Chapter 261

Chapter 261
## Chapter 261. Parading in Brocade at Night (2)

As I frantically tried to rouse Dang Seo-hui from her slumber, Ak Byeong-bi began providing an incredibly thorough yet highly disciplined account of everything that had transpired within the Black Thought Alliance.

As his explanation stretched on, the skepticism clouding Jegal So-myeong’s gaze grew increasingly pronounced.

“Can that truly be the case?”

“Without a doubt.”

Ak Byeong-bi gave a steady reply before continuing his narrative, though the subsequent details only served to leave Jegal So-myeong utterly dumbfounded once more.

“……That actually occurred?”

“Precisely. It did.”

“…….”

Ak Byeong-bi maintained a completely blank countenance as he spoke.

There wasn’t a trace of deceit written across his features, yet Jegal So-myeong wore an expression that suggested he simply found the information impossible to accept.

“Il-myeong, is the account your commander just provided accurate?”

Ultimately, he bypassed Ak Byeong-bi—the very individual delivering the briefing—and chose to seek confirmation from Il-myeong directly.

Il-myeong gave an affirming nod in return.

“It is.”

“……What in the world took place inside that fortress?”

Jegal So-myeong knit his brows in profound confusion.

“Were you all ensnared by some dark sorcery within the Black Thought Alliance? Or perhaps…….”

At that moment, his suspicious gaze shifted directly onto me.

“Did that troublesome brat Jin So-un bewitch every single one of you with some bizarre spell?”

Hold on a moment, dark sorcery? Wasn’t that crossing the line a bit?

Why was the blame suddenly being redirected toward me anyway……

Right then, the muffled murmurs of a sleeping Dang Seo-hui drifted from behind my shoulders.

“Mmh…… ugh…… This is nothing short of divine retribution.”

Pardon me? You aren’t actually dreaming right now, are you?

While I gaped at her in utter bewilderment, Ak Byeong-bi reinforced his previous statements with absolute gravity.

“I state once again that the briefing I have presented contains absolutely no embellishments or missing details.”

Even as Ak Byeong-bi offered a formal, deeply respectful bow, Jegal So-myeong’s face remained a mask of sheer incredulity.

Honestly, even putting that aside, if this man was the Third Hall Master of the Execution Pavilion, he had to be someone whose integrity was completely verified by the Murim Alliance. Was he truly deemed that unreliable?

“So, some unidentified provocateurs slipped into the Black Thought Alliance to instigate a massive conflict between the Murim Alliance and the Black Thought Alliance……. Furthermore, our envoys were set up as killers, but Jin So-un, a pupil of the Daoist Martial Sect, demonstrated his profound spiritual devotion…… and employed the Mind-Reading Art to expose the real culprit?”

Well……

Hearing the entire sequence of events boiled down like that, it certainly did sound rather far-fetched.

It practically resembled the rambling nonsense a drunkard might spout at a tavern……

“Are you absolutely certain…… this isn’t a completely flawed intelligence report?”

Looking at Jegal So-myeong, who desperately seemed to be searching for any rational explanation, Ak Byeong-bi maintained his characteristically unbothered delivery.

“Naturally, the so-called ‘Mind-Reading Art’ that Jin So-un claimed to use was almost certainly a mere bluff intended to strike fear into the Unorthodox martial artists of the Black Thought Alliance.”

“If that is the case…….”

“Nonetheless, I respectfully submit that this tactical deception does not in any way diminish the incredible feats he achieved throughout this entire venture into the Black Thought Alliance.”

“Oh?”

While Jegal So-myeong flashed a startled look, I was similarly taken aback by Ak Byeong-bi’s sudden defense.

“The diplomatic party was trapped in an incredibly perilous predicament. As the commanding officer, I had been completely incapacitated by a treacherous ambush, leaving our group without a single ally to lean on within the Black Thought Alliance.”

His tone remained entirely flat, devoid of any dramatic inflection.

“It was the most catastrophic scenario one could envision. I, along with the Black Thought Alliance and our own envoys, fully anticipated that we would be slaughtered as scapegoats in that conspiracy. The sole directive I could offer, to my deep regret, was to command them to scatter and save themselves.”

His resonant voice echoed across the expansive chamber, carrying an unshakeable sense of certainty.

It commanded respect, conveying the impression that he was simply laying bare the unvarnished reality.

“Every single person had abandoned hope. Save for a lone individual.”

Ak Byeong-bi slowly lifted his gaze.

“Jin So-un by himself.”

In stark contrast to his otherwise passive demeanor, his eyes burned with a sharp intensity.

“Even in the midst of that hopeless crisis where all options seemed exhausted, Jin So-un refused to give up on a single soul. He braved immense dangers, offered himself up as a shield, and never for a solitary second did he cease his frantic efforts.”

