Chapter 318

Chapter 318
Chapter 318. Locus of Responsibility (1)

—

News of the event concerning So-un-Jin required fewer than twelve hours to spread across every corner of the Academy. In contrast to standard campus gossip regarding romantic involvements, which generally required several days to make the rounds, this specific occurrence was universally recognized as possessing an extraordinarily explosive impact.

The student body quickly split into two primary factions. Individuals who had accumulated resentment over the abrupt replacement of their teachers, or who felt slighted by the condescending demeanor those new educators showed toward the scholars, experienced a profound sense of satisfaction. Conversely, there were others who viewed a physical altercation against a faculty member as a severe violation of protocol. For the most part, this critical viewpoint originated from disciples affiliated with the Nine Schools and One Gang as well as the Five Great Families.

“Unbelievable, a lunatic actually had the audacity to lay hands on a teacher!”
“Are we simply going to sit back and observe without taking action?”
“Certainly not! However… what is the precise method we should use to challenge this?”

The sudden silence that overcame these furious students—rendering them completely speechless—was not merely due to the influence wielded by the Academy Representative. The primary complication lay in the fact that the targeted instructor possessed skills equivalent to a Hall Leader. An even more daunting issue was that So-un-Jin had thoroughly overwhelmed a martial artist of such caliber using nothing but pure inner strength, forcing him to spit blood in the process.

“Sigh…”
Given that barely anyone among the youth could match a Hall Leader-level combatant in a direct trial of internal energy, witnessing such total domination convinced the scholars that challenging him themselves was completely out of the question.
“We ought to… report this to the faculty and the Head Instructors!”
“Absolutely! How are we expected to learn anything when the dignity of our educators has been completely trampled?”
“Yet… the word is that it was an agreed-upon match of internal energy, so can it truly be classified as an infraction?”

This precise dilemma prevented the Bureau of Academic Affairs from taking immediate disciplinary action despite the teacher’s physical harm. By all standards of martial conduct, it had been an uninhibited contest of inner force. Furthermore, the teacher had been the initiator of the confrontation. It was impossible to penalize a pupil simply for possessing a level of martial prowess that exceeded expectations.

there was no way the representatives from the Nine Schools and One Gang and the Five Great Families could remain passive. They refused to sit idly by while So-un-Jin, an individual they already detested, inflicted such deep disgrace upon one of their respected seniors belonging to the Cheongseong Sect.

“Ought we not to notify our elder martial brothers in the Murim League? Surely those elders would…”
“Did those exact elders not arrive previously to enforce discipline, only to be struck down by So-un-Jin? Even if individuals of even greater status arrive, what measures do you realistically expect them to take?”
“…Confound it, whose side are you on? You have been uttering unhelpful remarks this entire time.”
“I am merely analyzing the objective reality of our predicament…”

Despite their lingering irritation, the inability to find a swift solution regarding So-un-Jin persisted, causing accounts of the altercation to filter back to the Murim League regardless of the students’ wishes.

“Ah, my aching head…”
Won-pyeong-Buk repeatedly massaged his temples with deep pressure.
“What reason is there to scowl when such an excellent brew is served before you…”
Needless to say, the root of this immense irritation was the very individual sitting directly opposite him, casually sipping his beverage. Won-pyeong-Buk felt a bitter chuckle rising within him.
“Does that liquid actually pass through your throat smoothly under these circumstances?”
“…The Academy Chief possesses an impressive selection of tea leaves.”
“I am demanding to know how you can possibly drink at a time like this!”

Failing to control his rising irritation, Won-pyeong-Buk extended his arm to seize the vessel. Yet, So-un-Jin smoothly evaded the attempt.
‘Observe his reflexes.’
Won-pyeong-Buk deployed the Tae-cheong-je-su-gong and made a second attempt to capture it. However—
Tak, tatak.
With a swift, subtle movement of his fingers, So-un-Jin shielded his cup effortlessly.

‘Astounding…’
The Tae-cheong-je-su-gong was no ordinary seizing method; it was the definitive technique that had rapidly subdued the outlaws of the Black Way, figures renowned for their lethal “Floating Flesh-Seizing Bird” claw forms. Despite this, a youth who had only recently entered his twenties had intercepted the Tae-cheong-je-su-gong without resorting to any elaborate countermeasure. Furthermore, he resumed drinking his beverage with total composure, completely unfazed.

“Good grief…”
In the past, Won-pyeong-Buk had personally overseen So-un-Jin’s individual instruction, which had allowed him to discover that the youth commanded a substantial reservoir of inner force.
‘Naturally, I failed to realize that his reserves were so absurdly vast.’
Evaluating the defensive maneuver just executed, it was evident that So-un-Jin’s capabilities had advanced further since their previous encounter.
So-un-Jin continued to appreciate his beverage with an unbothered expression, his gaze bright with an intensity that seemed almost unhinged. Observing that countenance, Won-pyeong-Buk could only lament the foolishness of the faculty members.

