Chapter 258

Chapter 258
Hearing the unexpected vulgarity, the members of the Asura Sect knit their brows in irritation. They wondered what gave a simple Guest Retainer the audacity to insult them so openly…

“Dearest husband!”

Before the martial artists of the Asura Sect could take a single step, the middle-aged woman’s reprimand pierced the air sharply, causing the pale-haired man to flinch as though he had burned his fingers.

“M-my love…”

“Did you not give me your word that you would refrain from using foul language?”

The pale-haired man recoiled, pulling his head back so sharply it was difficult to reconcile him with the fierce, demon-faced curser from a moment earlier.

“I-I apologize… It truly appeared as though they were intimidating the individual who showed us hospitality…”

Yet, the middle-aged woman resolutely shook her head, gesturing toward their young girl.

“Regardless, vulgarity only serves to ignite disputes. Control your tongue. What sort of example are you setting for Jia?”

“Father…?”

Glancing down at his cherished daughter’s sweet face, the man quickly cleared his throat to compose himself.

“Y-yes. You are quite right. Ahem.”

Forcing a genial grin onto his features, he inquired once more in an overly courteous tone.

“For what reason are you canine-like gentlemen acting with such discourtesy?”

“…Husband.”

“What? Did I say something improper? Even with the utmost charity, do those ruffians not behave worse than brigands of the Black Path?”

“Be that as it may…”

Ultimately, Ju Yeong-san, having reached the absolute limit of his tolerance while watching this bizarre domestic display, roared in fury.

“What sort of farce do you think you are playing?!”

As Ju Yeong-san unleashed a wave of murderous aura, the pale-haired man smoothly shifted his stance to shield his wife and child.

At that sight, Ju Yeong-san’s expression darkened significantly.

‘He completely neutralized… my murderous intent?’

Although he hadn’t unleashed his aura with maximum intensity, it was certainly formidable enough that it should not have been dismissed so effortlessly.

Furthermore, the mother and child remaining behind the pale-haired warrior appeared entirely unbothered by the oppressive pressure, looking around with sheer ignorance of the tension in the room.

Despite the thick veins throbbing violently across his brow, the pale-haired man maintained his civil tone, likely trying to remain a proper role model for his daughter.

“While I was outside, I overheard that you represent the Asura Sect. Is this accurate?”

“It is.”

Yet, that calm demeanor was incredibly fleeting.

“I was under the impression that it was a highly respected clan within the One Hundred Eight Peaks. Was my information incorrect?”

“What exactly are you implying?”

A vicious snarl, barely masked by a veneer of courtesy, escaped from between the pale-haired man’s clenched teeth.

“There is absolutely no possibility that such worthless scoundrels are members of a righteous sect belonging to the One Hundred Eight Peaks.”

“Husband!”

“Ah, my mistake.”

His wife reprimanded him once more, prompting the pale-haired man to retreat slightly.

Ju Yeong-san cast a piercing glare at the pair and offered a subtle nod, signaling the Tiger Fist Unit Leader, who was acting as an escort, to advance.

Step.

Watching the Tiger Fist Unit Leader extend his arm to adopt a traditional combat posture, the pale-haired man let out a soft laugh.

“Young man, simply because my blade is absent, do you truly believe I am a simple opponent?”

“A mere parasite like you, who merely harvests the scraps left behind by true masters…”

Precisely as the Tiger Fist Unit Leader began channeling his inner cultivation to launch an assault, a secret telepathic message echoed within his mind.

—Tiger Fist Unit Leader. Allow his blow to connect.

As the Tiger Fist Unit Leader wrinkled his forehead in bewilderment, Ju Yeong-san elaborated further.

—This incident will serve as our perfect pretext.

Grasping the true objective of his Sect Leader, the Tiger Fist Unit Leader offered a silent nod and surged ahead.

“Haat!”

As the powerful thrust of the Tiger Fist Unit Leader cleft the atmosphere, the pale-haired man effortlessly lifted his palm and intercepted the oncoming punch.

“If you do not intend to commit to this fight with earnestness, you ought to cease.”

“…!”

A wave of anxiety washed over the Tiger Fist Unit Leader as his attack was intercepted with such absolute ease, defying all his anticipations.

Once more, the silent voice resounded within his ears.

