Chapter 229

Chapter 229
I attempted to visit the gala accompanied only by Dang Seo-hui, my expert in identifying poisons, but Il-myeong insisted on joining us.

“Since all the emerging powerhouses of the Black Path are assembled there, it could prove hazardous for Benefactor Jin to arrive unaccompanied.”

Gun Yu-hyeon backed Il-myeong’s assessment, suggesting it would be the wiser choice, and consequently, we followed Gun Yu-hyeon’s guidance toward a structure situated on the fringes of the Black Thought Alliance.

The pavilion located to the north of the central complex had clearly received significant attention regarding its architectural style, distinguishing it from the surrounding buildings; its opulent finish alone indicated it served as a venue for high-ranking guests.

Upon entry, attendants possessing refined etiquette escorted us to our assigned spots, leading us toward the grand hall positioned at the deepest point of the pavilion.

Within the center of the expansive hall was a lengthy table, groaning under the weight of diverse culinary treasures from both land and sea.

Because this solitary table occupied the vast hall, the boisterous chatter of the attendees resonated sharply against the walls.

Then, the moment we stepped into the hall and drew near the table, the atmosphere—previously as rowdy as a public market—abruptly

vanished.

Their expressions were marked by blatant animosity, as if questioning the legitimacy of our presence.

“……I fear my arrival may have been an intrusion.”

A shadow of concern crossed the face of Gun Yu-hyeon, who had extended the invitation.

Realizing that passivity would achieve nothing, I stepped forward and performed a respectful salute.

“I heard this was a place to forge beneficial alliances, so I came. May we join the gathering? Should our presence be unwelcome, we shall depart immediately.”

As I spoke with a blend of courtesy and resolve, the guests glanced at one another, clearly uncertain how to proceed.

Then, every eye turned to fixate on a single point.

A man with piercing eyes sat at the center, clutching a wine goblet.

Tap.

Dam Ak placed his cup down and remarked,

“I apologize for failing to extend an invitation sooner. Had I known you possessed such an open disposition…… I would have invited you long ago.”

It was entirely evident that his sentiment was insincere.

I offered a bright smile.

“Is this not the best way for us to bridge the divide?”

Met with my composed demeanor, Dam Ak smiled broadly in return.

“If you are amenable, would you join our table and honor this gathering with your presence?”

He then gestured to the empty seats beside him.

The individuals seated near Dam Ak stood up and personally made room for our arrival.

“Looks like the wine is about to turn sour.”

“Kikik.”

“Kuk.”

Someone muttered, loud enough to be heard.

As martial artists, there was no way we could miss such a remark.

However, Il-myeong, who maintained an Immovable Mind, would never be swayed by such transparent taunts.

I remained equally unmoved.

As for Dang Seo-hui…… I could not be certain.

She simply kept her eyes fixed on the meal, refusing to look at anyone else.

Even though we were seated, the mood did not revert to its earlier state.

Some felt unsettled, while others remained hostile.

Suddenly, a man seated across from us grinned meaningfully and observed:

“Come to think of it, we were mistaken. If he is the Black Flame Dragon, is he not a renowned Black Path Rising Star Murim?”

“Wahahahaha!”

“Euhehehe.”

At the man’s comment, the surrounding group erupted into loud laughter.

The volume returned, but I still felt the weight of everyone’s focus upon us.

“But I heard a peculiar rumor. They say that very Black Flame Dragon is brokering a treaty between the Black Thought Alliance and the Murim Alliance.”

The man scanned the room, seeking consensus.

“Does that sound plausible to you?”

He licked his lips and locked his gaze onto me, clearly waiting to see how I would respond.

As I attempted to identify him, Gun Yu-hyeon’s Sound Transmission reached my ears.

-He is Jegal Cheon-gi, the fourth pupil of the Yellow Sand Sect Leader. Like his master, he is an extremist who champions war.

Was Evil Bear Jegal Cheon-gi actually from the Yellow Sand Sect?

The scoundrels of the Black Path switched loyalties as easily as changing garments, making it impossible to determine their true origins.

Regardless, thanks to Gun Yu-hyeon, I now understood the man’s intentions quite clearly.

I looked directly into Jegal Cheon-gi’s eyes.

“What about that prospect is impossible?”

“Hm?”

