Chapter 231

Chapter 231
## Chapter 231. Darkness within Darkness

[Honestly. Are you already contemplating the creation of a weapon for an unborn child?]

Within the shadows, a faint smile graced the woman’s features.

She spoke as if he were being foolish, yet her expression was so captivating that Ak Byeong-bi smiled and went along with the game.

[It belongs to both of us. The baby will likely become the greatest soul under the heavens. Even starting these preparations now might be too late.]

The woman shook her head, as if his antics were beyond repair.

[Just how heavy a load do you plan to place upon our child, my dear?]

In reality, Ak Byeong-bi harbored no grand expectations for the infant.

He had simply pondered what he could provide to the child soon to arrive to express his overwhelming emotions.

Even in his own estimation, settling on a weapon as a gift felt somewhat ridiculous.

The woman tenderly caressed her stomach.

[I only wish for our child to lead a healthy and joyful life.]

[Hmm…… Then what shall I arrange? Perhaps I should purchase some land or an inn?]

[Oh, goodness……]

Her act of shaking her head, as if chiding him for failing to grasp what was truly important, was endearing to Ak Byeong-bi.

He found he quite enjoyed that look of gentle exasperation she directed at him.

Her face, glowing with a bright smile as if she had attained everything in the world simply by gazing at him, was nothing short of lovely.

[Your only task is to remain by my side.]

Was that singular request sufficient?

Could one truly find happiness in such a modest arrangement?

[Yes. That is all I need. For me and our child.]

⦙

⦙

⦙

[But……]

A crimson stain bloomed from the woman’s mouth.

[But…… you……]

Blood began to pool around her feet.

[You cannot even manage that small thing……]

The woman collapsed, reaching out with a look of pained resentment.

Ak Byeong-bi lunged toward her like a man possessed, but the restraints pinning his limbs held him fast, rendering him utterly immobile.

[Heh, Heh, Heh…… You useless fool……]

Gu Gye-ak, who had obscured the woman from his view, surveyed Ak Byeong-bi with disdain.

That look ignited a blazing fury within Ak Byeong-bi’s soul.

“You scoundrel……! You pathetic wretch……!”

[Spend your remaining days drowning in regret and misery.]

“Gu Gye-ak!!!”

*Clank, clank.*

He summoned every ounce of his inner cultivation, straining with all his might, yet his body refused to obey.

*Heave, heave, heave.*

Ak Byeong-bi began to spasm so violently that the very bed frame rattled.

The attending physicians and Medicine Women rushed in, attempting to pin him down, but he could not be quelled.

“Seal his Numbing Acupoint! Quickly!”

“It is ineffective, Physician!”

“He appears to be channeling his Innate True Qi……”

“Confound it!”

He had heard tales of martial artists tapping into their power even while unconscious, but this was his first encounter with someone forcing the use of Innate True Qi in such a state.

What on earth could be driving the patient to struggle with such desperation?

“There is no alternative.”

At that moment, Dang Seo-hui, who had been standing guard, dropped her arms and strode forward.

“I will handle this.”

The physician shook his head.

“No medication or needle has made a dent in his state! Please step back.”

“I am aware, as I have witnessed it. However……”

Three miniature mother-of-pearl flasks and three elongated acupuncture needles materialized from Dang Seo-hui’s sleeves.

“We haven’t attempted the use of toxins yet.”

“Beg your pardon? What are you…… If you proceed, the patient will……”

“I shall apply them only to the extent that he remains among the living. Rest assured, there is no cause for alarm.”

With a casual flick of her hand, as if clearing away smoke, Dang Seo-hui caused the physicians and Medicine Women to retreat in unison.

Ak Byeong-bi’s eyes had rolled back until only the whites remained, and he seemed on the verge of forcing his True Qi to combust, courting total Qi Deviation.

Dang Seo-hui’s eyes grew icy, and her hands began their work.

“We cannot afford a disaster. He must not perish in this manner.”

The hands of the White-Hand Divine Maiden began their fluid dance.

The healers and practitioners witnessed firsthand the origin of the moniker “White-Hand” attached to her reputation.

—

The second day since the incident had arrived.

The crowd gathered outside the lodging had swelled.

Beyond the initial sentries, strangers were now loitering around the pavilion grounds.

There were members from the Yellow Sand Sect, alongside individuals whose presence I had never sensed before.

“The numbers keep growing.”

In response, Blood Battle clicked his tongue, his gaze fixed on a go board.

