Chapter 313

Chapter 313
Chapter 313. The Late Winter’s Chilly Breeze (1)

—

The forces of the Heuk-mu-gak and the Jip-haeng-gak from the Martial Alliance descended upon Hwang-cheon County like a sudden storm. Their sheer intensity was completely incomparable to the standard alliance representatives from the Hefei office who had arrived for an inquiry two weeks prior. Driven by a menacing momentum, the Heuk-mu-gak and Jip-haeng-gak executed an unannounced raid on the Dog-a-mun. This caught the Dog-a-mun disciples entirely off guard; they had been celebrating their newfound dominance after their sole rival vanished, only to be struck by this unexpected catastrophe.
“W-what do you think you are doing! The Dog-a-mun is explicitly under the protection of the Sa-heuk-ryeon…”
“Yes, I am fully aware. There is no need for you to finish your sentence.”
“What…! Are you implying that you don’t care if an all-out conflict erupts between the Martial Alliance and the Sa-heuk-ryeon?”
“You people aren’t the reason I came here. Word reached me that the disciples of the Jeon-deung-mun are currently staying with you.”
“W-what?”
“Take a look at this authorization letter delivered straight from the Sa-heuk-ryeon. Our mission is to look into individuals who have practiced forbidden sorcery. Your compliance is expected.”
Hearing the casual remarks of the Vice Pavilion Master of the Heuk-mu-gak, who passed right by while giving him a light pat on the shoulder, the Venomous Fang Sword clenched his fists tightly in suppressed rage.
They claimed they were merely requesting assistance, but their demeanor and forceful strategy lacked even a shred of courtesy or caution.
What possible justification could there be to ransack the records of the Dog-a-mun just to interrogate the members of the Jeon-deung-mun?
Even so, given the oppressive pressure and intimidating aura hanging in the air, he found himself unable to strike back recklessly.
“I-if this weren’t a critical crisis threatening the tranquility of the entire Jianghu, none of you would have walked out of here alive!”
In response to the Venomous Fang Sword’s threat, which was spat out through tightly clenched teeth, the Vice Pavilion Master of the Heuk-mu-gak merely nodded his agreement without a second thought.
“Well, I suppose that might have been the case.”
“…”
“Ah! I truly believe you mean it. So just remain perfectly still.”
Stepping past the Venomous Fang Sword, the Vice Pavilion Master walked straight toward the assembled disciples of the Jeon-deung-mun.
Setting aside the fury of the Venomous Fang Sword, the followers of the Jeon-deung-mun felt as though they had been cast into the depths of purgatory the moment they realized they were being blamed for utilizing forbidden sorcery.
“W-what are you talking about! Sorcery! I have never even witnessed or heard of such a thing! My only goal in joining the Jeon-deung-mun was to make a living as a mercenary guard!”
“Is that the truth? Then why did you liquidate all of your family’s properties just to hand the funds over to the Jeon-deung-mun? Why did you willingly burden yourself with high-interest loans to pay a place you supposedly associated with to earn money?”
“T-that… that… Why exactly did I do that?”
“We intend to uncover the answers to that piece by piece. There is no need to worry yourself just yet.”
“Piece by piece… uncover the answers?”
The Vice Pavilion Master tilted his head slightly, a dark smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
“Oh? Naturally, you will be accompanying us to our Jip-haeng-gak quarters. We can hardly conduct a proper interrogation out in the open like this. The subterranean cells of our compound are quite secure and perfectly suited for a thorough inquiry.”
Upon hearing those words, the faces of the Jeon-deung-mun disciples grew pale with terror.
It was a notorious destination where no one ever emerged unscathed, and even if they managed to leave, they were permanently broken versions of their former selves.
The dark subterranean chambers of the Jip-haeng-gak were precisely the source of countless terrifying rumors whispered throughout the land.
The executioners of the Martial Alliance, having swept through Hwang-cheon County like a whirlwind, departed the area dragging eight heavily reinforced iron transport wagons behind them.
News regarding the downfall of the Jeon-deung-mun quickly began to circulate across the length and breadth of the Jianghu.
At first, when it came to light that the Jeon-deung-mun possessed historical ties to the Cheong-seong, the Cheong-seong itself along with its various subordinate organizations erupted in furious protest.
This was an era where the preeminent powers were locked in fierce territorial rivalries over dominance of the land.
To have a subordinate branch targeted, even one with a tenuous relationship, was viewed as a direct insult to the grand sect’s authority and reach.
“Are you deliberately trying to humiliate the Cheong-seong!”
