Chapter 251

Chapter 251
Chilly winds from the northwest swept over the lands of Sichuan. Local farmers quickly gathered timber to endure the coming cold, and traders restricted their transactions, anticipating a steep economic stagnation akin to icy waters. As for the martial artists stationed thousands of miles from their families, the crisp morning air only deepened their profound sense of isolation.

However, that melancholy reached its end on this very day. Once the various factions of the Black Path Murim that had mobilized for war within Sichuan retreated to their headquarters, provisions and resources began arriving.

Although the public declaration from the Black Thought Alliance framed the campaign as a cooperative endeavor, no one possessed the sheer audacity to immediately trust and fight alongside individuals who were bitter adversaries just hours prior. Furthermore, when measured against the affluent and widespread Orthodox Path, the provisions delivered by the financially strained Black Path Murim were exceptionally pitiful.

Nonetheless, the enthusiasm animating the Murim Alliance soared to unprecedented heights. The profound relief of knowing their flanks and rear were secure served as an invaluable prize. Moreover, rallied by the Poison King of the Tang Clan, numerous organizations from the Qingcheng Sect, Emei Sect, and the One Hundred Eight Peaks provided boundless resources to reinforce the Murim Alliance.

Placing his hands resolutely on his waist, the Poison King addressed the spirited gathering of warriors.

“This conflict has persisted for an eternity! The moment to conclude this bloodshed is upon us!”

“Uwaaaaaaaaah!”

“Thus, we shall demonstrate to those wretched fools the consequence of opposing the will of Heaven!”

“Charge ahead!” the masses shouted in unison.

Initially, tactical oversight belonged to the Azure Dragon Pavilion Master of the Murim Alliance. Yet, for symbolic resonance and to bolster fighter spirits, leadership decreed that while the Azure Dragon Pavilion Master maintained operational control, the Poison King would act as the nominal leader. Crafted carefully by the commanders and tactical advisors, this arrangement effectively elevated the fervor of the Orthodox Path Murim to great heights.

If the opposing forces relied on sinister sorcery, their own ranks boasted toxic masters and the legendary Poison King himself. This straightforward realization, paired with the belief that peace was near, rendered the vanguard of the Murim Alliance incredibly fierce.

Tactical arrays experts deployed by the Maoshan Sect and the Jegal Clan took the lead, dismantling the intricate Mystic Gate Formations erected by the Blood Cult. Right behind them, venom specialists neutralized the toxins lingering across the battlefield to forge a clear passage, allowing the forces of the Orthodox Path Murim to charge directly into the heart of the Blood Cult without a second thought.

“Annihilate every single one of them!”

“They are degenerates who desecrate the dead! Grant them no quarter!”

“Take no captives! Leave absolutely nothing standing!”

Driven by intense fury at the atrocities perpetrated by the Blood Cult, the waves of the Orthodox Path Murim crashed over their enemies like a tempest.

Deep within the subterranean chambers of the Blood Cult, investigators uncovered a hundred human bodies readied for conversion into corpse puppets, alongside over two hundred remains bearing the marks of botched experimentation. As reports of this ghastly discovery rippled through the ranks, a profound righteous duty ignited within the soldiers alongside their fury; they felt compelled to eradicate every abomination that violated natural order. No compassion remained. They executed every cult fighter and dark mystic, seized all documentation from the laboratories, and reduced the facilities to ash.

“I yield! I yield!”

“Please, have mercy!”

“I shall disclose everything I know…!”

Although several members surrendered once they saw the inevitable downfall of the Blood Cult, the Murim Alliance showed zero leniency. Save for a select few sorcerers spared to analyze their occult practices, the vast majority were put to death. Anyone found to have trained in the specific martial techniques of the Blood Cult was decapitated immediately.

During this overwhelming assault against the Blood Cult, the Poison King, Dang Hyeok-je, brought Maeng Ju-won along to inspect the discarded remains and research materials.

“Hmph, a brief look confirms there is little value here.”

“Is that truly the case?”

“Their knowledge is superficial, and their methodologies are amateurish.”

Swallowing the intense wave of disgust rising in his throat at Dang Hyeok-je’s assessment, Maeng Ju-won offered a stiff nod.

“I understand. However, for what purpose have you brought me down here…?”

He served merely as a tactical planner for the logistics division. Ostensibly, his role was confined to mapping out maneuvers. It seemed entirely irrational for him to be dragged into the gruesome depths of the front lines.

“Witnessing this firsthand is essential if you wish to comprehend our adversaries.”

“…”

He believed he had adjusted to the older man’s idiosyncratic manner of speech, yet the deeper meaning eluded him entirely. Besides, what purpose did it serve for the Department Head of Mantongbu to analyze the opposing side’s nature?