“Surely the Black Thought Alliance was not formed for the sole purpose of waging war against the Murim Alliance.”

He leaned back, chuckling.

“Wahaha! That is true.”

Then, his eyes narrowed into sharp slits.

“To be precise, it was formed to resist the tyranny of the Murim Alliance.”

Haa, look at this fool boasting with his meager abilities, having no concept of the horrors of true combat.

It was precisely because of such individuals that the push for war always found traction.

Cowardly worms who would inevitably retreat to the rear once real violence began.

Attempting to reason with such a person would only exhaust me. I needed to distance myself from him—not out of fear, but because he was simply repulsive.

My intent from the start was to persuade Dam Ak.

“You seem quite fond of conflict.”

“I do not back down from fights that seek me out.”

“In that case…… are you aware of the offense of provoking an assault?”

“What?”

Good grief, look at those aggressive eyes.

“Even if you do not strike the first blow, if you conduct yourself in a way that warrants being struck, you deserve whatever follows.”

“……Ha, this brat. What exactly are you spouting?”

I glanced around the room and goaded him.

“Is there anyone present capable of defeating Senior Il-myeong?”

“…….”

“Even if one hundred warriors of the Yellow Sand Sect charged at once, they would likely fail to overcome Senior Il-myeong.”

“You bastard!”

THUD.

When Jegal Cheon-gi lurched to his feet, the table shuddered, spilling food and overturning wine vessels.

“Do you look down upon the Yellow Sand Sect?”

“You seem desperate to launch a war against the Murim Alliance. ……I am merely asking if you have the fortitude to engage in a Life-and-Death Battle against Il-myeong.”

“…….”

“Why are you silent? Do you intend to go to war while carefully avoiding masters like Senior Il-myeong?”

I scrutinized the expressions of those who had laughed along with Jegal Cheon-gi.

“Among those who clamor for war, not one has ever stepped forward to claim the front lines.”

Each of these individuals had garnered a notorious reputation due to talent that exceeded their peers.

However, such prestige was only possible during times of tranquility.

Once war erupts, regardless of age or status, every person is measured by the cold, absolute standard of life and death.

“War is not a sparring match. No opponent will emerge to match your specific grade. If a war breaks out between the Black Thought Alliance and the Murim Alliance today, the people in this room will surely be the first ones driven to the front of the slaughter, will they not?”

Once one stands upon that frozen field of battle, the opponent’s blade knows no mercy.

In a place where humans cease to be viewed as such, the same cold steel that once felled timber and straw now carves through flesh and bone.

“Do you have any concept of how many lives are extinguished the moment war begins?”

When combat commences after both sides have made meticulous preparations, the carnage is immediate and vast.

Some conflicts are so fueled by momentum that they burn out in less than a week.

If such a fate befalls common soldiers, why would it be any different for martial artists?

“War is not a contest that ends in minor wounds. At the very least, you must be prepared to sacrifice limbs, and ultimately, you must be ready to forfeit your life.”

Under my words, the mood grew even heavier.

Jegal Cheon-gi ground his teeth and retorted,

“……Do you truly think our Black Path would initiate a war without such resolve?”

“I am not asking about the collective resolve of the Black Thought Alliance.”

“What?”

“I am asking if *you* possess that resolve.”

I stared intently into his eyes.

“The resolve to face Senior Il-myeong on the first day and engage in a Life-and-Death struggle.”

“…….”

Jegal Cheon-gi darted a glance toward Il-myeong, and was preparing to turn back and glare at me again.

At that moment, Dam Ak, seated at the center, spoke up.

“In that case……. Are we supposed to watch the mood of the Murim Alliance and simply await our destruction?”

Where did that come from?

Dam Ak sipped his wine and continued in a calm tone.

“Currently, due to the resurgence of the Blood Cult in Sichuan, the attention of the Murim Alliance is diverted elsewhere. But once that conflict concludes, where will their blade be pointed?”

Every organization requires its own set of objectives and moral justifications.

An organization that prioritizes only expansion and raw power is no different from a rudderless ship.

Groups always seek specific goals and validation.

This was why Dam Ak was questioning the objectives and moral standing of the Murim Alliance.

“I believe failing to act now, while the Murim Alliance is occupied, would be equivalent to discarding a gift from the heavens. What is your opinion, Lord Black Flame Dragon?”