“Sorcery! It is absolutely impossible for any associate of our proud Cheong-seong to dabble in such foul methods!”
“This is nothing more than a calculated smear campaign orchestrated by rival factions attempting to diminish the stature of the Cheong-seong!”
Representatives from the Cheong-seong, who originally lacked any knowledge regarding the location of the Jeon-deung-mun, marched upon the Jip-haeng-gak and caused a massive uproar inside the pavilion for some time, while their secondary branches persistently lodged formal grievances.
However, everything changed in an instant.
The moment the lifeless form of Go-hyeon Deung, which had been stored under freezing conditions in Hefei, was transported to the Martial Alliance and put on display for the Cheong-seong delegation, their defiant posture shattered completely.
The corpse possessed two completely midnight-black eyes, lacking any white sclera whatsoever.
Faced with such a grotesque anomaly that could only be rationalized as the corruptive influence of foul sorcery, the very individuals who had been screaming at the top of their lungs were forced to silence their protests immediately.
“Ahem… To clarify the matter precisely, the Jeon-deung-mun was never officially recognized as a true branch of the Cheong-seong.”
“That is correct. While it is true he studied briefly at the Pung-hyang-mun in the past, he cannot be categorized as an initiated disciple by any means.”
“I understand he merely paid a fee to acquire a few basic martial techniques. He was a simple paying customer, not someone who represents the lineage of our sect.”
“They are practically total outsiders, meaning this entire situation has absolutely no bearing on the honor of the Cheong-seong.”
“Quite true, quite true.”
Behaving as though they had never defended them, they instantly severed all ties with the Jeon-deung-mun and completely distanced the Cheong-seong from the unfolding catastrophe.
With the political pressure from the Cheong-seong lifted, the investigators of the Jip-haeng-gak were finally able to proceed with their interrogation unhindered.
This particular phenomenon was a distinct manifestation of “Reversing Heaven” (Yeok-cheon) that was visibly apparent to onlookers, unlike the hidden sorceries encountered in the past.
This revelation struck a deep chord of terror into the hearts of those who followed the path of righteousness.
Throughout history, how many times had a lone potent unorthodox style or demonic art thrown the entire martial arts community into utter turmoil?
Chaos inevitably results in the fracturing of the established regime, and out of that ruin, a fresh distribution of power emerges.
Those who wished to avoid being swallowed by this impending devastation began to police their own borders with unprecedented vigilance, while those who hungered for change spent sleepless nights calculating how to turn this crisis to their advantage.
“It will prove nearly impossible to implicate the Cheong-seong directly, correct?”
“Do you take the Cheong-seong for fools? They are fully cognizant of their current vulnerability. They will be reinforcing their defenses to the absolute limit.”
“Even so, it feels like a waste to simply let an opportunity like this slip away.”
The ambition driving those who wished to elevate their status far exceeded the complacency of those who took their lofty positions for granted.
“What if we make use of the individual who originally exposed the hidden corruption of the Jeon-deung-mun?”
“Are you referring to that young man, So-un Jin of the Tae-eul Sect? Bah. Do not speak of such foolishness. Even without our interference, he is already a loose cannon who acts entirely on his own whims despite being the top graduate of the academy. Why would we elevate him further?”
“Haha, you are viewing only the surface without considering the deeper implications. It is precisely through the expansion of his reputation that the authority of the Nine Sects and One Union or the Five Great Clans can be effectively undermined. Consider the facts: did he not uncover a ‘Forbidden Art’ while holding nothing more than the rank of an academy student?”
“Ahem…”
“Just think about what would have happened if the Nine Sects and One Union or the Five Great Clans had achieved this feat. They would have proclaimed the arrival of a legendary savior or something similar… and the entire Jianghu would be ringing with praise for them.”
The Cheong-seong had previously been publicly criticizing So-un Jin for executing the raid on the Jeon-deung-mun—which was nominally an allied sect of the White Path—and executing its leader.
The schemers highlighted this exact point.
“What do you suppose is the true reason they view So-un Jin as an intolerable nuisance? Is it not because his actions continuously destabilize their foundations?”
“Granting that, is it truly wise for us to build him up? What if that unmanageable brat ends up pulling us around by our hair next?”
“He is a solitary individual, is he not? No matter how brilliantly a lone wolf performs, how high can he truly climb on his own?”
“If that is the case, what do we gain by actively promoting his name?”
The individual pushing for the elevation of So-un Jin leaned in close and offered a cunning smile.
“He will serve as a tiny fracture.”
“A fracture?”
