Chapter 252

Chapter 252
## Chapter 252. The Black Flame Dragon Collects the Stakes (5)

Alright. I will frankly concede the point.

My behavior had been a bit over the top.

To an Ideological Inquisitor possessed by paranoia, I must have appeared, at first glance, to be either a mole for the Black Path or a treacherous rogue ready to switch allegiances at a moment’s notice.

Why else would I gamble my existence for the Grand Strategist of a hostile military force that was essentially our foe?

Honestly, even I would have mused, ‘Just how massive a bribe did that scoundrel pocket to throw his life away in that manner?’

But from where I stood, was it not deeply unfair?

No, did I actually desire to put my life on the line?

How could I have anticipated that the wretched Je Geum-hak would turn out to be the Yin-Yang Twin Demons?

Naturally, that did not mean I would have avoided confronting him even if I had been aware, but I would have at least attempted to devise an alternative strategy instead of clashing with him directly.

I wouldn’t have gone out of my way to win Dam-ak’s favor by staging such an theatrical crisis.

“Why do you remain silent?”

Even so, was it not a bit excessive to question me—the primary architect of the truce between the Black Thought Alliance and the Murim Alliance—about whether I intended to defect to the Black Path?

I had pushed the boundaries, certainly, but Ak Byeong-bi had leaped across them entirely.

As I glared at him with an expression of sheer disbelief, the furrow between Ak Byeong-bi’s eyebrows contracted even further.

“Is it truly your intention to align with them?”

Observing his fierce countenance and those gleaming eyes, it felt as though he was merely waiting for my confirmation so he could strike.

This intolerable man.

“What nonsense is this? Why on earth would I align with them?”

The corners of Ak Byeong-bi’s eyes twitched.

A significant amount of time had passed since his injuries mended, so it wasn’t due to blood loss. It appeared as though absurd notions were racing through his mind……

This kind of speculation needed to be severed at the root.

“Why would I, a student of a recognized sect among the Hundred Righteous Sects, affiliate with an organization like the Black Thought Alliance?”

“……Recognized?”

What was with that look of utter dissatisfaction?

I adopted an equally displeased countenance.

“In terms of lineage, the Taeul Sect predates the Ak Clan.”

“…….”

Ak Byeong-bi recoiled slightly for a brief second, then returned to his disapproving grimace.

“The Hundred Righteous Sects?”

When it came to navigating the Righteous Path, no organization could rival the Taeul Sect.

For five centuries, it had never sought to broaden its territory or amass raw power.

……Then why did recalling that fact make me want to weep?

I offered a shrug.

“If we are discussing unadulterated purity, is there any group that can match the Taeul Sect?”

“……Which is precisely why I am inquiring. As the Alliance Leader mentioned, if you choose to align with the Black Thought Alliance to chase riches and status……”

“Is aligning with the Black Thought Alliance not the exact moment one ensures they stay far away from riches and status?”

Ak Byeong-bi observed me in total silence for a considerable duration.

Truthfully, it wasn’t as though I was completely devoid of apprehension.

Even if Ak Byeong-bi harbored no personal malice, if my exploits within the Black Thought Alliance reached the ears of the Murim Alliance and the Academy, a monumental scandal would likely erupt.

Those consumed by paranoia would undoubtedly glare with bloodshot eyes, interrogating me about whether my dark hair signified that I had been corrupted by the Black Path.

And the Ideological Inquisitor standing before me would be leading the charge of those paranoid zealots.

The Ideological Inquisitor gave a nod.

“So that is the reality of it.”

But that did not imply I intended to display a groveling demeanor before him.

Let those crimson-eyed fools live out their days in that fashion.

I held my head high regarding my deeds.

“Do you plan to affiliate with the Black Thought Alliance down the road, or……”

“Absolutely not. I intend to climb to the absolute peak of the Murim Alliance, and my goal is to elevate the Taeul Sect to a position of equality with the Nine Sects and One Gang and the Five Great Clans.”

dishonesty.

Ah, did I let my tongue run away with me a bit too much just then?