Naturally, Dam Ak was correct.

This was the ideal moment for the Black Thought Alliance.

Provided, of course, that they could actually subjugate the Murim Alliance.

However.

“That is likely impossible.”

“Do you believe the Black Thought Alliance lacks the necessary might?”

I shook my head.

The true power of the Murim Alliance did not stem merely from the organization itself.

“The roots go deeper. Does the Black Thought Alliance truly have the confidence to crush the Murim Alliance while simultaneously contending with the Nine Sects and One Gang, the Five Great Clans, the One Hundred Eight Peaks, and the countless other schools that stand with the Murim Alliance?”

The genuine strength of the Murim Alliance lies in those factions that have matured alongside it.

No matter how many individuals the Black Thought Alliance gathers in its ranks, factions that haven’t even existed for a century will face inherent limits in their ability to project power.

“If you strike the Murim Alliance, it will inevitably be interpreted as an assault on all the Orthodox Path sects. Is the Black Thought Alliance prepared for the consequences?”

For a fleeting second, I saw Dam Ak’s composure falter.

He studied me for a moment before slowly resuming his speech.

“The Murim Alliance and the Black Thought Alliance are as irreconcilable as oil and water. The Murim Alliance certainly will not wait idly while the Black Thought Alliance solidifies its foundation.”

Dam Ak’s gaze as he surveyed us was filled with open hostility.

How could someone who, in my previous existence, served as the Murim Alliance’s Grand Strategist, harbor such intense hatred toward that very organization in this life?

Dam Ak drummed his fingers on the table and challenged me,

“Since they say the wisdom and strategies of the Lord Black Flame Dragon are exceptional, I shall pose one question.”

His sharp eyes locked onto mine.

“Should the Black Thought Alliance sit idly by, awaiting our demise until the Murim Alliance chooses to finish us?”

The Dam Ak I remembered from my past was not a man obsessed with bloodshed.

Moreover, while he sought the perspectives of others, he was always a man who relied on his own judgment.

The reason he was questioning me now was likely not because he was genuinely ignorant, but rather to probe my true motives.

I did not break his gaze as I replied,

“Even when the war with the Blood Cult reaches its end, the Murim Alliance will not attack the Black Thought Alliance, nor will they attempt anything of the sort.”

“How can you be so certain? You are merely an Academy Representative, are you not?”

Well, that was a fair point.

As an Academy Representative, I lacked the authority to predict the maneuvers of the Murim Alliance.

However, I possessed memories of a future that remained hidden from everyone else.

“The Blood Cult is not the only group that employs dark, unnatural sorcery. Far more terrifying entities exist.”

“…….”

“And ‘they’ are currently targeting the entire world. Monsters that hold no regard for human existence.”

Dam Ak rubbed his chin, leaning back.

His expression suggested he considered my argument to be nothing more than baseless fear-mongering.

“Are you suggesting some sort of grand conspiracy?”

A conspiracy theory, is it……?

I asked Dam Ak directly,

“Have you heard reports of Iron Corpse Puppets appearing in Sichuan?”

“……Those who practice Witchcraft naturally utilize such creatures.”

I shook my head.

“During the Murim Regular Exam, I encountered beings far more grotesque than those.”

“How strange do you mean?”

I recalled the horror of that day.

Entities that defied visual perception, whose true forms remained elusive, hiding in the shadows while they harvested human lives.

“Their hides were as resilient as tempered steel, they carved weapons from their own bones, and they melted into the darkness to consume everything in their path.”

“…….”

His eyes betrayed his inability to accept that such creatures could truly exist.

“For us to tear each other apart would be equivalent to signaling to them that we are surrendering the world to their mercy.”

“Do you possess any proof?”

“……I do not.”

Dam Ak immediately shifted his eyes to my companions.

“Did the others bear witness to these things?”

Il-myeong and Dang Seo-hui, feeling the weight of Dam Ak’s stare, both shook their heads.

Then, those who had been eavesdropping with a sense of tension let out sighs and began to snicker.

To be fair, I wouldn’t have readily believed it either if I had only heard it as a second-hand tale.

Just as the fading tension was about to be replaced by the return of the earlier noise—

“……They also emitted a scent akin to Poisonous Qi.”