“Is it not common knowledge that even the grandest reservoir dam can burst because of a single tiny fracture? So-un Jin will fulfill that exact purpose.”
“Oh…”
“Furthermore, ponder this deeply. Within the Nine Sects and One Union, they possess legendary figures like So-a Yong and Il-myeong. Among the Five Great Clans, they boast talents such as Seo-hui Dang and San Nam-gung. Yet, do our factions possess anyone capable of matching their renown?”
An uncomfortable silence fell as they confronted that harsh reality.
“Ahem…”
“Seriously, why do our own pupils continue to fail so miserably?”
“Is it truly because our next generation is uniquely incompetent?”
“That is precisely what I am getting at! If we position that fellow So-un Jin to stand on equal footing with the renowned ‘Dragon and Phoenixes’ of the current era, won’t the fame of those prestigious sects’ youngsters naturally begin to wither away?”
As a cohesive blueprint solidified in their minds, sinister grins stretched across the faces of the conspirators.
“We must proceed methodically. Empires are not toppled over the course of a single evening. We can view all of these developments as steps toward that ultimate goal.”
“In that case, what is our initial move?”
“To start, we shall dispatch envoys to the Tae-eul Sect to offer our formal compliments regarding this achievement…”
Aiming for a loftier summit.
While those striving to reach the peak of power held their clandestine strategies inside a concealed chamber, a different conversation was taking place elsewhere.
“Hmm…”
Deep within the heart of the Martial Alliance headquarters, high-ranking officials were reviewing this crisis from a far more grave perspective.
Mu-gang Hyeok, the Alliance Leader, voiced his apprehensions with a deeply troubled countenance.
“What findings has the Cheon-mok-gak produced?”
“For the time being, they are retracing the history of Il-sik O, who shared the most intimate connection with Go-hyeon Deung. The moment any actionable intelligence is uncovered, I shall present it to you without delay, Alliance Leader.”
“If we look back at the entities that materialized at Mount Cheon-san, should we consider this the first appearance of its kind in a century?”
So-myeong Jegal offered his perspective after setting down his teacup.
“Given that the Blood Cult has also demonstrated an association with them, it would be more accurate to say it is the first occurrence in six months.”
“The first time in six months, yet also a century… That is an incredibly destabilizing timeline.”
Mu-gang Hyeok kept his gaze lowered until the vapor swirling above his hot tea subsided completely, before looking up once more.
“What is your assessment? Do you believe they have successfully infiltrated… our inner circle as well?”
“I lack the evidence to give a definitive answer.”
Hearing So-myeong Jegal’s guarded reply, Mu-gang Hyeok let out a faint, cynical chuckle.
“What causes a man who is typically so cynical to express such hopefulness today?”
“…”
“Ah, it must be because the gravity of this situation forces you to tread with extreme care.”
Observing the grim expression on Mu-gang Hyeok’s face, So-myeong Jegal spoke in a measured, firm tone.
“We are obligated to handle this situation with immense caution.”
“…”
“Because internal factions are already utilizing this event to breed mutual distrust among our allies.”
Whenever the realm enters a state of upheaval, rumors of subversion inevitably sweep through Beijing.
Falsely accusing a rival of treason remains the most efficient strategy to eliminate an adversary and consolidate one’s own authority.
The internal politics of the Martial Alliance functioned in an identical manner.
It had evolved into a massive political apparatus.
While the capital suffered from whispers of political betrayal, the Martial Alliance instead contended with the sudden terror of forbidden practices.
Moreover, out of all the prohibited methodologies, the emergence of a demonic art represented the most devastating and terrifying threat possible.
“We can at least take comfort in the fact that the specific phrase ‘Demonic Art’ has not been openly spoken yet.”
“Everyone is choosing their words carefully. They understand all too well the cataclysmic repercussions that particular phrase would trigger.”
Because unleashing a tempest often results in a devastating backlash.
No one was willing to step across that final, dangerous boundary just yet.
Of course, there was no telling how long such restraint would endure.
“Even so, the reason a massive panic has not erupted… is likely due to the fact that the person who initially reported the incident deliberately utilized the term ‘sorcery’ to mask the truth, correct?”
“Do you truly believe that boy lacks the intellect to manipulate the narrative?”
“…”
So-myeong Jegal carefully analyzed Mu-gang Hyeok’s demeanor.
The Alliance Leader’s face was masked by an underlying current of deep anxiety.
“What is it that troubles you so deeply?”
“No, it is nothing substantial. Simply… I find myself thinking that an extraordinary number of trials seem destined to surround this youth, So-un Jin.”