—Act now!

Though he was deeply intrigued by the background of this pale-haired warrior, the vital affairs of his clan took precedence at this moment.

Consequently, he chose not to evade the counterattack.

“Kuh!”

The Tiger Fist Unit Leader spun violently across the ground.

“Uaaagh!”

Observing him grip his sternum and writhe on the floorboards as if enduring a fatal wound, Ju Yeong-san and the senior Elder lunged forward in unison, having anticipated this very outcome.

“Yeong-gi!”

“Tiger Fist Unit Leader! Speak to me, are you harmed?!”

Just then, the doors to the private office swung wide as Wang Geum-san and Jin Tae-san emerged, completely paralyzing at the sight before them.

“What in the world… has occurred?!”

Cough.

In the middle of the chaos, the Tiger Fist Unit Leader coughed up dark blood, while Ju Yeong-san gathered him into his arms, bellowing with unbridled wrath.

“Leader of the Great Heaven Merchant Guild! Does this action represent the official stance of your establishment?”

Surveying the room, Wang Geum-san and Jin Tae-san instantly comprehended the unfolding disaster. It was glaringly obvious to anyone watching that a massive crisis had just been initiated.

Ju Yeong-san directed a fierce scowl at the distressed expressions of the two leaders, before leaping aggressively to his feet.

“If your organization wishes to settle disputes through such violent means, the Asura Sect shall retaliate in kind!”

Casting this severe warning aside, the Sect Leader marched out of the Great Heaven Merchant Guild. The senior Elder hastily hoisted the Tiger Fist Unit Leader onto his shoulders and hurried after his superior.

“…”

Every individual remaining in the chamber understood that events had taken an incredibly disastrous turn.

“I offer my deepest regrets…”

Baek Hae-gwang offered a profound bow of contrition.

“Those absolute miscre… that is to say, they appeared to be treating the patron who took in my loved ones with utter disrespect, and I found myself unable to suppress my old habits…”

Despite the earnest expressions of regret offered by both Baek Hae-gwang and Seop So-jeong, the mood pervading the hall remained incredibly grim.

“To begin with, we must relocate them to a secure location.”

Wang Geum-san was the quickest to formulate a strategy to handle this unfolding emergency.

“Regardless of their ultimate goal, the Asura Sect has successfully manufactured a pretext for aggression, meaning they are guaranteed to act. At present, transferring this family to a distant territory and disavowing any connection to them remains our most prudent course of action.”

Jin Tae-san observed Baek Hae-gwang in quiet contemplation before releasing a slow shake of his head.

“That is an option we cannot pursue. My word has already been given to So-un.”

He was referring to his commitment to assist the man in establishing a new martial clan.

Wang Geum-san thumped his palm against his sternum in sheer exasperation.

“Old friend, should this family tarry within our walls, the catastrophe will only expand exponentially. I am telling you that a crisis which might otherwise be resolved through financial means will instead demand a toll in human lives.”

Upon hearing this, Baek Hae-gwang, who had remained silent until now, joined the conversation.

“To be perfectly candid, I also harbored the sentiment that it was entirely unprincipled of me to accept such grand assistance regarding the creation of a clan, and I intended to voice this very concern.”

“Do you see my point?”

“The benevolence we have experienced merely by your willingness to shelter the three of us when we were entirely destitute is already far more than we deserve. Should our presence linger here any further, I worry we shall only invite ruin upon our gracious host.”

Hearing Baek Hae-gwang validate his logic, Wang Geum-san pressed his argument with renewed vigor.

“I shall personally secure a safe haven for their relocation. You will not have to harbor a single anxiety regarding their future livelihood.”

Even so, the deep lines of concern etched into Jin Tae-san’s features failed to fade.

“…If we allow this family to carry the full weight of this burden in isolation, will they not be condemned to spend the remainder of their days fleeing from justice?”

“Well, regarding that…”

Wang Geum-san started to counter, but suddenly fell silent, his lips forming a tight line.

Even if the independent strength of the Asura Sect was not entirely overwhelming, the collective might of the One Hundred Eight Peaks and the greater Murim Alliance they were affiliated with was truly staggering.

Should the Asura Sect successfully sway the leadership of the Murim Alliance using this clash, Baek Hae-gwang and his kin would undoubtedly be hunted across the land indefinitely.

