Chapter 279

Chapter 279
## Chapter 279. Those Who Break Walls (5)

—

Sama-jeong tendered his resignation without delay. Though he formally served as the chief medical officer for the Tae-eul-mun, he had received assurances that his charitable endeavors would proceed without restriction, alongside guarantees of ample funding and necessary botanicals. Gifted with the miraculous medical codex known as the Record of Ten Thousand Herbs, which allowed him to synthesize the restorative remedies he had spent his life investigating, he found himself facing an unparalleled prospect.

On the exact day he handed in his notice, the Divine Physician Hall (Sin-ui-gak) finalized it with unprecedented swiftness. The administrators expressed immense relief that a long-standing nuisance, who had persevered despite being relegated to an insignificant post, was finally departing of his own volition. Word around the quarters suggested that the entire medical staff of the Divine Physician Hall gathered to celebrate with a feast that very evening.

Disregarding their antics, Sama-jeong packed his minimal possessions and requested an audience with So-un-Jin.

“What exactly is this?”

“Is traversing the road to Habbi during the peak of winter not an arduous task? Consider this your allowance for the journey.”

“…….”

Sama-jeong peered intently at the financial draft So-un-Jin extended toward him. Did common practice dictate giving such an exorbitant sum merely for travel expenses?

“Are you unfamiliar with what a travel allowance entails?”

“It appears you are the one who misunderstands, Doctor. Even if the Tae-eul-mun arranges accommodations prior to your arrival, can we guarantee that the required botanicals and assistants will be assembled? It stands to reason that you must source and transport whatever supplies can be gathered from a prominent metropolis.”

“…Be that as it may, what is to stop me from absconding with these funds?”

“If that occurs, what alternative do I have? I shall simply issue a bounty and accept the loss. It would merely prove that my appraisal of your character was flawed.”

Sama-jeong found himself entirely unable to comprehend So-un-Jin. It was perplexing enough that a youth barely past his coming-of-age ceremony possessed two thousand gold taels, but his lack of hesitation in dispersing those funds was outright astonishing. Furthermore, he carried an unshakeable certainty that his investments would never go to waste. So-un-Jin merely shrugged, giving the impression that he had calculated the outcome many turns in advance.

“Even if you chose to flee with those resources, Doctor, you would undoubtedly exhaust every coin on charitable works and aiding the destitute until nothing remained. When that time came, how would you finance your subsequent benevolent endeavors?”

“Meaning it remains in my best interest to align with the Tae-eul-mun?”

“At the absolute least, provided the Tae-eul-mun remains standing, you shall possess the means to pursue your lifelong ambitions.”

The ambitions he wished to pursue. The concept felt deeply peculiar. Yet, remarkably, he felt compelled to place his trust in the bizarre assertions of this unusual youth.

“If that is the case, I must dedicate my efforts to ensuring the Tae-eul-mun preserves its standing.”

“Provided you manufacture exceptional medicinal supplements, the stability of the Tae-eul-mun will not easily be compromised.”

…Sama-jeong experienced a sudden inkling that his labor would be utilized far more intensely than he had initially anticipated. Shaking his head, Sama-jeong attempted to dispel the unsettling foreboding.

“Ahem, regarding that particular supplement. Is the Righteous Heart Pill (Jeong-sim-dan) truly the correct choice? Given the resources, perhaps an alternative formula…”

Aware that the Righteous Heart Pill was widely deemed an unsuccessful venture, dedicating further energy to its production seemed like an exercise in futility. Nonetheless, So-un-Jin, acting as the benefactor, remained unyielding.

“For the current phase, the Righteous Heart Pill remains imperative. Once every member of our organization has integrated its benefits, you may shift your focus to a different formula. To craft a remedy that harmonizes correctly with the vitality of the Great Tae-eul Scripture, will you not require time to analyze internal cultivation methods as well?”

Sama-jeong gave an understanding nod as he processed So-un-Jin’s reasoning.

“I comprehend. Nonetheless, a separate obstacle exists. It is an issue I faced during my previous attempts to compound the Righteous Heart Pill… securing the primary botanicals is exceedingly difficult.”