“They were already rife with discontent toward the Murim Alliance, were they not? A small spark has found plenty of fuel.”

“Still, surely someone of your stature, Elder Blood Battle, could manage them all, could you not?”

“Eh?”

What did he mean, “eh”? If that were the case, why was he even stationed here?

“Did you not come here to act as our guardian?”

“Well, in name, yes. But might your true purpose be to keep watch so that you cannot slip away?”

“……”

Even if both parties understood the ulterior motives at play, it was not something meant to be stated so bluntly.

I had only succeeded in souring my own mood by voicing it.

Regardless, remaining in this holding pattern was dangerous.

I had no insight into the internal decisions of the Black Thought Alliance, and if I merely sat and waited, I might miss the critical window for action.

“I request a meeting with the Black Thought Alliance Leader.”

“Hm? Why address this to me?”

“Because, at this moment, you are the only one I can seek aid from, Lord Blood Battle.”

“Aid?”

Blood Battle offered a smirk, though his eyes remained glued to the match in progress.

“Do you genuinely believe I possess such authority?”

“You, the renowned Lord Blood Battle, are no simpleton. There is no chance you would follow orders obediently simply because an entity called the Black Thought Alliance arose. You are likely here due to a personal appeal from the Leader, are you not?”

Blood Battle’s brow gave a slight twitch.

“Sharp, aren’t you? It seems you truly do stand apart from the other Rising Stars, is that it?”

After muttering something that went over my head, Blood Battle spoke in a conversational tone.

“What is your plan once you gain an audience with him?”

“I must resolve this crisis.”

“The crisis?”

I had traveled through a past life to stand here.

I lacked any guarantee that a third chance at life awaited me.

Therefore, I could not afford to perish in a place like this—

“It is not as if I can simply accept death, can I?”

“Hooh?”

For the first time, Blood Battle’s attention shifted to me.

“Are you suggesting that even when death is imminent, you will fight to your final breath?”

“Why are you so convinced that my demise is a certainty?”

“If not, then it matters little.”

Blood Battle turned his attention back to the go board, behaving as if the matter held zero interest for him.

Was this truly not his concern?

“Then how about we strike a wager?”

I looked at the game in his hands.

Blood Battle met my gaze, appearing intrigued.

“A wager?”

“If I defeat you in ten games of go, you must facilitate a meeting with the Black Thought Alliance Leader.”

“Ha, ha. This brat, I indulged you, and now you seek to drag me into your mess! Very well.”

Blood Battle, who had been chuckling, suddenly wore a stone-cold expression.

“What will you wager if you fail?”

I did not flinch.

“What do you require?”

A smile returned to Blood Battle’s lips.

“Your life.”

Il-myeong, who had been resting against the far wall, turned sharply toward us.

“Benefactor Jin!”

A heartbeat later, Blood Battle’s icy tone pressed down on the atmosphere.

“If that is unappealing, hold your tongue. Your insolence has already grated on me more than enough.”

Il-myeong, who had closed the distance before I noticed, gripped my arm.

I shook off his touch and stepped forward.

“Very well.”

“What?”

“Benefactor Jin!”

I raised a hand to silence Il-myeong.

“But if I emerge victorious, you must honor your word.”

“……”

Blood Battle’s expression grew even more unreadable.

“Do my words sound like mere jest to you?”

“Certainly not.”

“Then do you not comprehend the value of your own existence?”

“Neither is the case.”

I sat across from him and looked directly into his eyes.

“I simply have no intention of waiting around for death like a fool.”

“……”

I rearranged the pieces and grasped a white stone.

Blood Battle, who had tracked my movements in silence, leaned in.

“I don’t mind a bit of spirit. But I never tolerate arrogance.”

Blood Battle snatched the white stone from my hand.

“I will not claim your life. Instead, I will take your left arm.”

Losing my right arm would render me unable to wield a sword, but losing my left would mean the loss of the Azure Dragon Bracelet.

Yet, currently, I had no alternatives.

“……Understood.”

“Benefactor Jin!”

I offered Il-myeong a subtle shake of my head and placed a black stone on the board.

The contest ignited immediately.

Blood Battle’s gaze grew heavy and focused.

“Flame Ghost Consort.”

“Yes.”

“Restrain his left arm.”

“Hmm…… How unfortunate. Even missing an arm, my dear husband remains my dear husband.”

*Shrrrk.*

In an instant, the Flame Ghost Consort removed the ornament from her waist; it coiled around my left arm with a sharp rattling sound.