Ak Byeong-bi, who had been analyzing me with distrust just a second prior, now wore a look of profound pity.

Curse it all, why that look?

That somehow managed to make me feel even more irritated.

“I find it highly improbable, but……”

“What did you say?”

When I narrowed my eyes like an aggressive wildcat, Ak Byeong-bi cleared his throat uncomfortably.

“Ahem. At any rate, if those are your thoughts, then I comprehend. See to it that your convictions do not falter down the line.”

Huh?

“Pardon me?”

What was the meaning of this?

Why was the stiff Ideological Inquisitor across from me adopting a gentle expression?

“I mean precisely what I articulated. Moving forward, a multitude of individuals who harbor jealousy and malice toward you will concoct fabrications to pull you down.”

Hold on, wasn’t he the very individual who had spearheaded that exact effort more ruthlessly than anyone else?

Why was he behaving as if he hadn’t done a thing?

For the moment, I elected to just listen.

“Reflecting on the path you have chosen, there is no finer ammunition for them to feast upon.”

Before I realized it, Ak Byeong-bi’s countenance had turned thoroughly grave.

“Even so, do not grow deceitful and stray onto a corrupt path simply because you are blinded by immediate gains or fleeting passions.”

“…….”

“The Righteous Path is, by its very nature, a grueling and agonizing journey. Those who avert their gaze from that suffering…… envelope themselves in rigid self-righteousness, rationalize their misdeeds, and blind themselves to reality.”

Ak Byeong-bi gazed off into the distance, as though expressing remorse for his own history.

“Such individuals are incapable of even recognizing that they are progressing down a ruinous track.”

Ak Byeong-bi spoke as though he were analyzing a stranger, but anyone listening could instantly perceive that he was reflecting on his own conduct.

“Therefore, even if it brings misery and torment, persist on that track. If you manage that……”

Ak Byeong-bi paused momentarily, tightening both of his hands into fists.

“Comrades who place their faith in you and offer aid will undoubtedly manifest.”

Then he locked his gaze onto my eyes, adding in a tone absolute with certainty.

“They manifested even for a flawed man like myself, so this is an absolute truth.”

A moment later, Ak Byeong-bi shifted his gaze away, his ears flushing a deep crimson.

It appeared that uttering sentiments so fundamentally out of character for him had caused a wave of intense embarrassment to wash over him.

I let out a soft laugh and probed further.

“Does this imply you have verified that I am not an operative for the Black Path?”

“……Ahem. You were never an operative to begin with.”

“What sort of absurd contradiction is that……?”

“Regardless, accept that as fact. And also……”

Ak Byeong-bi tilted his reddened face downward.

What was going on now?

Why were his fingers nervously twitching?

Was he preparing to utter something else entirely……?

“My gratitude to you for not throwing in the towel.”

For a brief interval, I found myself entirely at a loss for words.

At this juncture, there remained one final detail I required confirmation on.

“Um, could I verify one minor detail?”

Ak Byeong-bi gave a compliant nod.

“Very well. Moving forward, the Inspection Pavilion will under no circumstances suspect you of acting as a Black Path operative. I pledge this upon my title as the Third Hall Master.”

No, that wasn’t the pressing issue at the moment.

“Yes, yes, I comprehend. But that wasn’t the nature of my inquiry.”

I fixed my gaze squarely on his face and spoke.

“Um…… would it be alright if I gave your face a firm tug?”

“?”

You see, I needed to confirm whether he was sporting a Human-Skin Mask.

No matter how intensely I scrutinized him, he didn’t resemble the rigid Ideological Inquisitor of my acquaintance.

“I will keep the tug quite gentle.”

dishonesty.

At breakneck velocity, Ak Byeong-bi’s face twisted like a crushed piece of parchment.

—

Il-myeong, who was stepping into the private quarters, paused and tilted his head upon catching sight of Ak Byeong-bi’s countenance.

He had undeniably just concluded an intimate ‘discussion’ with Jin So-un, so why on earth were both of his cheeks flushed a vibrant scarlet?

“Delegation Leader, did an incident occur?”