“What a pity. Deploying an ignoramus during such a dire situation. I must have a word with that narrow-minded scoundrel.”

An ignoramus? To refer to him—the premier genius of Mantongbu—in such a derogatory manner… Granted, Jegal So-myeong possessed a notoriously small mind, but this was excessive. A prominent vein throbbed against Maeng Ju-won’s brow as Dang Hyeok-je scoffed, yet he suppressed his indignation. He had yet to ascertain the boundaries of what insubordination he could get away with.

Observing the bloodless complexion of his companion, the Poison King remarked flatly, “Their primary arsenal consisted of sorcery and Iron Corpse Puppets. Yet, they lacked the intrinsic capability to manufacture those Iron Corpse Puppets themselves. Does the implication still escape you?”

“Ah!”

A sudden, chilling realization hit Maeng Ju-won like a physical blow.

“Could it be… you are suggesting a greater power is pulling their strings from the shadows?”

Envisioning a worst-case scenario that he desperately hoped was impossible, Maeng Ju-won started connecting the dots. Consider the staggering amount of resources and human lives the Murim Alliance squandered merely to suppress a solitary Blood Cult. Furthermore, even with the stabilization of Sichuan, the Murim Alliance achieved no true victory; they had simply preserved their existing territories.

What if this entire cult was merely an extremity rather than the main organism? Countless fundamental assets of the Murim Alliance had been exhausted battling what amounted to a mere appendage. Should adversaries of this caliber emerge just a few more times, complete ruin would loom. And if the architect behind them stepped into the light… the Murim Alliance would inevitably disintegrate. This was the grim reality Dang Hyeok-je was hinting at.

“Nothing is verified yet.”

“…”

Unlike Murong Gang, the supreme Poison King was renowned for his calculated words, never indulging in baseless rumors. A figure of his stature would never vocalize such a thought on mere whim. Confirming this gravity, a somber expression darkened the Poison King’s features.

“Nonetheless, precautions must be taken.”

“…”

To make preparations… a simple concept to utter, yet incredibly daunting to execute. Observing Dang Hyeok-je’s stern expression, however, it was clear the master was already calculating for the incoming dark times.

“You ought to accustom yourself to this. You will witness spectacles like this again.”

Turning his back on Maeng Ju-won, who was white-faced and retching, Dang Hyeok-je walked away.

A sudden chill washed over Maeng Ju-won, raising goosebumps across his skin.

‘Does this imply… I am destined to be hauled across the land like this forever?’

It had never occurred to him before. If widespread conflict erupted, the Murim Alliance would tremble, and his position as a strategist meant he would be endlessly dragged from one conflict zone to another.

‘I am completely ruined…’

Realizing his ultimate dreams might dissolve into nothingness, an overwhelming wave of terror and hopelessness gripped his heart.

Oblivious to Maeng Ju-won’s inner turmoil, the combatants of the Murim Alliance rejoiced in their triumph. Conflict exhausted the soul, so the pure realization that hostilities had ceased and return was imminent brought immense ecstasy to the veterans. Fighters from various factions, such as the Tang Clan, Qingcheng Sect, Emei Sect, and the One Hundred Eight Peaks, dismissed old rivalries to embrace one another, basking in their shared success.

“Uwaaaaaaaaah!”

“Victory is ours!”

“Time to return home!”

“Did you obtain the clarity you sought?”

Hearing Cha Seok-du’s inquiry, Dam-ak lowered the teacup he had been holding.

“In all honesty… I remain uncertain.”

Prior to Jin So-un regaining consciousness, Dam-ak had been desperate to speak with him ahead of all others, needing to verify the true nature of those mysterious entities that had infiltrated his chambers.

Nevertheless, Jin So-un had barely survived a fatal ordeal. Protocol dictated that representatives from the Murim Alliance delegation receive priority visitation. Despite this, Dam-ak requested assistance from Cha Seok-du, who subsequently petitioned the Murim Alliance delegation. Yet an unexpected complication arose.

‘Who would have guessed the young lady of the Tang Clan would prove to be the barrier?’

He had anticipated Ak Byeong-bi would offer the strongest resistance, but the man had remained largely indifferent. Instead, it was the young Dang Seo-hui who stubbornly dug her heels in. She went so far as to issue ultimatums, demanding she be present the instant he opened his eyes. This was a manifestation of pure sentimentality rather than strategic calculation, yet it proved unyielding. Neither Ak Byeong-bi nor Il-myeong possessed the leverage to change her mind. Recognizing the legendary obstinacy of the Tang Clan, Cha Seok-du was on the verge of conceding when a covert message from Il-myeong reached his ears.