Was that accessory at her waist actually a flexible sword?

“You can play go with only your right hand, can you not?”

“……I leave that to your judgment.”

*CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK-*

The rhythmic sound of stones striking the board filled the chamber.

“The world is unaware, but I possess several guises.”

*CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK-*

My own speed was formidable, but the pace at which Blood Battle moved was no joke.

“One of my identities is the Imperial Go Master, ‘Doa.’”

My hand froze in mid-air.

To think the legend of “Doa,” the former Imperial tutor and architect of countless master games, would manifest here.

Blood Battle paused for a moment and peered across the board.

“Are you familiar with Doa?”

Having first learned the game by studying his records, his name was one I could never abandon, regardless of the effort.

“……This is truly a strange turn of events. To think Blood Battle was Doa…… How were you never discovered? Your affiliation with the Black Path should have easily unmasked you.”

“They simply could not cast me out. My talent for the game proved too valuable to discard simply based on my alliances.”

*CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK-*

We resumed our frantic pace.

Neither Blood Battle nor I yielded a fraction in the speed of our play.

As if bestowing a favor upon me after exposing his true nature, Blood Battle queried.

“Do you finally grasp whom you have wagered against?”

“……Yes.”

“Apologize now and sit in silence. I will treat our session as a match played and refrain from taking your arm.”

It seemed even a figure of the Black Path harbored a fragment of mercy.

Truly, it was enough to leave one stunned.

However.

I shook my head without a hint of hesitation.

“Let us continue the wager.”

“……What?”

“As I stated, I cannot accept dying like this.”

Honestly, I held little confidence in besting him in a trial of martial might.

Unless, perhaps, it was a fight to the death.

Escape his grasp?

It would be simpler to escape the palm of the Buddha. At least the Buddha wouldn’t crush your skull, right?

But go was an entirely different discipline.

“And when it comes to go, I harbor my own confidence.”

I began tapping into the vast archive of tens of thousands of go records stored within the recesses of my mind.

—

Upon hearing that Ak Byeong-bi had recovered consciousness, Hwang Bu-sik made his way to the lodging occupied by the Envoy Delegation.

Typically, this was a matter requiring a formal report, but he had exercised leniency, allowing them space for a final exchange of farewells.

‘In any event, it is much like carrying a debt toward the Black Flame Dragon.’

Reaching the building, Hwang Bu-sik frowned at the sight of Black Path martial artists stationed nearby, radiating waves of hostility.

The fools, placing their personal impulses above procedure, had crowded this space before the Black Thought Alliance could even issue an official directive.

They failed to realize that this very lack of discipline was exactly why they were constantly outmaneuvered by the Orthodox sects.

“Clear those idiots out.”

“Yes, sir.”

Following Hwang Bu-sik’s command, the armored guards dispersed the gathered martial artists.

There was minor friction, but as yet, no one dared an open uprising.

But how long would that hold?

Gu Gye-ak, the de facto leader of the pro-war faction, was dead, yet public sentiment within the Black Thought Alliance had, paradoxically, shifted even more aggressively toward the pro-war agenda.

Those who had previously lurked in the shadow of Gu Gye-ak were now emerging to assert their own influence, while members of the peace faction were losing their grip on their remaining footholds.

At this rate, total war was becoming a distinct possibility.

Hwang Bu-sik shook off these dark musings and stepped into the envoy’s quarters.

Contrary to his expectation that they would be awaiting him, the delegation and the monitors were huddled together, deep in concentration.

‘Go?’

Hwang Bu-sik hurried forward, thoroughly perplexed.

Blood Battle and Jin So-un were engrossed in a match, while the Flame Ghost Consort had bound Jin So-un’s left arm with her hidden weapon, the Soft-Thread Sword.

*CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK-*

Blood Battle’s skill at the board was legendary, even within the Black Path, but what genuinely stunned Hwang Bu-sik was Jin So-un’s performance.

He was matching Blood Battle move for move, placing stones with a speed that mirrored a dance of blades.

*CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK- CLACK-*

Hwang Bu-sik only understood the basic tenets of the game, yet even he could recognize that the sequence of plays being exchanged was extraordinary.

‘Still, he cannot defeat Elder Blood Battle.’

He remained ignorant of the specific circumstances, but upon realizing that Jin So-un risked losing an arm, Hwang Bu-sik could only sigh.