“……No.”

It certainly didn’t convey the impression that nothing had occurred……

“Your cheeks look……”

“I asserted that nothing occurred!”

“…….”

Ak Byeong-bi snapped like a threatened pup.

Witnessing him glare with eyes radiating fury, Il-myeong clamped his lips together tightly.

Had the exchange perhaps concluded on poor terms?

“Could it be…… that your doubts regarding him persist?”

“Doubts?”

If that wasn’t the issue, then why were his cheeks burning so noticeably red?

Il-myeong bore the brunt of Ak Byeong-bi’s intense gaze and offered a nod.

“Jin So-un might be rather unrefined in his demeanor, but does that necessitate that the very core of his character be labeled as corrupt?”

“…….”

Jin So-un merely lacked a prestigious pedigree to shield and advocate for him.

Monk Cheongwon of the primary monastery and the Tyrant Sword of the Murong Clan were likewise incredibly abrasive in their behavior, yet not a single soul in Jianghu questioned their fundamental identity as pillars of the Orthodox Path.

From Il-myeong’s vantage point, the superficial masses who evaluated individuals based solely on their external shell through a warped lens were pitiable.

Then.

“I am aware as well. At the very least, I recognize the nature of that youth’s spirit.”

“Pardon?”

Astonishing words spilled from Ak Byeong-bi’s lips.

“That youth is…… akin to a young dragon battling its way up a plunging torrent. He is an entity that cannot avoid capturing the gaze of the world each time he surges upward.”

“…….”

“I, too, doubted him because I perceived only the outer layer of someone who had not yet matured into a full dragon. I neglected to even contemplate what his ultimate objective and true nature were.”

Then Ak Byeong-bi bowed his head slightly, whispering softly.

“……I am meditating on all of my errors.”

For a fleeting instant, Il-myeong sensed that Ak Byeong-bi’s expression had undergone a profound shift.

He couldn’t pinpoint precisely what had altered, but he appeared somehow more tranquil and more grounded.

“Perhaps the reason that youth’s conduct triggered such discomfort within us was because we—no, perhaps every single one of us—had already surrendered much of our core principles.”

Ak Byeong-bi raised his gaze and focused on Il-myeong.

“Small Buddha, you recognized this as well, which is why you submissively accompanied Jin So-un, is it not? Otherwise, why would the renowned Small Buddha under Heaven reduce himself to executing simple errands for another? You refused to act in such a manner even alongside Yong So-ah.”

“……Amitabha.”

Before long, a comforted smirk surfaced on Ak Byeong-bi’s lips.

“Rest easy. I shall harbor no further doubts regarding him. Nay, from this moment on, it shall be my duty to interrogate those who dare to doubt him.”

Il-myeong silently closed his eyelids.

An individual who had achieved true realization illuminated the vision of those in his orbit by the mere reality of his presence, steering them toward the correct course.

Yong So-ah was likewise someone who had achieved realization, but the path took a different shape.

If Yong So-ah grabbed an individual’s hand to personally shepherd them down the trail, Jin So-un violently pried their eyelids open, forcing them to discover the trail through their own volition.

“Amitabha……”

Il-myeong found himself deeply pondering which style of champion was truly required by the contemporary world.

At that precise instant, Ak Byeong-bi muttered under his breath.

“……Regardless, I have cleared my own name of suspicion. That much brings comfort.”

Then he massaged both of his cheeks with his palms, likely because they were throbbing.

“…….”

Il-myeong once more found himself plagued by curiosity regarding why Ak Byeong-bi’s cheeks were so crimson and inflamed.

—

“Where has Old Master Blood Battle vanished to?”

Where under the sun had that eccentric fellow secreted himself that he was nowhere to be found?

“Oh goodness, Young Master Jin. It appears you have finally awakened. I actually harbored a few words for you regardless.”

Flame Ghost Consort-bi radiated an intoxicating perfume as she subtly extended a hand toward me.

I deflected that hand away, stating,

“What could you possibly have to articulate to me……”

“What else would there be for a gent and a lady who braved the jaws of death together to converse about?”