As though determined to leave no detail unshared, he pressed on without a single pause.

“A calculating intellect, a fervent spirit, deep loyalty to his comrades, an unyielding sense of purpose, and a moral rectitude that refuses to bend for petty, insignificant advantages.”

At long last, his eyes locked onto me.

“It was precisely because he possessed such qualities that he managed to pierce through that overwhelming adversity with an unbreakable spirit.”

Listening to Ak Byeong-bi’s grand speech, I found myself thinking that I would love to make acquaintances with the spectacular warrior he was describing.

“To fixate solely on the literal ‘phrasing’ he used is, in my view, akin to obsessing over a tiny speck of dust floating on a pristine mirror. Jin So-un proved to be the most exceptional asset to this envoy group, and he stands as the primary reason a catastrophic war between the Black Thought Alliance and the Murim Alliance was successfully averted.”

Naturally, the moment it fully registered that he was singing my praises, my face grew so incredibly flushed that I couldn’t bear to look anyone in the eye.

“Hmm…….”

Hyeok Mu-gang, who had remained quiet throughout the exchange, finally chimed in from where he sat.

“I recalls hearing of a friction that occurred between the Ak Clan and Jin So-un quite recently.”

“……Regrettably, the blame for that incident rests entirely with the Ak Clan.”

“No, I am not attempting to distribute fault here……. I am simply curious if some sort of understanding was reached between the two of you during this journey.”

It made perfect sense for him to ask.

To hear him defend me so passionately, the leader must have wondered what kind of favor or influence Ak Byeong-bi had received from me.

Had I been an outside observer watching this unfold, I would have harbored identical suspicions.

Yet, Ak Byeong-bi offered a decisive shake of his head.

“Nothing of the sort occurred.”

A look of sheer bewilderment washed over the Alliance Leader’s face.

“And despite that, your appraisal of him is this extraordinary?”

“From the moment I took up my post in the Execution Pavilion, my training dictated that I report nothing but the unadulterated truth, with absolute precision.”

“…….”

Hyeok Mu-gang cocked his head to the side.

Even without a word being spoken, it was blindingly obvious he was debating whether the term “precision” was remotely applicable to this situation.

After all, even I was completely in the dark regarding what thoughts were swirling inside Ak Byeong-bi’s mind at this very moment.

“……Ahem, Jin So-un.”

This time, Jegal So-myeong addressed me directly. Strangely enough, however, his eyes kept drifting toward Dang Seo-hui, who remained slumped over my shoulders.

“Yes, sir.”

“Is the narrative provided by the Third Hall Master…… that is, your commanding officer, entirely accurate?”

I paused to reflect for a brief moment before offering a measured response.

“Yes.”

“…….”

“Just as the commander stated, I believe his account was delivered with unparalleled fidelity to the facts.”

规…….”

Why was he looking at me like that? What did I do?

It wasn’t as if I had uttered a single lie.

I was currently acting as a makeshift cushion for Dang Seo-hui, but this wasn’t by my own volition. It was entirely because Senior Dang Seo-hui insisted on it.

And simply because I was tending to her didn’t mean my actual achievements were somehow erased or lessened.

Naturally, that was only logical.

I shifted my weight, hoisting Dang Seo-hui a bit higher on my back, and offered a respectful nod to Ak Byeong-bi.

“He is truly worthy of his reputation as the Third Hall Master, celebrated for his absolute equity and balance.”

“…… shreds.”

Jegal So-myeong stared in my direction, his face frozen in utter shock.

Right on cue—

“Mmm…… ugh…… The sheer audacity is astounding.”

Dang Seo-hui’s sleepy voice drifted out once more.

You regained consciousness quite a while ago, didn’t you?

“Zzz…….”

Following a tense, quiet interlude, Hyeok Mu-gang broke the silence.

“I-In any event, there is no denying that the envoys navigated the crisis magnificently, correct?”

“That is undeniable.”

“Then our duty is to commend their success, not subject them to an interrogation.”

“…….”

Jegal So-myeong, who had been pinning me with a piercing glare, ultimately let out a soft groan.

“You speak the truth. ……At any rate, you all performed admirably. While certain elements leave a bit to be desired, the final outcome is magnificent.”

The Alliance Leader gave Jegal So-myeong a gentle pat on his shoulder.

“Come now, Grand Strategist. Let us be entirely frank. Did their performance not vastly surpass even our wildest hopes?”

“A diplomatic party representing the Murim Alliance is naturally expected to achieve at least this much.”

“Haha. Are you truly that delighted?”

As Hyeok Mu-gang offered his playful prodding, Jegal So-myeong’s expression instantly turned cold.