A man’s voice cut through the air, cold and precise.

“……?”

“Hm?”

Every head turned to locate the speaker.

Standing there, the center of all attention, was none other than Gun Yu-hyeon.

He appeared as if shivering from fright.

“They were undoubtedly beings that were once human, yet were no longer so.”

I fought to suppress a groan of frustration and asked,

“……You witnessed them?”

“From a distance, yes, but I saw them clearly.”

As our eyes locked, Dam Ak peered at Gun Yu-hyeon for a moment before shaking his head.

“Even so, we cannot stake our entire future on something we have not witnessed ourselves.”

Dam Ak’s head-shake served as a final declaration.

“We cannot place our trust in the Murim Alliance.”

His resolute words echoed through the silent grand hall.

In my previous life, I had regarded Dam Ak as a truly remarkable individual.

Perhaps he only seemed outstanding then because the strategists who preceded him were so profoundly incompetent.

But through this meeting, the reality became clear.

Dam Ak was an extraordinarily formidable opponent to face.

‘He is a master at concealing his true thoughts.’

In truth, Dam Ak must realize that the Black Thought Alliance lacks the capacity for immediate war.

Unless he actively desired the destruction of the Black Thought Alliance, he would know that even if they targeted the Murim Alliance now, they could not dismantle the entire Orthodox Path.

Then, for what reason?

Why did Dam Ak insist on maintaining such a hostile stance?

“This has become a difficult situation.”

Gun Yu-hyeon, having exited the hall with us, wore a face heavy with concern.

The cool, collected persona he projected at the gambling tables was nowhere to be found.

Compared to a mere wager, the stakes of war carried a vastly heavier burden.

I offered him a polite, parting salute.

“You extended us your goodwill, yet I failed to deliver a favorable outcome.”

At my words, Gun Yu-hyeon shook his head.

“Not at all. From what you revealed today alone, some have gained a clearer grasp of reality. If we aggregate these voices into a consensus, those in power may yet reconsider their stance.”

Gun Yu-hyeon, a faint smile returning to his lips, asked,

“What are your plans moving forward?”

“For now, I intend to speak with a few more influential figures. There should be some time remaining before the Founding Ceremony officially concludes.”

My priority was to engage with the Alliance Leader, Cha Seok-du, and the others I had encountered on the Demon Spirit Plateau.

Gun Yu-hyeon gave a small nod.

“Understood. If you require any assistance, do not hesitate to ask.”

“I am grateful for your offer alone.”

As we spoke, we found ourselves standing before our lodging sooner than anticipated.

Just as I prepared to bid Gun Yu-hyeon farewell and turn away, he called out.

“Would you mind answering one question, as compensation for today’s events?”

A question? What could it be?

As I tilted my head in confusion, Gun Yu-hyeon spoke without hesitation.

“When the Five Heavenly Kings manifested during the final round…….”

He looked at me with an intensity I had never seen before.

“Was that real?”

He seemed truly desperate, as though waiting for the most important revelation of his life.

He must possess an absolute addiction to gambling.

So much so that I felt a sudden, inexplicable pang of guilt.

Rather than answering, I simply smiled.

Apparently, that was sufficient, as he nodded vigorously.

“I see. So that is how it was. Truly, truly! What a relief.”

Gun Yu-hyeon made his way back to his quarters with such a light, springy step that he seemed nearly capable of flight.

Observing his excessively transparent demeanor, I found myself chuckling despite the circumstances.

Turning my head, I saw Dang Seo-hui following him with her eyes.

“He is a truly peculiar person. Smiling like that even after being deceived.”

It seemed even Dang Seo-hui struggled to comprehend the psyche of a gambler.

Then again, who in this world could ever truly understand the mind of a gambler?

I stretched my limbs and looked at my companions.

“Let us head inside. We need to deliberate on our next course of action.”

We entered our lodgings, and the instant we crossed the threshold into the inner room, every one of us froze.

‘The smell of blood?’

The scent of blood, mixed with a metallic, fishy tang, saturated the air of the room.

Finally.

“Benefactor Jin!”

Il-myeong, his eyes wide with shock, pointed toward the corner and cried out.

Where his finger landed,

Ak Byeong-bi lay motionless, already dead, his body soaked in blood.