After all, Blood Battle was notorious for always collecting the toll on his wagers.

Jin So-un’s limb was effectively forfeit.

‘Is this where his journey ends?’

Rising Stars frequently overestimated their own capacity, only to crash into the hard reality of the world.

It was profoundly regrettable that even the Black Flame Dragon, whom he had assumed to be exceptional, was walking the same doomed path as those who had come before.

Hwang Bu-sik closed in to observe the unfolding outcome.

The pair continued to exchange moves without pause for a significant time.

The first to falter was Blood Battle.

‘Hmm? What……!’

Blood Battle could not tear his eyes away from Jin So-un’s face, looking deeply aggrieved.

*Tremble, tremble.*

Blood Battle’s frame began to shudder minutely.

Hwang Bu-sik felt as though he might succumb to shock.

Blood Battle was an absolute master of such a lofty tier that he had seemed remote even when Hwang Bu-sik was a mere child.

Yet, that perpetually composed countenance had turned rigid.

It was a vision difficult to fathom, even while witnessing it with his own eyes.

‘……He has forced Elder Blood Battle into a corner through a board game?’

How many masters of the game existed within the Black Path—no, within the entirety of the Jianghu—who could rattle a man with so few peers?

Blood Battle’s irate voice sliced through the tension.

“How did you achieve this?”

“I did nothing out of the ordinary. It is simply. My. Skill.”

Hwang Bu-sik did not possess a deep understanding of the game, but the atmosphere made it clear that Jin So-un held the superior position.

“……”

After fixing a long, intense glare on Jin So-un, Blood Battle exhaled, placing two stones on the board.

It was a concession of two stones, signaling he accepted defeat.

The Soft-Thread Sword binding Jin So-un’s arm loosened, and Blood Battle inclined his head.

“That makes ten consecutive victories. Honor the terms of our deal.”

“Very well.”

Did that imply he had not merely triumphed once, but ten times?

Jin So-un caught Hwang Bu-sik’s dumbfounded expression and queried.

“Has the Delegation Leader awakened?”

“……Huh? Y-yes.”

“May I proceed?”

“Ahem. Yes, let us be off.”

The master of masters had bowed his head.

Conversely, the Rising Star, who had only just begun his ascent, squared his shoulders and strode outward.

For reasons he could not articulate, Hwang Bu-sik found that this unusual scene appeared entirely natural.

—

Ak Byeong-bi’s condition appeared critical, even to my untrained eye.

His face was a sickly grey.

The skin around his eye sockets was scorched and blackened.

According to the physician, Dang Seo-hui had forcibly roused a man who, by all rights, should have remained beyond waking.

He certainly appeared to be in a wretched state.

Still, this was no moment to indulge in pity.

Because of. This. Man. Every one of us was in jeopardy.

“Why did you do it?”

Ak Byeong-bi weakly lifted his head, fixing me with eyes like those of a dead fish.

Within those orbs, where blood vessels spider-webbed, a confluence of bitter remorse, regret, and despair had taken root.

“I……”

He parted his parched lips, emitting a raspy, labored voice.

“Did not do it.”

“At this juncture…… this is not a situation you can escape using deceitful platitudes.”

“……”

I snapped at him when he stubbornly sealed his lips again.

“The lives of not only you, Delegation Leader, but the entire Envoy Delegation are hanging in the balance.”

This incident would absolutely not end with the demise of Ak Byeong-bi alone.

It would ripple through the delegation, the Murim Alliance, and the warriors currently stationed in Sichuan.

In simple terms, if he had intended to stir up trouble, he had managed to create an absolute catastrophe.

“That is the gravity of our situation.”

Ak Byeong-bi, struggling to even hold his eyes open, squeezed out his reply.

“Is ‘that bastard’ confirmed dead?”

“Every sign pointed to the use of the Ak Clan’s Raging Fire Spear.”

Ak Byeong-bi bowed his head, surrendering to a deep, profound remorse, and remained silent for a long duration.

Finally, he lifted his head.

“If this can be resolved solely by my life, I have no objections. But…… I truly did not do it.”

“……”

Stunned by these entirely unexpected words, neither I, nor Il-myeong, nor Dang Seo-hui could find a retort.

“It is a desire I have harbored a hundred times, a thousand times—longed for over and over again. I swore repeatedly that if the day ever dawned when I could discard every burden upon my back…… I would dash to the Yellow Sand Sect without a moment’s hesitation. But……!”