—Allow her to act as the Deputy Alliance Leader temporarily, and she will relent.

Act as the Deputy Alliance Leader? What sort of nonsense was that coming from an ordained monk? While Cha Seok-du puzzled over the absurd notion, another transmission arrived.

—Simply permit her to command the martial artists of Four Emperors Peak on a few laps around the perimeter of the Black Thought Alliance.

Intrigued by Il-myeong’s counsel, a skeptical Cha Seok-du presented the proposal to Dang Seo-hui.

“…Very well, if there is no alternative. It is a pity, but I will allow others to meet him first.”

Following brief contemplation, Dang Seo-hui agreed. Donning an oversized set of iron armor from Four Emperors Peak that swallowed her small frame, she perched upon Hwang Bu-sik’s shoulder as they paraded around the Black Thought Alliance, causing the man some physical strain. Despite the absurdity, neither he nor the fighters of Four Emperors Peak minded. After all, she was an ally of Jin So-un, the savior of the Black Thought Alliance.

Ultimately, this audience was secured through a bizarre series of negotiations, yet Dam-ak remained perplexed. Watching Cha Seok-du frown slightly, Dam-ak traced the rim of his cup.

“He put his life on the line despite the negative political ramifications. The Orthodox Path calls such behavior ‘chivalrous righteousness’… yet my intellect refuses to accept that pure virtue was his sole motivation.”

Dam-ak’s gaze softened despondently. Usually bearing the fierce intensity of a wild feline, his expression now resembled a disappointed hound. Cha Seok-du let out a soft laugh.

“Perhaps that is because you are looking at it purely through a logical lens?”

“What are you implying…?”

“Simply that his motivations make sense to me.”

Dam-ak blinked in surprise.

“You comprehend his choices?”

“Indeed, for both you and that youth share a profound isolation.”

“…”

A frown marred Dam-ak’s forehead. Though he spent his days immersed in literature and lacked martial prowess, he took immense pride in his masculine dignity and loathed being labeled pathetic. Yet here was this warrior calling him isolated. Cha Seok-du offered a gentle look to the contemplative scholar.

“Are you familiar with the boy’s background?”

“I understand he hails from the Taeul Sect.”

“Precisely. If we equate the Taeul Sect to the academic world you left behind… it resembles a tiny, obscure academy hidden away in a rural village.” Cha Seok-du smirked at the comparison. “An impoverished academy where the instructor is incompetent, funds are nonexistent, and the roof leaks whenever it rains.”

“…”

“And from such a place, what was the name of that grand test you cleared…?”

“Are you referring to the Provincial and Metropolitan Examinations?”

Cha Seok-du gave a firm nod.

“Exactly! Attaining success there makes one a Presented Scholar, correct?”

“That is so.”

“That mirrors the youth’s current standing.”

“…”

The lightheartedness left Cha Seok-du’s face entirely.

“Consider what occurs when a prodigy from such humble roots arrives in Beijing. Does he instantly achieve prestige and boundless fortune?”

“…”

It was a brutal struggle. Overcoming the Provincial and Metropolitan Examinations under such destitute circumstances was brilliant, yet it left the individual completely devoid of influential patrons. Prominent institutions offered vital networks. A prodigy emerging from obscurity risked being pulled back down by sycophants or crushed by established elites determined to suppress newcomers. Regardless of brilliant talent, such an individual was often destined to remain trapped in their modest origins.

Observing the look of recognition on Dam-ak’s face, Cha Seok-du gave a slight nod.

“Jin So-un faces that identical reality. Consequently, a deep solitude accompanies him constantly.”

The common folk might marvel at a rising star, but the individual himself experiences anguish, knowing the barriers that prevent him from reaching the pinnacle.

“His reputation echoes throughout the land, yet a profound isolation resides within his soul. Factions like the Nine Sects and One Gang, the Five Great Clans, and the Twelve Peak Citadels of the One Hundred Eight Peaks excel at political machinations just like the imperial court in Beijing. Furthermore, they control private standing armies, a luxury the court bureaucrats lack.”

Reflecting on this, the Jianghu proved far more savage than the capital. In Beijing, conflict was restricted to court intrigue, whereas the Jianghu utilized direct, lethal violence. Dam-ak recognized anew the immense peril of his new environment.

Turning his attention toward the residence housing Jin So-un, Cha Seok-du added, “He has endured solitude, and he recognizes that his future path will be equally isolated.” Fixing his eyes back on the strategist, Cha Seok-du murmured, “Then you entered his view. An isolated soul plotting vengeance in an unfamiliar domain. He simply could not turn a blind eye to you.”