Flame Ghost Consort-bi wriggled her frame bashfully, tapping her own lips.

As the seductive aroma somehow intensified in density, a stinging sensation began to tickle my nostrils bit by bit.

I inadvertently scowled, tossing a query back at her.

It was categorically not because Flame Ghost Consort-bi was uttering sheer drivel.

It was due to my nose throbbing.

My literal nose.

“What bizarre nonsense are you attempting to spew at me now……”

“In any case, Young Master Jin and I navigated through the valley of death side by side, did we not? Ought we not engage in something to mark that occasion? Huhu.”

Flame Ghost Consort-bi rested her forearm across my shoulder, exhaling softly against my ear.

Seriously, why was this elderly matron behaving in this fashion?

“What, do you desire me to sing praises of your assistance?”

When I dislodged Flame Ghost Consort-bi’s overbearing arm and retreated a step back, she assumed a highly perplexed look.

“……Why is it failing to take effect?”

At her quiet utterance, I rapidly began inspecting my own body.

What was the meaning of this? Had she cast some sort of spell on me while I wasn’t looking?

“Was the martial system of the Taeul Sect not a chaotic internal cultivation technique cobbled together from miscellaneous sources?”

For some reason, the cadence of her voice appeared to have turned significantly chillier as well.

I retreated another pace and countered,

“……Why would you utter such derogatory remarks regarding an authentic Daoist institution?”

“Was that ancient codger Blood Battle accurate in his assessment? Tch.”

Flame Ghost Consort-bi slumped downward with a defeated air, as if the façade she had been projecting had been utterly shattered.

Then she hoisted a flask of alcohol and swigged directly from it with the coarse manners of a brute.

What in the world had transpired?

“What is the matter here?”

“Pay it no mind. If I exhaust myself on a fellow who is entirely immune, only my own physical form will suffer the wear and tear.”

“……Where can I find Old Master Blood Battle?”

Flame Ghost Consort-bi dismissed me with a sluggish wave of her hand, as though the topic bored her.

“Check the minor practice grounds situated in the rear. He has been swilling alcohol directly from the jug out there since dawn.”

The gaze she leveled at me was far from amicable, as though her disposition had been thoroughly ruined in an instant.

And here I thought we had been coexisting rather harmoniously, after a fashion.

“My thanks.”

Incapable of deciphering the underlying subtext, I inclined my head slightly and shifted on my heel.

And right then.

The precise instant my fingers gripped the handle to exit the private chamber—

CRACK.

……The sound of fracturing metal reached my ears.

When I lowered my gaze, the door handle that ought to have been firmly welded to the wood was resting loosely in my palm.

‘Not this again…….’

I lost count of how many occurrences this marked.

When I rotated my skull to glance back at Flame Ghost Consort-bi, she appeared entirely indifferent to the damage.

Surely she wouldn’t run to complain to Dam-ak at a later date, would she?

Dam-ak possessed human emotions after all, so he likely wouldn’t present an itemized bill to the individual who preserved his existence.

‘Even if he attempts to…… fire it off…….’

By that point, I would be safely ensconced within the Murim Academy, so I could merely pay it no heed.

Once that mental assessment concluded, I meticulously shut the door and departed as though absolutely nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

This precise predicament was the reason I was seeking out Blood Battle after roughly settling the most critical matters.

The torrential vitality surging through my entire frame.

A physical vessel I simply could not regulate.

The pattern of my internal energy circulation was similarly bizarre.

Previously, my Dantian would activate only upon intense mental focus, but presently, my Dantian reacted instantaneously with nothing more than the mere projection of my will.

‘What under the sun did he perform on me?’

By my own analytical deductions, I ought to have perished during the cataclysmic struggle against the Yin-Yang Twin Demons.

The volume of lifeblood I had spilled was so immense that it would have been entirely expected had I slipped past the gates of the netherworld to converse with King Yama.

Yet, far from exhibiting lingering trauma in my musculature or irregularities in my frame, my physical form was instead rendering itself increasingly robust.