“He is a provocative individual who refuses to leave sleeping dogs alone, meaning he naturally invites chaos wherever he goes.”
“For some reason… observing him brings back vivid memories of my own youth.”
“…”
Having shared his formative, passionate years alongside Mu-gang Hyeok, So-myeong Jegal understood the arduous path the Alliance Leader had walked better than anyone else alive.
Attempting to lift the heavy mood, So-myeong Jegal offered a lighthearted remark.
“There you go again. If you continue to hint at an inheritance so openly, the leaders of the Nine Sects and the Great Clans will cause an uproar.”
“…”
Mu-gang Hyeok managed a hollow smile as he looked toward his old friend.
“Is there not a common proverb stating that great hardships forge a true savior?”
“Haha! Honestly! You refuse to drop the matter. Why? Do you genuinely believe that boy is destined to become a savior?”
Though So-myeong Jegal maintained a playful tone to alleviate the tension, Mu-gang Hyeok’s voice remained heavy with gravity.
“If surviving hardships is the sole metric for a savior, then I am a failure. Because when the final crisis arrived, I chose to flee.”
“That decision was made because you, Alliance Leader…”
So-myeong Jegal froze mid-sentence, cutting his own words short.
He was intimately acquainted with the sheer agony and profound isolation Mu-gang Hyeok had endured during that dark period.
Mu-gang Hyeok’s self-critical voice echoed in the quiet room.
“And when all was said and done, I proved incapable of rectifying anything.”
“You have mended a great many things, Alliance Leader.”
Yet, the reassuring words failed to ease Mu-gang Hyeok’s spirit.
“That is precisely why I harbor such concern for that young man. It appears as though the hands of destiny are firmly wrapped around his life.”
He understood from personal experience how merciless destiny could be when it took notice of an individual.
“I possess an ominous feeling that the cataclysm destined to confront that boy will dwarf the trials I once faced.”
Turning his gaze away, Mu-gang Hyeok stared out into the courtyard.
Though the calendar indicated that the spring thaw should have commenced, the thick layers of snow outside remained frozen solid.
“I find myself wishing for the rapid arrival of a gentle spring. This particular winter has felt unendurably prolonged.”
His posture radiated such profound loneliness that So-myeong Jegal found himself unable to utter another word.

Existence had never been an easy journey.
This was a fundamental truth he had thoroughly digested during his previous incarnation.
Consequently, he had dedicated himself to ensuring he would not suffer the same pitfalls in his current life.
Without a moment’s rest.
“Now, I shall allocate one to each of you, so take your positions accordingly.”
They were standing upon the grand training grounds where the adolescent disciples of the Tae-eul Sect had assembled.
An expression of absolute focus was written across the features of the youths who had formed neat, linear ranks across the field.
On this day, even the esteemed Hall Masters presiding over the various divisions maintained incredibly stern countenances.
“The medicinal elixir I am about to grant you today bears no resemblance to the Heart-Settling Pill you received previously. Because this medicine will trigger an immediate transformation within your core dantian, you must initiate your internal energy circulation the exact moment it enters your system.”
The specialized elixirs derived from the rare Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil had been finalized a week prior, and the senior martial artists of the sect had already ingested them to verify their miraculous properties.
Now, the time had come for the younger generation to receive their share.
Sa-ryeon, along with the Gold, Silver, and Bronze brothers, Yu-seong, and the rest of the established disciples sat cross-legged, unable to conceal their intense anticipation and nervousness.
So-so Wang had nearly been left out of the distribution due to her unique physical constitution. However, thanks to Ma-jeong Sa altering several of the supplementary herbs in the recipe, she was safely cleared to partake in the elixir as well.
At long last, the anticipated hour arrived.
The supervising Hall Masters watched the unfolding scene with bated breath, refusing to blink.
“Those young brats likely have no inkling of the sheer value of what they are swallowing, do they?”
“It would turn into an absolute disaster if they found out. If word ever leaked, there is no telling how the Jong-nam Sect would react, meaning this operation must remain shrouded in total secrecy.”
“Even so, once their dantians are properly fortified by this elixir, they shouldn’t encounter any severe complications when consuming high-tier spiritual medicines down the road.”
“Our Outer Hall Master is going to have his hands full managing the aftermath.”
The senior martial artists cast admiring glances toward my father, who shifted uncomfortably under their intense gazes before turning to look at me with a slightly exasperated expression.
“Why does your face still look so incredibly sour?”
“What did I do?”
