword Hou gave her life to make a point. We shall pull back for the time being.”

—

The passing of the Sword Hou sent a shockwave through the gathered masters who had converged to defend the Nangong Clan.

That initial shock rapidly transformed into a blazing fury that swept through the ranks.

While the Heavenly Demon Cult issued denials and attempted to explain the situation, the outrage did not flicker. Word had spread that the Sword Hou had held a clandestine meeting with Gwan Ung just hours before her assassination.

A portion of the assembly found the Heavenly Demon Cult’s defense plausible; it seemed illogical to hold a secret summit only to immediately murder the guest—it looked like an obvious frame-up. Some argued it was a provocation by the Blood Cult. Others, however, remained deeply cynical of the Heavenly Demon Cult’s narrative, believing they were simply using the Blood Cult as a convenient scapegoat for their own crime.

“It is a total uproar.”

Nangong Seon observed the turbulent atmosphere of the meeting hall with a quiet intensity.

“With the Sword Hou gone, this reaction is expected. The real concern is the provocateurs lurking in the shadows.”

Deep within the eyes of the Nangong Clan Head, Nangong Hu, burned a frigid, immense anger that belied his calm exterior.

“Initially, most were cautious, calling for a wary eye on the Blood Cult. But as the hours pass, the narrative is being steered in a suspicious direction.”

“Identify those who are manipulating the discourse. Do not let a single agitator slip through.”

“Understood. We are monitoring everyone closely.”

Nangong Seon bowed out quietly, signaling that the task was in hand.

*Even if the Heavenly Demon Cult retreats, there will be those pushing for a bloody conflict. Keep a close watch on them.*

*Was that your plan? But you didn’t have to sacrifice your life to prove the point.*

Nangong Hu closed his eyes, thinking back to his own secret conversation with the Sword Hou before her fateful meeting with Gwan Ung. It was the only way he could keep his surging temper under control.

—

“What… what is this?”

Man Chu’s expression turned pale and rigid as he pulled the message from the black emergency canister at the pigeon station. Even though the black tube signaled a crisis of the highest order, the contents still hit him like a physical blow.

“What has happened?”

Thunderclap placed a steadying hand on Man Chu’s shoulder.

“The Sword Hou… she is dead…”

“Who? The Sword Hou?”

Thunderclap’s eyes nearly popped out in disbelief, but Man Chu’s visible trembling was even more alarming.

“What did you just say?”

Dang Cheon Hwa, who had been in the middle of lecturing So Su Rin, spun around, his face a mask of shock.

“Who died? Are you telling me the Sword Hou is gone?”

“Yes. The news just arrived…”

Dang Cheon Hwa grabbed the parchment from Man Chu. His expression twisted with every sentence he read.

“Bah! What a senseless waste!”

A frustrated roar tore from Dang Cheon Hwa’s throat. Sima Geon walked over calmly and took the letter to read for himself.

The message detailed everything. The Sword Hou had been struck down while returning from her meeting with Gwan Ung. This had prompted the Heavenly Demon Cult’s withdrawal, yet the martial artists at the Nangong Clan were now screaming for blood.

“The Sword Hou chose to sacrifice herself.”

Sima Geon immediately understood her motive upon seeing the mention of the Blood Cult. Dang Cheon Hwa had realized it too.

“Indeed. Since a new Sword Hou Candidate had already been chosen, she extinguished her own life to prevent a full-scale war. She likely wanted to serve as a final, undeniable warning about the Blood Cult’s reach. But who asked for such a sacrifice? We could have found another way if we had just looked. Curse it all!”

Given his long-standing bond with her, Dang Cheon Hwa could not suppress his grief-stricken anger.

“Isn’t it strange, though? The various factions are calling for war, yet the Nangong Clan remains hesitant. You’d expect them to be the first to charge.”

Thunderclap, peering over at the letter, tilted his head in confusion.

“True. It seems like the perfect moment to strike. Rage is a powerful motivator.”

Cheol Woo nodded along in agreement.

“Did she only meet with the Leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult?”

Sima Geon looked between his companions before adding, “She visited the Nangong Clan Head first—or at least sent word. The report doesn’t say it explicitly, but if an agreement was reached…”

He turned his gaze toward Dang Cheon Hwa.

“I suspect you’re right. The Sword Hou was brilliant, and that Sword Saint is no fool. If he’s staying quiet while everyone else is screaming for war, there’s a reason. He’s likely purging the Blood Cult spies within his own camp—the ones who would use her death to spark a massacre.”