His cracked, dry voice resonated, scraping against the ears like metal on iron.

“This time, I swear I did not do it!”

“Can you swear to that?”

“……I pledge the honor of the Ak Clan……”

I glared down into his bloodshot eyes.

“No, not that. Pledge something of greater worth.”

Ak Byeong-bi met my gaze with eyes that seemed intent on murder.

*Grind.*

He gnashed his teeth and forced the words out.

“……I swear it on the lives of my departed wife and my unborn child.”

He looked as though he might hemorrhage from his mouth at any moment.

“……This pathetic father failed to enact vengeance with his own hands.”

His expression conveyed that he would have preferred to complete that vengeance himself.

Witnessing this, I found I could no longer harbor doubt.

“Then what is the explanation for your wounds, Delegation Leader?”

“I am clueless. I assumed you had returned, and I was simply drinking, but my side ignited with pain, and I collapsed.”

If I accepted Ak Byeong-bi’s testimony, it implied that an assailant had targeted Gu Gye-ak and Ak Byeong-bi independently, planting evidence to convince onlookers that Ak Byeong-bi had staged an ambush……

Did that scenario bear any touch of reality?

It felt far more logical that Ak Byeong-bi, fueled by revenge, had grabbed his spear and run Gu Gye-ak through.

And yet, for some inexplicable reason, I felt a greater inclination to trust this man who had, until now, only displayed such utter weakness.

“This is driving me to the brink of insanity.”

Il-myeong and Dang Seo-hui’s reactions mirrored my own.

As shrewd as they were, they understood the stakes as well as anyone.

At that moment, Ak Byeong-bi spoke again.

“If this cannot be managed, shift all culpability onto me.”

“……”

“And ensure that no harm falls upon the Murim Alliance. ……If it is you, I know you are capable of it.”

What on earth was this man talking about? How was I supposed to navigate such an impossible task……

*Bow.*

Ak Byeong-bi inclined his head.

“……What are you doing?”

“I beseech you. If you provide this service, I shall speak to my clan and guarantee you receive ample compensation.”

What is this? Why is he acting so entirely out of character?

“If you were assaulted, Delegation Leader, then you were a pawn in a larger scheme involving both yourself and Gu Gye-ak. Do you not feel a sense of injustice?”

“Can I risk all of you, along with the Alliance and the Sichuan warriors, merely to vindicate my own grievance?”

Ak Byeong-bi looked straight into my eyes.

“Moreover, regardless of the truth, the outcome is that my vengeance has been fulfilled. I have no lingering attachment to this life. So pile all the blame upon me as you see fit, and move forward.”

“You speak of horrifying things.”

“Jin So-un!”

He shouted my name with all his remaining strength, then spoke in a somber tone.

“You cannot progress by untangling every absurdity and contradiction in this world. At times, one must simply carry the weight and move on. And—.”

His eyes flashed with sudden clarity.

“This is precisely such a moment.”

“……”

“So go forward. Neither I nor the Ak Clan will resent you or hold you accountable for this event.”

There was no way a man I had loathed to the marrow would suddenly become endearing simply because he uttered such sentiments.

From the start, I had no intention of forging ahead while fixing every flaw and paradox in the world, just as he said.

However.

“I will consider that approach only if a greater calamity arises.”

“Jin So-un!”

I gave a light pat on the shoulder of Ak Byeong-bi, who had expended his energy and was barely remaining upright.

“For this incident, we need only uncover the culprit who ambushed you and Gu Gye-ak, is that not the objective?”

I had no intention of choosing only the path of least resistance.

There was no possibility that such a route held the correct answer.

“So rest easy. I swear I will capture the perpetrator.”

“……”

I voiced my firm resolve.

“On my grandfather’s honor!”

Ak Byeong-bi gritted his teeth and whipped his face away.

“……”

Just as I was about to depart and allow Ak Byeong-bi time to process his emotions, Dang Seo-hui, who had remained a quiet observer, tilted her head.

“Was Jin So-un’s grandfather a noted constable?”

“……No. He served as an Escort in Anhui Province.”

Her head tilted at an even steeper angle.

“……Then why did you stake your grandfather’s honor?”

I gave a minor shrug.

“Because he is the only person in my entire lineage with a shred of fame.”

“……”

Ak Byeong-bi, who had turned his head away, and Il-myeong gazed at me with incredulous expressions.

*Tsk.*

Honestly, she had ruined a perfectly functional mood by inquiring about something so trivial.