A flush of heat colored Dam-ak’s cheeks at those words, gaining a deeper appreciation for Jin So-un’s perspective. Unexpectedly, memories of old classmates from his academic days surfaced.

“Despite the fact that I am… an adversary?”

Noticing the scholar’s visible emotion, Cha Seok-du smiled warmly.

“Both statecraft and the Jianghu follow the same principle: alliances and enmities fluctuate constantly. During our brief alignment, he chose to assist you, fully aware of the consequences he might face.”

“What sort of consequences?”

“Consider the situation: a prominent figure of the Orthodox Path risked everything to rescue the Grand Strategist of the Black Thought Alliance. The Murim Alliance’s Inspection Pavilion and Execution Pavilion will hardly ignore this. They will undoubtedly seek an excuse to discipline him.”

“…”

Dam-ak fell into silent thought. He recalled rumors that the leader of the Murim Alliance’s envoy was a ruthless individual known as the Third Hall Master of the Inspection Pavilion. If even the hardened elements of the Black Path harbored deep resentment toward him, his cruelty had to be formidable. Consequently, a genuine concern for Jin So-un’s welfare began to take root in Dam-ak’s mind.

“Will he manage to survive this?”

Cha Seok-du chuckled at the inquiry.

“What is this? Have you developed a sudden concern for your companion?”

“A companion? Absurd… I merely detest remaining indebted to anyone.”

“Do not fret, that young man is resilient. Should the pressure from the Murim Alliance prove intolerable, his defection to the Black Thought Alliance would actually serve us quite well.”

Letting out a robust laugh, Cha Seok-du elaborated, “Regardless, settling a portion of what we owe will ease our conscience. Besides, that rascal has already created quite a stir regarding the matter.”

“Excuse me?”

Cha Seok-du gave a weary shake of his head.

“The moment he regained his senses, he demanded compensation for securing your survival. It is astounding how someone who just escaped death’s door can possess such boundless vitality.”

Dam-ak inquired tentatively, “What scale of compensation do you intend to provide?”

“He desires a formal treaty. However, since we previously declined such an agreement, reversing our stance now would damage our credibility.”

“Indeed. Maintaining an unwavering front is paramount.”

“Are there not artifacts belonging to the Orthodox Path stored within the Black Thought Alliance Treasury?”

When the Black Thought Alliance was initially established, member organizations were required to contribute a baseline entry fee. Loath to part with actual gold, the Black Path factions settled their dues using confiscated treasures, misplaced manuals, and various relics stolen from the Orthodox Path—items of great value but useless to them. Though Cha Seok-du had found the practice ridiculous back then, those assets had finally found a perfect purpose.

“What if we offer him a selection of those artifacts?”

“That would serve as an appropriate token of our appreciation.”

“Precisely. Furthermore, presenting high-quality relics might shield Jin So-un from some of the inevitable backlash. Will you oversee the selection?”

Pausing briefly, Dam-ak inclined his head.

“Very well. I shall locate appropriate items and arrange the delivery.”

Despite Dam-ak’s detached tone, Cha Seok-du recognized that the strategist’s intellect was already operating at full capacity, entirely focused on shielding his savior from harm.

A severe dilemma now confronted me.

“What is the reason for your visit?”

This was an incredibly perilous situation. Up to this point, I had gone to great lengths to evade an isolated encounter with Ak Byeong-bi. Frankly, I lacked a valid justification for my actions within the territory of the Black Thought Alliance. Exposing the conspirator was justifiable, but nearly dying to rescue Dam-ak was an undeniable overstep, even to me.

I had attempted to coerce Cha Seok-du into an official pact to rectify the situation, but the man remained completely unyielding. He had secured his objectives and simply walked away, leaving me to face the music alone.

‘I was the only one left holding the bag.’

In the grand scheme of things, ensuring Dam-ak’s survival was strategically sound, but my immediate hurdle lay in placating Ak Byeong-bi alongside the elite sentries from the Alliance Leader’s Hall. By any conventional standard, rescuing the chief tactician of the Black Path was an act of blatant treason. My primary objective had been to defer any private confrontation until our arrival back at the Academy.

Unfortunately, Ak Byeong-bi had single-handedly engineered this encounter. I had no idea how to navigate out of this corner.

“Ah, my wounds are quite painful. Since exhaustion is overtaking me, perhaps I should retire to my quarters?”

As I made an awkward attempt to rise, a piercing glint flickered within Ak Byeong-bi’s gaze.

“Do you intend to defect to the Black Path?”

I instantly went rigid. My forehead creased with immense confusion.

“Excuse me?”

What on earth was he implying?