“Were you not deeply crestfallen that a formal coalition slipped through our fingers, Alliance Leader?”

Hyeok Mu-gang recoiled slightly in surprise, quickly casting a self-conscious glance toward our group.

“Ahem. T-That was merely a private sentiment of mine. There is no reason to bring up such matters at this moment…….”

It was clear that Hyeok Mu-gang had indeed harbored immense longing for an alliance.

At the same time, because he was fully aware of the practical barriers that made it impossible, it seemed he had already endured a stern lecture from Jegal So-myeong regarding the topic.

Regardless, having gained the upper hand in their little dispute, Jegal So-myeong turned his attention back to the massive crates resting before them.

“By the way, what exactly are these containers that you felt compelled to transport all this way?”

Ak Byeong-bi cast a fleeting look in my direction before delivering his explanation.

“Upon our departure from the stronghold, the Chief of the Black Thought Alliance had these tokens delivered to us via Dam Ak.”

“Oh? The Chief of the Black Thought Alliance himself?”

Moments later, Il-myeong and I stepped forward, stepping closer to the large chests.

The undivided attention of both Jegal So-myeong and Hyeok Mu-gang naturally trailed our movements.

*Thud.*

*Thud.*

As the lids were raised, the treasures concealed within slowly came into view one after another.

Invaluable relics that had long since vanished from the Orthodox Path Murim or been plundered in past conflicts.

Setting aside their immense monetary worth, these items possessed an irreplaceable cultural and historical significance that transcended mere currency. Witnessing their revelation, even the seasoned Hyeok Mu-gang could only gape in stunned silence.

“What…… what in heaven’s name is all of this?”

Naturally, the individual experiencing the greatest shock was Jegal So-myeong.

This time, I took it upon myself to clarify.

“He conveyed a message stating that while a formal partnership is out of reach for now, he desires that we gradually close the divide separating our factions over time.”

He stared back at me as if he were looking at an absolute impossibility.

—

Following the departure of the envoy members, a profound hush settled over the grand chamber.

The heavy quiet persisted for a considerable duration, until Hyeok Mu-gang finally shattered the stillness between the two leaders.

“Is an outcome like this truly real?”

Throughout his two decades occupying the seat of the Murim Alliance Leader, he had witnessed an incredible array of events.

Through those experiences, he had embraced one fundamental truth.

Reality rarely aligned perfectly with a person’s grandest ideals.

Consequently, he had come to recognize the inherent constraints of mortal men, and possessing that awareness allowed him to abandon unrealistic desires.

The assignment given to this specific delegation had been no exception.

He had sent the envoys out primarily to appease Jegal So-myeong’s desires, never truly expecting them to bring back a tangible victory.

Jegal So-myeong had likewise confessed to harboring minimal expectations.

“I feel as though I am caught in a daydream.”

Yet this very group, which had embarked on what seemed like a fool’s errand, had returned bearing fruit that completely defied imagination.

“I share that exact sentiment.”

Jegal So-myeong’s gaze was swirling with conflicting emotions as he stared down at the contents of the chests.

“I am completely at a loss whether to view this as the natural resolution of something that was always achievable, or to marvel at it as an absolute miracle that brought the impossible to life.”

“Haha. It truly is a bewildering turn of events.”

Ultimately, the Grand Strategist fixed his eyes on the grand entrance where Jin So-un and the others had just exited, letting out a bewildered chuckle.

“Furthermore, that young man is nothing more than a mere student at the Academy, is he not? He is practically a novice who has barely stepped foot into the wider murim world, so how could he possibly orchestrate such a feat……?”

Hyeok Mu-gang found himself nodding along in absolute consensus.

Then, he spoke in a measured, thoughtful tone.

“You observed it clearly just a moment ago as well, did you not, Grand Strategist?”

“……I did.”

“That girl, Dang Seo-hui, was practically glued to his back.”

“……She was even muttering in her sleep.”

“The fact that Il-myeong completely suppressed his own presence was startling enough, but…… crumbled.”

The Small Buddha Il-myeong was a prodigy among prodigies, destined to one day stand at the pinnacle of the martial world.

It was staggering enough that a youth of his caliber had chosen to remain entirely silent, effectively blending into the background as if his formidable identity had completely faded away.

“And Seo-hui…… even that proud child.”

Both masters recognized that if the Poison King were to catch wind of these developments, they would likely see that stern, unyielding face of his contort in absolute stupefaction.

“Are we to interpret this as a sign that the boy possesses some truly extraordinary quality?”

In response to Jegal So-myeong’s inquiry, Hyeok Mu-gang gave a slow, deliberate shake of his head.

“I am entirely uncertain myself.”

The preceding class of the Murim Academy.