The difficulty did not stem from the items being extraordinarily scarce or prohibitively costly. Rather, due to negligible demand and low market value, standard dispensaries simply omitted them from their inventory, rendering procurement a challenge. While standard medicinal preparation allowed for numerous alternative components, these exact varieties were indispensable for the creation of the supplement.

Yet, treating the matter as a triviality, So-un-Jin offered a casual assurance.

“Once you reach Habbi and establish the medical facility, I shall locate the required flora and deliver them directly to you.”

“You intend to do so personally?”

“Indeed.”

Though he possessed no inkling of how So-un-Jin planned to harvest plants that even seasoned foragers struggled to locate, Sama-jeong could only acquiesce. Ultimately, he had numerous arrangements of his own to manage.

“Very well, I shall commence the initial steps within my purview as you advised.”

Though Habbi was a substantial urban hub, it lacked the scale of Wuhan, prompting him to procure specialized implements and herbs available only in Wuhan to be dispatched to the Great Heaven Merchant Guild in Habbi. Upon concluding his preparations for the journey, a fresh complication presented itself… the current period coincided exactly with the seasonal academy recess.

Standard transport services managed by the local security firms were completely booked, and even the specialized group transit options arranged for the winter interlude had no remaining availability. Just as he began to despair over the prospect of guiding a mount solitary through the frozen terrain to Habbi on a path he had never traveled, an update arrived from the Yu-han Escort Bureau.

“Fortune favors you, sir. Unexpectedly, a block of five reservations opened up simultaneously.”

“Five reservations at once?”

While a single vacancy might occur, the sudden cancellation of five slots seemed highly improbable.

“According to their report, their Dae-sa-hyeong decreed that the group would proceed on foot instead… In any event, they relinquished their spots looking thoroughly miserable.”

“They intend to walk the entire distance to Habbi?”

“Precisely. I was well aware that the martial practitioners enrolled at the Academy possessed eccentric tendencies, but I found myself questioning if such extremes were truly warranted. Journeying to Habbi on foot during the dead of winter is quite madness…”

Sama-jeong harbored a strong suspicion regarding the identity of the Academy pupils the representative was describing.

“…That appears to be the case.”

The representative, entirely oblivious to the rising sense of dread compounding in Sama-jeong’s chest, offered a piece of well-meaning counsel.

“Scholar, should you ever cross paths with individuals of that nature, it is wisest to remove yourself immediately. Association with such characters brings nothing but trouble.”

“…….”

Pressing his hand against the two-thousand-gold voucher concealed within his layers, Sama-jeong pondered deeply whether he had committed a monumental error in judgment.

“…….”

Regardless of his intensive contemplation, no resolution presented itself.

“Haa… haa…”

Her lungs burned with every ragged breath. Strides that had previously felt effortless now seemed entirely foreign and grueling. She understood the underlying cause all too well.

‘This is madness, demanding that we traverse this distance while actively manipulating our cultivation…’

Sa-ryeon-Hong had never allowed a single profanity to cross her lips despite facing immense trials, yet since their departure from Wuhan, silent vitriol filled her thoughts continuously. That respite, however, was incredibly brief.

“Pay attention! Your focus is faltering once more!”

Before an internal curse could fully form, a fierce reprimand coupled with an overwhelming aura of hostility constricted around her, causing the hairs on her arms to stand erect. She had never experienced such a terrifying pressure even during the competitive trials at the Academy. One would expect such lethal animosity only from an adversary whose lineage had been wronged.

The situation was utterly baffling. She had always maintained the utmost courtesy toward Hall Master Tae-san-Jin, leaving her entirely confused as to why this unhinged Sahaeng (Senior Brother) directed such terrifying aggression toward her.

“Do you intend to apply yourself correctly?”

“…….”

Throughout their shared youth, he had consistently demonstrated a gentle and sensitive disposition. He was the sort of individual who, when offered solace during trying periods, would offer a faint, vulnerable expression of gratitude…

“Well? Are you deaf? Your resolve has weakened entirely! Begin the cycle again!”

Presently, for reasons beyond her comprehension, his demeanor had grown so savage that he resembled a demonic entity straight from the underworld.