“The physician stated it wouldn’t offer any benefit to your current state even if you consumed it. Is that not why I redistributed your portion among the Hall Masters instead?”
“…I didn’t complain about it.”
Prior to administering the medicine, Ma-jeong Sa had meticulously evaluated the internal pathways of every single member belonging to the Tae-eul Sect.
During that assessment, I was struck by the devastating news that my body would derive absolutely zero benefits from the Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil.
‘Even if that’s the case, couldn’t I just swallow it anyway? It might have served some hidden purpose later down the line.’
Alas, that was the reality.
In the end, I was completely excluded from partaking in it.
The legendary Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil.
What a tragedy.
The gathered youths of the Tae-eul Sect tossed the elixirs into their mouths simultaneously.
In immediate succession, they entered a meditative state to guide the energy through their meridians.
The reactions varied wildly: some children channeled the rushing power in absolute tranquility, while the training robes of others billowed violently from the internal pressure, and a few even had their hair stand straight up on end from the raw energy.
‘Have we finally managed to catch up to the baseline?’
It represented a modest milestone when compared against the historical giants of the martial world, yet the youth of the Tae-eul Sect had finally established the essential groundwork required of true martial artists.
Standing alongside the Hall Masters, I committed every detail of the magnificent transformation to memory, tracking their progress intently until the last child had successfully concluded their cultivation cycle.
As the youths gradually opened their eyes one after another, they stared down at their own hands and feet with expressions of sheer bewilderment and awe.
Chae-seok Kang stepped forward, calming the rising murmurs with a deep, resonant command.
“Those who have successfully stabilized their energy, quietly relocate to the perimeter. Do not disturb those who remain deep within their meditation.”
As a result, the members of the Tae-eul Sect remained stationed on the training fields well after darkness had blanketed the sky.
It was as though no one wished to tear themselves away from witnessing such a monumental turning point for the sect.

Later that evening.
I made my way toward the medical pavilion in response to a direct summons from Ma-jeong Sa.
“You look as though you are mourning a great loss.”
Calling it a simple loss was a massive understatement.
Nevertheless, I attempted to mask my true feelings and played dumb.
“Whatever do you mean by that?”
Ma-jeong Sa gave me a skeptical look.
“To be perfectly frank, I fail to comprehend why you harbor such an insatiable fixation on accumulating greater reserves of internal energy.”
Is there not a universal rule that more is always superior?
Regardless, I was forced to constantly brace myself for the inevitable conflict with the Demonic Cult, and perhaps my past life of severe deprivation had left me with a permanent psychological hunger for power.
“Ah… pray forgive me. It seems my basic nature is simply riddled with avarice.”
“Good grief. How can a young man expect to accomplish legendary deeds when his heart is so incredibly petty?”
“That is because my ultimate ambition is to live a quiet life focusing on trivial matters.”
“Ha!”
Ma-jeong Sa let out an amused sigh, shaking his head before tossing a compact container toward me.
Thud!
It was a small wooden container that rested perfectly within the palm of my hand, identical in appearance to the ones distributed to the younger disciples earlier.
“What exactly is this?”
“Are your eyes decorative? It is the exact type of medicine you have been yearning for.”
“…”
“Though it is a completely different formulation from the one the others received.”
Wait, if it didn’t utilize the Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil as a base, then it shouldn’t hold any value for me.
“The rare components required for this specific mixture were exceptionally scarce, meaning I was only capable of producing a single pill.”
If his words were accurate, this was a singular, custom masterpiece crafted exclusively by Ma-jeong Sa himself.
That completely flipped the script.
Ma-jeong Sa cleared his throat awkwardly to hide his embarrassment, gesturing toward the container with a sharp nod of his chin.
“That specific medicine will yield far greater results for your unique body than the Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil ever could.”
“…If that was the case, you really ought to have informed me from the start.”
There was absolutely no reason to string me along and cause me such unnecessary emotional distress.
When I voiced my irritation, Ma-jeong Sa merely chuckled.
“Has your sour mood finally evaporated then?”
“My mood was never poor to begin with. I was genuinely pleased to see my fellow sect members, who are effectively my family, receiving such a boon.”
“And yet the corners of your mouth, which were dragging on the floor a moment ago, are practically touching your ears now.”
Good heavens, what an absurd accusation to level against someone who was naturally blessed with a jovial, smiling countenance.
During my previous existence, how many times had I been singled out and thrashed by thugs who took one look at my face and demanded, ‘What are you smiling at? Are you looking down on me?’
Completely tuning out Ma-jeong Sa’s amused teasing, I eagerly pried open the lid of the wooden box.