Jin Tae-san then spoke in a measured tone.

“I understand that you provided guidance to So-un.”

“It was truly inconsequential. Simply sharing a few insights that were of no further use to me…”

Watching Baek Hae-gwang rub the back of his neck in embarrassment, Jin Tae-san’s eyes softened with genuine warmth.

“He has been a boy who forged his own destiny completely unaided since the very moment he began showing the first signs of manhood.”

To a father, that son would always seem like a young child. He recalled the immense pride that swelled in his chest as he witnessed his offspring navigating the world independently, balanced against the agonizing anxiety that constantly gripped his soul.

“I am fully aware that his self-reliance did not stem from a natural desire for isolation, but rather from the simple fact that his sire and instructors failed him.”

Reclaiming the sacred Taeul True Scripture and safeguarding the prestige of the Taeul Sect were tasks accomplished solely through the individual prowess of Jin So-un.

That youth had shielded his seniors, stepping out to confront the tempest entirely on his own.

The profound gratitude he experienced upon learning that his son considered this particular warrior to be a true mentor was indescribable.

“I constantly reflect on what a monumental pillar of strength you must have represented to a young man navigating a foreign territory by himself, all while carrying the burden of protecting his younger disciples.”

For this precise reason, he felt compelled to express his appreciation repeatedly.

“Therefore, there is absolutely no necessity for you to bow your head to anyone. Furthermore, you shall not be driven into hiding as outlaws on our account.”

Wang Geum-san stomped his heel against the ground in sheer vexation.

“Tae-san, think clearly!”

“…”

Nonetheless, Jin Tae-san extended a solitary hand to silence his friend, delivering his words with absolute resolve.

“Throughout the preceding five centuries, the Taeul Sect has never on a single occasion forsaken a debt of kindness. Even during the dark eras when we were stripped of all material wealth, we steadfastly preserved our integrity and devotion, a principle that shall remain unyielding moving forward.”

“…”

“Cast aside your anxieties entirely. From its very inception, this trading enterprise was established through the endeavors of my own flesh and blood. If it can serve as a sturdy stepping stone for the preceptor who offered my son a sanctuary in times of need, what loftier purpose could it possibly fulfill?”

Turning his focus directly back to Baek Hae-gwang, Jin Tae-san added,

“Should this commercial empire crumble to dust, I remain fully committed to aiding the birth of your clan. Therefore…”

With those words, the patriarch brought his hands together in a formal martial salute toward his son’s instructor.

“I humbly request that you persist in imparting your profound wisdom to my child in the days to come.”

Even with a massive mercantile syndicate on the brink of being entirely consumed by a predatory adversary, Jin Tae-san chose to bow before him.

Baek Hae-gwang’s frame quivered with emotion upon witnessing this display.

Beside him, Seop So-jeong found her eyes welling with tears as she observed the interaction.

“My love…”

Baek Hae-gwang pressed his teeth firmly into his lower lip and returned the formal salute with deep respect.

“To begin, I must express my remorse. Having resolved to pursue a righteous path, my actions ought to have mirrored that conviction perfectly. Instead, it appears I am still enslaved by the dark habits of my history. While it cannot truly make amends for my error, would you grant me the privilege of settling this dispute myself?”

“What are you suggesting…”

Unnoticed by the others, a fierce, unwavering determination began to gleam within his gaze.

“My words are entirely literal. Grant me permission to confront the Asura Sect as the representative of the Great Heaven Merchant Guild.”

“…”

“…”

Both Jin Tae-san and Wang Geum-san found themselves completely struck dumb by the proposal.

They were left to question whether this individual, Baek Hae-gwang, had retained his sanity.

Our opponent was none other than the notorious Asura Sect.

They possessed the backing of the venerable Shaolin Temple and occupied an elite position within the prestigious One Hundred Eight Peaks.

They were a martial faction that even an entity as formidable as the Iron Sword Sect would hesitate to challenge directly…

“I intend to reset the scales to zero and initiate our journey anew.”

Baek Hae-gwang lowered his gaze in a solemn bow.

Mirroring his gesture, his spouse Seop So-jeong offered her own bow, while little Jia, whose expression had remained pure and cheerful, awkwardly tilted her tiny torso to join her parents.