‘Sigh…’

The physical routines of the companions Geum, Eun, and Dong, whom she had encountered at the Academy earlier that year, appeared distinctly peculiar, prompting her to inquire about their methods. That conversation marked her introduction to the concept of the “Moving Exercise” (Dong-gong). This specialized internal cultivation allowed a practitioner to steadily accumulate martial vitality throughout the day. Naturally, the prospect had intrigued her.

Yet, upon her initial attempt, the sheer volatility of the process terrified her to the point of abandoning it. A profound sensation of impending peril gripped her, suggesting that the slightest lapse in concentration could prove fatal, leaving her limbs entirely devoid of vitality. She had concluded that maintaining normal daily functions while performing such an exercise was an absolute impossibility.

‘I was entirely convinced of that…’

As she released another heavy breath, Eun-ho-Lee approached, offering a container of water while she stood trembling and drenched in sweat despite the freezing climate.

“Sajeo, replenish yourself with this.”

Sa-ryeon gazed blankly at the vessel Eun-ho extended. Due to the sheer intensity of his current exertion, visible condensation drifted upward from his hand, warmed by his internal heat. Sa-ryeon felt completely, utterly shattered. The urge to confront her Dae-sa-hyeong and demand a cessation of this madness was nearly overwhelming. Yet, she found herself unable to quit, entirely because of the determination of her peers.

“Hy-hyung… Ugh.”

“Hoo! Maintain your focus…!”

The three companions carried heavy iron bands upon their limbs, and their protective gear was weighted down by numerous metal plates. A significant portion of the slots remained vacant for the moment, though that ruthless Sahaeng clearly purposed to maximize the load shortly.

“…….”

Observing her Sajes persisting without a solitary note of dissent through conditions far more grueling than her own, any inclination to declare her own limits vanished out of sheer pride. Sa-ryeon gave a stiff shake of her head.

“I shall decline. At this moment, even the act of swallowing feels beyond my capacity.”

Introducing unnecessary physical actions while striving to maintain the Moving Exercise was an exercise in chaos. At present, minimizing any superfluous exertion was paramount.

“Even so, you must hydrate. It is the only method to sustain yourself.”

“Hmm?”

Eun-ho offered the advice with a look of resignation, his shoulders drooping slightly.

“The severity of this regimen shows no signs of diminishing.”

His expression mirrored someone who had long accepted an inevitable fate… Prompted by his demeanor, a question arose in her mind.

“Did you and the others truly employ this exact regimen during the institutional evaluations?”

“We did.”

“This is utter lunacy…”

While fellow candidates argued that dedicating one’s entire cognitive focus to the evaluations was barely sufficient, he had mandated the Moving Exercise as a standard training requirement. It appeared undeniable that her formidable Sahaeng had lost his sanity. Indeed, it was the only logical conclusion. If an individual possessed too vivid a recollection of past events, their cognitive stability was bound to fracture. In his formative years, the weight of tragic recollections had rendered him fragile; now, those same memories had driven him to extremes. No alternative rationale sufficed.

As Sa-ryeon-Hong formulated her internal theory, Eun-ho spoke once more.

“Nonetheless, it was through those methods that we navigated the evaluations and secured our current positions.”

“…….”

“My perspective shifted upon arriving at the Academy. Fundamentally, an establishment like the Tae-eul-mun… ah, forgive me, Sajeo. …In any case, for an enterprise of our stature, securing even a single placement was akin to capturing the stars.”

Had that not been the reality, individuals such as Gye-cheol-yeong would never have resorted to the duplicitous strategy of aligning with an obscure sect merely to exploit the Special Admission track into the Academy.

“Given that four representatives from our background achieved entry via the standard route, despite the hardships, we must recognize that our Dae-sa-hyeong operated with profound foresight. The current trek is undoubtedly no different.”

“…….”

Sa-ryeon found herself devoid of words, primarily because the sentiments Eun-ho articulated were the very convictions she should have been harboring. Regardless of whether he detected her internal conflict and shame, the thunderous voice of their leader reverberated across the landscape.

“Eun-ho-Lee! Do you require a return to the starting point?”

“Ah! Negative! I am moving! I am moving! …Sajeo, I implore you to endure a while longer.”