To put it another way, the youths who had enrolled in the institution four years prior had already proven to be exceptionally gifted.

The New Plum Blossom Sword Hwa Jeong-san, the Heavy Spear True Man Ak Buk-san, and the Heaven-Opening Divine Sword Namgung San.

It had been awe-inspiring enough that prodigies who graced the world only once a century had assembled all at once.

And how profoundly shaken had he been when even those brilliant talents found themselves eclipsed by the Small Buddha, the White-Hand Divine Maiden, and Yong So-ah?

……Yet at this current juncture, even the luster of those exceptional youths appeared to be dimming.

And it was all due to a solitary young man.

Jin So-un.

Jegal So-myeong gazed down at the treasure chests, his eyes conveying a deep sense of disbelief.

“Given that the master of the Black Thought Alliance went so far as to hand over such heavy, politically sensitive artifacts…… Jin So-un must have pulled off some utterly outrageous stunt behind closed doors.”

“Hmm. That seems highly probable.”

“Which only makes the entire situation far more terrifying. What young martial artist belonging to the Later-Generation Talents could possibly act as a bridge spanning the chasm between the Murim Alliance and the Black Thought Alliance?”

Merely possessing peerless martial prowess and a sharp intellect would never be enough to achieve this.

An objective that might remain entirely out of reach even after analyzing the currents of the world, mastering the complexities of human psychology, and accumulating a lifetime of profound experiences, that boy was executing with effortless grace.

“It actually strikes a bit of apprehension into my heart.”

“Pardon?”

Triggered by Hyeok Mu-gang’s sudden admission, Jegal So-myeong tilted his head in confusion.

The Alliance Leader, looking over the array of treasures once more, allowed a shadow of anxiety and underlying dread to cross his features.

“……Is it not often the case that a star which radiates too brilliantly burns itself out far too rapidly?”

“…… shreds.”

“It may very well fall upon us to obscure his brilliance, perhaps even by deliberate design.”

How remarkably shallow and petty human sentiment could be.

And yet.

The destructive force that pulled down legendary figures and fractured the course of history was invariably that toxic, base impulse known as envy.

Jegal So-myeong, offering an understanding nod, let loose a heavy breath.

“Sigh…… I find myself anxious over a completely different matter.”

“Oh? What occupies your thoughts?”

A look of sheer dread and nervous anticipation washed over the Grand Strategist’s countenance.

“I am terrified…… of the massive debt that boy is going to demand we settle.”

“What?”

Where was this coming from all of a sudden?

Jegal So-myeong’s tense features flushed a deep crimson.

“Did you fail to catch it, Alliance Leader? The moment that rascal Jin So-un took his leave, he flashed an incredibly cunning smirk……! He is absolutely going to bleed us dry of something monumental in exchange for this triumph…….”

“……Ugh. Well, it is certainly not an achievement we can simply ignore or brush aside.”

Jegal So-myeong shuddered as though a phantom had just crossed his path.

“I lack the fortitude to navigate this negotiation. Therefore, Alliance Leader, I beg of you to oversee the matter personally.”

“Grand Strategist, how can you display such a complete lack of accountability……?”

“I shall handle my designated duties. However, the sheer magnitude of the merit that boy has secured already far outstrips any conventional reward I am authorized to distribute, does it not?”

The historical relics the envoys had reclaimed held astronomical value, even from the strict vantage point of the Murim Alliance.

The rightful historical stewards of these treasures were the Nine Sects and One Gang alongside the Five Great Clans, the very factions that formed the bedrock of the Murim Alliance.

Even if they were the true owners, these artifacts could never simply be returned to their vaults without a price.

This reality meant the Murim Alliance could leverage these reclaimed assets to extract immense concessions and favors from those factions in countless ways.

“From our perspective, these items represent an incredibly potent political lever.”

What conceivable compensation could they offer to the individual who had single-handedly retrieved such leverage?

Despite his legendary intellectual capacity, Jegal So-myeong found himself entirely incapable of computing the value.

“Whew…….”

The exact same dilemma was weighing heavily on Hyeok Mu-gang.

“Hmm…….”

Following a prolonged period of silent calculation, Hyeok Mu-gang spoke up with clear hesitation.

“Should we consider granting access to the Silver Jade Treasury?”

“…… shreds.”

Under ordinary circumstances, Jegal So-myeong would have barked in outrage, demanding to know if the leader had entirely lost his wits. On this day, however, he merely locked his lips tight and stared intently back at Hyeok Mu-gang.

Observing his silence, Hyeok Mu-gang pressed the issue once more.

“……Are we truly prepared to unlock the gates of the Silver Jade Treasury?”

“…… shreds.”

Yet, Jegal So-myeong maintained his absolute silence until the very end, firmly refusing to share the burden of that decision.