Wang Geum-san and Jin Tae-san could only trade glances filled with intricate emotions.

‘The heavens are favoring us.’

Ju Yeong-san released a deep, satisfied breath.

It was certainly not because he put any stock in the preposterous tale that Jin Tae-san had previously spun for him.

Nevertheless, purely as a safeguard, he had quickly dispatched a messenger to the local Metropolitan Temple, yet the sole directive received was an order to remain patient until official communications arrived from the grand headquarters.

Once four full days dissolved in this manner, Ju Yeong-san reached a definitive conclusion.

‘To imagine that the wretched fool was actually telling the truth…’

For reasons unknown, the Shaolin Temple was actively avoiding any direct involvement in this conflict.

Although they had previously expressed severe reservations regarding the rapid growth of the Great Heaven Merchant Guild and had actively goaded the Asura Sect to intervene, they were now choosing to distance themselves.

Despite this shift, Ju Yeong-san possessed absolutely no desire to halt the momentum of the campaign he had initiated.

The immense logistics and commercial channels operated by the Great Heaven Merchant Guild, which he had uncovered throughout his espionage, were staggering.

Specifically, by anchoring several regional Branches near Mount Tianmu and solidifying their dominance over the surrounding routes, they had fully finalized their blueprints to penetrate the lucrative markets of Hangzhou.

It represented an unparalleled source of infinite wealth.

Should any martial clan discover that an enterprise of this caliber was under the stewardship of the weakened Taeul Sect, they would instantly desire to seize it by any means necessary.

Were they to remain passive and allow such resources to be usurped by an aggressive faction of the Black Path…

it would inevitably result in a severe decline in the dominance wielded by the righteous Orthodox Path across the entirety of Anhui Province.

‘Precisely, this crusade is entirely for the sake of righteousness!’

Just then, the Tiger Fist Unit Leader, arrayed in full battle regalia, marched into the room with precise, military steps.

“Our forces are mobilized and awaiting your command, Sect Leader!”

He was the primary instrument who had secured the ultimate tactical advantage for their clan during this enterprise.

By enduring a physical thrashing at the hands of a mere Guest Retainer employed by the Great Heaven Merchant Guild and thereby providing a legitimate grievance, he had handed the Asura Sect a flawless opening to assault the Great Heaven Merchant Guild.

“The influential Wang Estate might attempt to intervene on their behalf. Regardless, we shall completely ignore their presence. Our sole objective is to rapidly overwhelm the staff of the Great Heaven Merchant Guild and force their signatures onto the transfer deed. Is that clear?”

“Understood! Every warrior has been briefed on this strategy.”

The Asura Sect Leader, who so loudly proclaimed his devotion to righteousness, harbored eyes that sparkled with unadulterated avarice.

“Let our march begin.”

Ju Yeong-san, equipping his favored armaments, the heavy ‘Iron Gauntlets,’ onto both his fists, stepped out to lead the formation. Retaining their positions behind him, a massive column of Asura Sect disciples, all sporting reinforced wrist guards, stretched out in an imposing queue.

“Heed my words, Great Heaven Merchant Guild! Utilizing underhanded tactics and a cowardly assault, you have inflicted an incurable, debilitating injury upon our clan’s esteemed Tiger Fist Unit Leader. Surrender the culprit responsible for this vile ambush immediately and offer full financial restitution for the harm caused!”

The purpose behind his thunderous shouting, which caused the entire neighborhood to vibrate, lay in his certainty that this confrontation would inevitably escalate into a massive public spectacle.

An individual holding the rank of ‘Guest Retainer’ represented a figure of immense significance within any organization.

Surrendering such a prominent ally to an adversarial force without a fight would result in a catastrophic loss of reputation for the merchant cartel.

There existed occasions within the martial world where prestige outweighed mere coin or physical power.

Any faction that betrayed a protected ally out of cowardice toward a foe would forever be subject to the absolute disdain of society.

Consequently, the sole alternative available to them would be to facilitate the secret flight of their guest.

Should they choose that path, the ensuing offensive by the Asura Sect would garner an even more righteous mandate.

‘Hehehe. They are thoroughly cornered with absolutely no avenue of retreat.’