Eun-ho hastily retrieved the vessel and accelerated forward, his feet tracing intricate patterns across the ground. Sa-ryeon pressed her teeth against her lip. Eun-ho had executed the delivery of the water bottle while continuously maintaining the incredibly intricate footwork pattern known as the “Thousand-League Solo Walk.”

‘I refuse to lag behind. I cannot permit myself to falter, and yet…’

Her entry into the Academy via the Special Admission track had not been earned through superior martial prowess. It had been an act of deference—a significant compromise granted solely due to her status as the lineage holder of the Sect Leader. Had she lacked that familial connection, would she truly possess the right to stand alongside these dedicated martial artists? For a brief moment, the image of So-un-Jin, who had once felt remarkably accessible, seemed incredibly distant.

‘The chasm between us… has grown immense.’

“Zzzzz…”

“Whew…”

“Cough— cough! Cough-cough—.”

“Is that fellow truly going to survive the night?”

So-un-Jin monitored Geum-pyo’s heavy breathing while tossing a fragment of timber into the glowing fire. A cluster of sparks erupted, drifting briefly into the dark before extinguishing.

“Do you not intend to rest?”

Directing his attention to the side, So-un-Jin observed Sa-ryeon gazing unblinkingly into the crackling embers.

“Sahaeng.”

“Speak.”

A stray ember drifted onto Sa-ryeon’s attire, creating a minor singe.

“What prompted you to step aside for me?”

Faced with the abrupt inquiry, So-un-Jin tilted his head slightly.

“To what do you refer?”

“The Special Admission… why did you relinquish it in my favor?”

So-un-Jin’s expression grew instantly guarded. Within that quietude, Sa-ryeon felt her chest tighten. Momentarily, as the underlying reality crystallized, a bitter chuckle escaped her.

“As I suspected, that explains everything… Simply because I am the daughter of the Sect Leader… Such charity was entirely unnecessary.”

The harsh realization pierced her pride. The small mark upon her sleeve appeared to deepen in the firelight.

“Had I anticipated falling behind to this degree, the opportunity ought to have been allocated to Yu-seong or an alternative follower. I would not have become a liability to my peers…”

Undeniably, upon her initial arrival at the Academy, her determination had been absolute. Following her experience with the “Cleansing of Marrow and Rebirth” administered by the God of Swords and her subsequent instruction, she felt entirely capable of shielding her companions. Yet, surveying her current circumstances, she remained the beneficiary of their calculated indulgence.

“If you had simply transferred that placement to a different candidate…”

“What nonsense are you uttering?”

So-un-Jin’s intense tone abruptly severed her train of thought.

“The Special Admission involved neither charity nor indulgence. That placement was claimed by the individual who rightfully earned it through destiny.”

“…Yet the outcome of our final confrontation was unmistakable.”

“You remain blind to the reality!”

“…?”

So-un-Jin’s eyes reflected a tumultuous mixture of sentiments. Deep yearning, profound remorse, and underlying fury… He bore the expression of someone reflecting upon a history she had no memory of experiencing. Sa-ryeon felt completely disoriented by an intensity of emotion she could neither define nor comprehend.

“That position… belonged to you by every right.”

“Sahaeng?”

“Sigh…”

A melancholy recollection surfaced.

“You routinely initiated your routines a full hour before the formal gathering, and upon the conclusion of group exercises, you practiced your blade forms until twilight.”

“…….”

“For the preservation of the Tae-eul-mun, you were prepared to accept an alliance with Gye-cheol-yeong, an individual you utterly despised…”

Sa-ryeon’s complexion flushed crimson.

“Had events proceeded along their original trajectory, Gye-cheol-yeong would have been the one dispatched to the Academy.”

“What are you implying…”

“In that reality, you would have guided our companions as a subservient martial artist, fulfilling mandatory obligations within the Murim Alliance.”

“Sahaeng?”

Sa-ryeon could not possibly comprehend that his words described an actual timeline rather than a hypothetical scenario—a sequence of events he had personally witnessed and endured.

“Gye-cheol-yeong would have exploited the disciples of the Tae-eul-mun as mere instruments for his personal advancement, and you would have placed yourself in jeopardy to counter his exploitation.”

“…….”