“So, she gave her life to force a retreat from the cult and allow the Nangong Clan to clean house? Is that the gist of it, Division Leader?”

So Su Rin, who had been listening intently, asked with wide-eyed wonder.

“I can’t be certain. But the pieces fit.”

So Su Rin’s jaw dropped at Sima Geon’s assessment.

“Wow… that is truly incredible.”

“It is.”

Sima Geon thought back to his brief, high-stakes encounter with the Sword Hou, a shadow of regret crossing his face. Dang Cheon Hwa, who had been exhaling thick clouds of tobacco smoke with a dark expression, suddenly stood up.

“Are you leaving?” Sima Geon asked.

“I must. It is the final respect I owe an old friend. Hah! It feels like only yesterday she was challenging me with nothing but a single blade.”

“Ah, the days when she was still a Sword Hou Candidate!” Man Chu exclaimed.

“Even at my age, that memory remains vivid and precious—one of the few I have left.”

A look of deep nostalgia softened Dang Cheon Hwa’s face as he recalled their duels from decades ago.

“I don’t suppose you’ll wait for us?”

“Apologies. Our own hearts are heavy and restless.”

“Understood. With friends and allies being cut down, it’s only natural.”

Dang Cheon Hwa nodded in sympathy and offered a final farewell.

“Stay vigilant, all of you. We shall cross paths again.”

“Safe travels, Elder.”

The group rose and gave him a respectful bow.

“And you, keep up your training—no laziness. You are still far from where you need to be.”

“Even as you’re leaving, you’re nagging? Don’t worry, just get going. Be careful.”

Though her tone was sharp, So Su Rin’s eyes were filled with genuine worry. Once Dang Cheon Hwa departed, a heavy silence settled over them.

Cheol Woo, Man Chu, and Gwa Yu shared their drinks in solemn quiet, while So Su Rin stared off at the fading sunlight behind the mountains. Sima Geon stood beside her, his gaze also fixed on the horizon.

*Her master’s death will be a devastating blow. I hope she can handle it.*

As Sima Geon envisioned a specific face, Cheol Woo nudged his shoulder with a bottle.

“What’s got you so lost in thought?”

“Hmm?” Sima Geon tried to hide his surprise.

“I called you several times and got nothing.”

“Oh. I was just thinking about the youngsters. I wonder how they are faring.”

He turned his head to mask his unease.

“The ones with the Ha Hu Clan should be perfectly fine.”

Cheol Woo sat down next to him.

“It’s our little ‘flower deer’ maknae that concerns me. We let her go with that questionable master. Honestly, it feels risky, especially after what happened before.”

Cheol Woo made a face, remembering the ordeal of retrieving Thunderclap from the Living Immortal Medical House.

“Questionable? The Doctor would be insulted. He even handed over the Clear Heart Clinic to someone else just to look after her.”

“Heh! Fair point. It was actually moving when he insisted on accompanying her to the Living Immortal Medical House.”

Cheol Woo finished his drink with a small laugh and looked up.

“I hope she isn’t crying from loneliness. Man, I miss her. Our youngest.”

“Yeah.”

Sima Geon and Cheol Woo clinked their cups together, both feeling the absence of Sima Jin, who had journeyed to the Living Immortal Medical House.

—

“Why? Why are you saying no?”

“Why? Because I came here to study the art of healing.”

Sima Jin spoke as if the answer were self-evident. However, the elderly man standing before her was finding it impossible to accept.

“You possess a talent granted by the heavens themselves. Your intuition is peerless, and your physique is tailor-made for the martial arts. To ignore such gifts is an affront to destiny. Had I not seen it, perhaps—but now that I know, I cannot let it slide. That fool’s talent was passable, but compared to you, he is a mere spark next to the sun.”

The man who had just been insulted scratched his head, looking quite offended. The old man reached out and grasped Sima Jin’s wrist, monitoring her internal rhythm.

“And this colossal power lying dormant within you…”

His face transformed with a mix of awe and intensity as he felt the essence of countless rare spirit medicines coursing through her.

“Even the fact that that idiot brought you to the Living Immortal Medical House feels like a divine conspiracy for us to meet.”

The old man locked eyes with Sima Jin.

“You will become my personal disciple.”

“No, thank you.”

Sima Jin gave a resolute shake of her head. The old man didn’t seem to hear her.

“The bonds of fate cannot be cast aside. You *will* be my student.”

The Blue Dragon Sword Emperor—the man who held the second rank on the Record of No Action, right behind the late Sword Hou—issued the decree as if it were an immutable law of nature.