While the Asura Sect Leader indulged in a victorious grin at the prospect of absorbing this boundless stream of wealth,

The Tiger Fist Unit Leader—who supposedly carried a permanent, devastating injury from the prior scuffle—bellowed his ultimate warning.

He was adhering strictly to the traditional protocol of initiating violence only after delivering three formal proclamations.

“Hear me, Great Heaven Merchant Guild! Through treacherous plots and a surprise attack, you have saddled our Tiger Fist Unit Leader with a profound trauma from which he shall never heal. Hand over the perpetrator of this ambush this instant and prepare to pay for the damages…”

Right then,

Creak.

The heavily secured main entrance swung open, and a pale-haired man casually stepped out into the open.

“…Ahem, clear the throat. Heavens, this entire display is so profoundly mortifying I feel as though I might perish from shame.”

…It was none other than Baek Hae-gwang, the precise individual responsible for giving the Tiger Fist Unit Leader his allegedly permanent and critical injury.

The combatants of the Asura Sect, who were poised to storm the perimeter of the Great Heaven Merchant Guild at a second’s notice, blinked in utter shock at his sudden appearance.

Finding himself under the scrutiny of a hundred pairs of eyes, Baek Hae-gwang rubbed his face awkwardly and called out at the top of his lungs.

“This Sovereign… ah, scratch that. I am the C-clan leader of the White Sword Sect. Ahem. People refer to me… rather, my identity is Baek Hae-gwang.”

It was entirely baffling that anyone could display such bumbling behavior, devoid of any genuine anxiety, in the middle of such an intense crisis.

“Regarding, well, what occurred previously? I have come to recognize that my behavior during our prior encounter was altogether impulsive, and I desire to offer my formal regrets.”

Confronted with this sudden display of contrition, the Tiger Fist Unit Leader could only stare back with a totally vacant expression.

Paying no heed to their bewilderment, Baek Hae-gwang brought his hands together in a respectful salute and bowed deeply before the Tiger Fist Unit Leader.

“Therefore, I would deeply appreciate it if your group would simply depart at this time.”

Upon concluding his statement, Baek Hae-gwang shuddered, appearing intensely uncomfortable with his own polite speech.

Following a fleeting moment of absolute quiet,

The Asura Sect Leader alongside his gathered disciples, who had been observing Baek Hae-gwang with sheer astonishment, erupted into a chorus of boisterous laughter simultaneously.

Several warriors even began weeping tears of pure mockery.

“Bahahahaha!”

“In all my years, I have never witnessed such an absurd lunatic!”

“Has anyone among us ever encountered an organization dubbed the White Sword Sect?”

“Never in my entire existence have I encountered that title. Judging solely by its generic phrasing, it is undoubtedly some insignificant, bottom-tier faction!”

Even as he stood centered within their wall of ridicule, disdain, and insults, Baek Hae-gwang’s countenance remained entirely unbothered.

Ju Yeong-san then advanced a single pace.

“For what reason has the leadership of the Great Heaven Merchant Guild failed to present themselves?”

Baek Hae-gwang offered a casual shrug of his shoulders.

“I have already stated that I intend to personally settle the matter for which I am responsible.”

“Ha… It appears they have simply discarded their ally, a mere Guest Retainer, to save themselves.”

“They have done no such thing. I explicitly clarified that I would handle…”

Ju Yeong-san let out an exaggeratedly dramatic sigh and elevated his volume to ensure all could hear.

“What respectable clan or enterprise under the heavens sacrifices their own guest?! Furthermore, is the Great Heaven Merchant Guild not under the direct administration of the Taeul Sect?!”

“…Be it the villainous Black Path or the righteous Orthodox Path, it appears that nobody in this world possesses the ability to listen attentively.”

Ju Yeong-san then locked a furious gaze onto Baek Hae-gwang, trembling with mock outrage.

“Hah! You claim you will settle this in isolation? Exactly how do you plan to achieve that? Do you intend to present us with your severed head?!”

“My goodness. It was a single strike, so why on earth should I forfeit my entire existence over it…”

“If that is not your plan, what then? Are you implying that you intend to wage war against our entire gathering?”

Despite the icy menace laced within those words, Baek Hae-gwang showed no signs of apprehension, simply clicking his tongue softly.