“Ultimately, your betrothal would have dissolved, leaving you to navigate a brutal existence. Despite those trials, you would have exhausted your very being to safeguard the remnants of the Tae-eul-mun until the bitter end…”

From So-un-Jin’s perspective, a torrent of inexplicable details continued to emerge. Listening to his discourse, Sa-ryeon experienced a bizarre wave of sorrow. Though his words framed everything as a mere alternate possibility, her spirit felt profoundly burdened. Most strikingly, like an individual who had carried the weight of those tragedies firsthand, her leader’s features twisted with a profound combination of resentment and grief. Sa-ryeon found herself entirely paralyzed, unable to interject.

“While this incompetent Sahaeng.”

So-un-Jin compressed his lips with such force that they nearly split.

“…chose only to flee to evade the influence of Gye-cheol-yeong. As a direct consequence of my cowardice, the burden fell entirely upon you.”

“…….”

“Because I defaulted on my true responsibilities, you ultimately suffered the consequences…”

Swallowing the remainder of his thought, So-un-Jin released a steadying breath. Gradually, the intensity in his gaze receded, returning to its customary focus.

“…Regardless, the Special Admission was fundamentally your birthright. It represented neither a concession nor an act of pity.”

What had she just witnessed? A surreal sensation washed over her, as though she had been granted a glimpse into an existence she had never actually led. Before Sa-ryeon could formulate a response, So-un-Jin’s commentary resumed.

“Discovering the Great Tae-eul Scripture was an act of pure happenstance. Had that text remained lost, I would never have contemplated entering the standard evaluations. In that scenario, you would still be dedicating your life to shielding the adherents of the Tae-eul-mun. Is that statement inaccurate?”

“…….”

“Do not allow frustration to take root simply because your progression requires more time. I am fully aware of the depth of your allegiance to the Tae-eul-mun. However, if that devotion transforms into an obsession that consumes your peace, it ceases to serve anyone’s benefit.”

The severe cast of So-un-Jin’s countenance gave way to a faint, deliberate smile—the familiar expression he had offered during their earlier years.

“Cast aside your doubts. Your conduct has always been exemplary. Naturally, you shall excel in the challenges ahead. I hold that certainty above all else.”

In stark contrast to the frequent expressions of confidence from her father, which invariably felt like an imposing obligation, her companion’s declaration of absolute certainty caused her spirit to lift. Seeking reassurance, she pressed further.

“Do you truly believe I am capable of succeeding?”

Should her leader validate her potential, perhaps it was grounded in reality.

“Without a doubt! Your success is an absolute certainty.”

“Yet I find myself lacking conviction.”

“Allow me to manage that aspect.”

So-un-Jin responded with absolute conviction.

“You shall be afforded no alternative but to excel.”

“Such logic makes little sense…”

Though she offered a mild objection, an undeniable sense of reassurance settled over her. Her Dae-sa-hyeong had evolved into an immutable pillar anchoring the Tae-eul-mun. If he maintained this stance, then surely…

“To begin, don this equipment.”

Hmm?

Thud.

So-un-Jin dropped an item before her with complete indifference. Deposited at Sa-ryeon’s feet was…

“It is nothing extraordinary. Merely the standard apparel utilized by your peers.”

It comprised a weighted leather vest outfitted with iron bands and plates. The apparatus pressed heavily into the soil, yielding to its own mass.

“What… what is the meaning of this…”

“Given the abundance of analytical thoughts distracting you, it appears you have sufficiently mastered the basic management of the Moving Exercise. We shall commence by integrating this gear while gradually introducing the patterns of the Thousand-League Solo Walk.”

Sa-ryeon’s visage drained of color. To think he would seamlessly transition to such a rigorous demand immediately following such an affecting conversation!

“Harbor no anxieties. I shall structure your environment such that failure becomes an impossibility, regardless of your inclinations. Your sole responsibility is to clear your intellect and commit entirely to the physical exertion. Disregard all other matters.”

“…….”

The faint, gentle expression that had occupied So-un-Jin’s face vanished completely.

“Why do you hesitate? Equipping the vest is your immediate task.”

…In its place, a ruthless, demonic grin materialized across his features.

The winter atmosphere remained profoundly biting, carrying a chill sharp enough to lacerate the skin.