Neither the medical experts nor even Dang Seo-hui could formulate a definitive explanation for what had transpired within my anatomy.

They simply instructed me to direct my inquiries to Blood Battle if I sought clarity.

Had it not been for those explicit instructions, I would have simply embraced the outcome and continued forward. But the nagging suspicion that he might have laced my anatomy with some manner of forbidden sorcery rendered it impossible to suppress my trepidation.

Since I also harbored matters of import to negotiate with him, I was actively seeking him out to discover precisely what modifications he had introduced to my physical self.

The moment my boots crossed into the practice courtyard, I caught sight of a figure humming a melody to himself.

“So this is where you have been hiding.”

“……Eh?”

Blood Battle, who was imbibing solo in the absolute center of the training grounds with an array of discarded alcohol flasks acting as his entourage, lifted a single eyelid.

“What do we have here? Why is a lackey of the Orthodox Path elevating his chin so arrogantly in my presence?”

dishonesty.

Was he completely inebriated?

“I arrived because I require answers to a few inquiries. Should I return at a more opportune moment?”

“Hmph! A lackey of the Orthodox Path claims he will return to grant an audience to the illustrious Old Master Blood Battle of the Black Path? How do you possess the audacity to even fantasize that such a scenario is plausible?”

He was wasted.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, thoroughly intoxicated.

Irrespective of whether I pinned him with a profoundly unimpressed and pitying stare, Blood Battle gestured toward me utilizing his alcohol flask and bellowed,

“Fine then! Articulate your thoughts. What is it that puzzles your mind?”

“There exist two matters. The initial one concerns my physical frame.”

“Splendid.”

Blood Battle gave an obedient nod.

I locked my eyes straight onto his, as if permanently branding my visage into his consciousness, and demanded,

“What exactly did you execute upon my body?”

“Hm?”

CRACK—

The instant I snatched the alcohol flask from Blood Battle’s grip and exerted a fraction of pressure, the container dissolved into powder without a trace remaining.

“I am incapable of regulating my physical power. At this current velocity, I am bound to shatter every single door handle within the Black Thought Alliance, and stacks of crockery are being pulverized every time I sit for a meal.”

At my declaration, Blood Battle erupted into a sinister chuckle.

“Euhuhuhuhu.”

Seriously, this ancient fellow.

I was operating with absolute earnestness here.

“This is hardly an appropriate moment for mirth. You ought to comprehend better than any living soul how paramount physical regulation is to a practitioner of martial arts.”

Nevertheless, Blood Battle claimed an alternative alcohol flask and admonished me.

“When an imbecile cradles a block of pure gold in his bare palm and remains completely oblivious to its value, how could I possibly restrain my laughter?”

“……A block of gold?”

As though an internal fire scorched his throat, Blood Battle chugged from the vessel without pausing for a single breath.

Evaluating the sheer volume of alcohol flasks littered across the terrain surrounding him, he already appeared to have surged past his absolute threshold……

Was this ancient fellow not on the verge of passing out at this rate?

“Khaa……! I did not execute a single thing. Your physical vessel simply transformed via its own volition.”

“……Is such a phenomenon even realistic?”

As I tilted my cranium in skepticism, Blood Battle shifted his gaze to me and smirked.

“Which is precisely why it is categorized as a Fortuitous Encounter, is it not?”

“A Fortuitous Encounter?”

“Indeed…… A cataclysmic Fortuitous Encounter, the likes of which commonplace martial artists—nay, even the most exceptional prodigies—would strain themselves to ever experience in a lifetime.”

I observed him intently and questioned with absolute gravity, “Then what precisely is the nature of the Fortuitous Encounter I have experienced?”

Blood Battle, who had been on the verge of hoisting the alcohol flask back to his lips, froze mid-motion and silently evaluated me.

I likewise suspended my respiration, channeling every single neuron toward the impending movement of his maw.

At long last, his lips, which curved into a ghost of a grin, parted.

“Bone Remolding and Rebirth.”

At the utterance of those words, a wave of pure electricity rippled up my spinal column and permeated throughout my entire being.