“…My initial purpose here was to deliver an apology…”

“You absolute idiot! Are you ignorant of the sacred law of the Jianghu, which dictates that a debt of blood can only be washed away with blood?!”

“I have personally endured that cycle far too often, so I am well acquainted with it. It is honestly not a very pleasant…”

“Silence! If you genuinely seek to take ownership of this crime, then prepare to bleed for it!”

“Heavens, you simply refuse to allow a person to finish a sentence. You miserable piec… Ahem, apologies, Asura Sect Leader?”

Baek Hae-gwang cast a brief look over his shoulder, rubbed his scalp in irritation, and gave a firm nod.

“To speak honestly, settling matters through this approach is far more natural for me as well.”

With that, he unsheathed the ordinary steel blade he had obtained from one of the merchant guards.

Shrrng.

“Given that an extended scuffle might disturb the neighborhood, let us see… why do you not simply attack me all together?”

“Hah… Haha…”

Ju Yeong-san found himself utterly dumbstruck by Baek Hae-gwang’s conduct, which suggested the individual lacked even a shred of self-preservation.

The Tiger Fist Unit Leader turned to his superior with an equally bewildered look, inquiring,

“Sect Leader, how do you wish for us to proceed?”

Their numbers totaled an impressive one hundred combatants.

He had selected only the absolute cream of the crop from the first and second generations of the Asura Sect to accompany him.

For a solitary warrior to claim he would single-handedly defeat a force capable of decimating an entire mid-tier or minor martial clan was preposterous.

The man was undoubtedly suffering from severe madness.

“Execute him. Once this day concludes, no merchant or cultivator across the land will ever place their faith in the Great Heaven Merchant Guild or the Taeul Sect again.”

The moment news circulated that a protected Guest Retainer was slaughtered on their doorstep, all commercial entities would cease any dealings with the Great Heaven Merchant Guild.

In addition, the high council of the Murim Alliance would likely initiate an investigation into their failure to uphold martial honor.

“Assault!”

“Understood!”

Prompted by the shout of the Tiger Fist Unit Leader, five top-tier disciples tightened their grips and surged forward with explosive momentum.

“I distinctly requested that you charge simultaneously…”

The five combatants spearheading the charge represented the absolute pinnacle of their generation.

By all logic, that reckless, pale-haired swordsman ought to have witnessed his cheap weapon shatter upon the opening exchange, his balance shattered during the second exchange, his pressure points ruptured and his internal energies disrupted on the third exchange, coughed up vital fluids on the fourth exchange, and expired completely by the fifth exchange.

Indeed, that was the mathematically certain progression of events…

Thud, thud, thud.

The five elite martial artists who had lunged toward Baek Hae-gwang were now tumbling helplessly across the earth like marionettes whose cords had been instantly severed.

“How can this be…”

Dropping directly into the ringing ears of a stunned Ju Yeong-san was the completely relaxed tone of Baek Hae-gwang.

“Ah, pray do not panic. I merely rendered them insensible…”

“This cannot be true…”

“Sigh, you continuously cut off my words, you wretched scou… Ahem. Regardless, if your main force refuses to advance, I shall initiate the encounter myself.”

Immediately following those words, Baek Hae-gwang settled into a formal, lethal sword stance with genuine intent for the very first time.

Step.

In that precise second, accompanied by a sudden, inexplicable wave of pure dread,

“What in the heavens is that…”

Within the vision of Ju Yeong-san, a towering, crimson demonic entity materialized ominously at the back of Baek Hae-gwang.

Ju Yeong-san was by no means the sole individual to register this acute peril.

The remaining martial artists of the Asura Sect likewise recognized the immense danger upon witnessing their companions fall so effortlessly.

Arriving at the simultaneous realization that their only hope lay in a massive, coordinated onslaught, they vaulted forward to overwhelm Baek Hae-gwang.

Yet,

“F-flee…”

Ju Yeong-san attempted to bellow a frantic warning to halt his reckless subordinates, but his reaction arrived far too late.

Three Forms of the White Moon Governing Heaven.

First Form.

‘Extreme Swiftness.’

PING—

A sharp, deafening resonance of ruptured atmosphere completely enveloped the entire vanguard of the Asura Sect disciples.