One ought to judge an opponent’s true caliber before initiating a conflict. Was it not blatantly obvious that this individual was not to be provoked?
The issue extended beyond mere raw power. The solitary motion employed to obstruct his grasp revealed that the youth’s comprehension of combat laws already exceeded the standard of a Hall Leader. Had the instructors initiated a physical contest of arms, they would have been thoroughly broken; had they attempted an intellectual debate on martial concepts, they would have faced an equally grueling challenge.
‘Had they chosen to reprimand him regarding his demeanor or facial expressions instead…’

Won-pyeong-Buk, briefly putting himself in the shoes of the staff to devise methods of making So-un-Jin’s life difficult, grimaced at his own thoughts. From the very outset, had this student not arrived at the institution in the company of those from the Black Way? What results did they anticipate by provoking an individual who conducted himself with absolute disregard for personal consequences?
“Aha…”
“As I have mentioned multiple times, the teacher initiated the dispute…”
“Be quiet.”
He had no desire to listen to further justifications.
“Understood! I shall remain silent.”
“…”

Observing the smirk that seemed designed to mock him, Won-pyeong-Buk found his patience wearing thin. Determined to elicit some semblance of anxiety from the youth, Won-pyeong-Buk pressed further.
“Are you truly blind to the repercussions this event could bring down upon your future prospects?”
“What repercussions might those be?”
“Your marks could be covertly lowered, or the faculty might deny you essential endorsements. Consequently, you could find yourself barred from the specific division you wish to join later on.”

Even so, So-un-Jin countered while taking a slow, appreciative breath of the steam rising from his beverage.
“Is it not true that securing a position within the elite ten guarantees automatic placement in one’s chosen destination? Much like the protocol for the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.”
“Snort, you speak as if placement within the elite ten is a certainty for you.”
“Every single appraisal of my performance thus far sits at the absolute pinnacle. Even if my future results decline significantly, slipping past the tenth position is highly improbable.”
“…”

Is there not a common belief that existence balances itself out? A lack of intellect is usually compensated for by physical prowess, and an exceptional physique is typically accompanied by a simpler mind. Yet, how was it that this infuriating youth possessed the sharp intellect required to formulate these assessments so rapidly?
“Haha, I appreciate your high regard.”
“…I uttered no such praise!”
“Your current facial expression betrays you. It is precisely the look that appears when adversaries are forced to acknowledge one’s brilliance.”

Won-pyeong-Buk exhaled deeply, casting his gaze toward the rafters. What words could he possibly employ to make this youth comprehend reality? Traditional wisdom holds that achieving prominence at an early age constitutes one of human existence’s primary curses. Individuals who achieve early renown often become blinded to the immensity of existence and the unforgiving nature of destiny, drunk on their inherent talents. Ascending to unparalleled heights in such a manner ensures that even a minor misstep will trigger a catastrophic descent.

Won-pyeong-Buk wished to prevent So-un-Jin from experiencing such ruin. Yet, deep down, he recognized that a descent was inevitable. Consequently, the more brilliantly the youth excelled, the greater his anxiety grew.
“Pay close attention. The faculty and senior administrators possess methods to trap you that are far more malicious and underhanded than you imagine. Indeed, your future will be defined by such tactics.”
This was the exact pattern he and prior solitary geniuses had endured. When viewed against a historical tapestry spanning half a millennium, a singular prodigy resembles nothing more than a fleeting spark.

“Should they fail to break you directly, they will target your Saje. If your Saje remain unaffected, they will broaden their focus to encompass your entire organization and your personal associates.”
“…”
“Naturally, a few of your initial detractors may suffer defeat in their attempts to oppose you. However, whereas you stand alone without a replacement to share the burden, they possess an endless rotation of personnel to maintain the pressure.”
While these were dynamics he had personally confronted upon joining the Murim League, for So-un-Jin, this harsh reality was manifesting prematurely within the school walls.

“This unjust systemic order has remained completely unyielding for five centuries.”
It was the classic analogy of an egg colliding with a massive boulder; regardless of frequency, the fragile object can never shatter the stone.
Had the young man finally comprehended the gravity of the situation? The cheerful expression vanished from So-un-Jin’s face, replaced by a chilling, cynical grin.
“…If matters stand thus.”
To Won-pyeong-Buk, this shift seemed far preferable to his previous flippancy. It appeared the youth was finally developing a sense of realism…
“I shall simply withdraw from the institution.”
What? What sort of absurd declaration was that?

“Withdraw? Even if you take that path, your compulsory obligations dictate that you must still…”
“There is no alternative. Should they subject us to such treatment, I shall gather every member of the Tae-eul Sect currently operating within the Murim League—myself and my Saje included—and relocate back to our ancestral grounds.”
The rashness of youth was fully on display. As Won-pyeong-Buk shook his head at So-un-Jin’s reckless response, a realization suddenly struck him.
“…Are there actually any high-ranking figures from the Tae-eul Sect present within the Murim League?”
“Naturally, if one restricts the count to formal initiates, the answer is negative; however, if secular followers are taken into account, a single individual exists.”
“…”

So-un-Jin’s focus shifted from the container of tea to look directly forward.
Blink, blink.
Won-pyeong-Buk’s eyelids fluttered in utter bewilderment. Why on earth was the youth staring at him in that manner…
“…Are you referring to me?”
“Correct.”
“You absolute lunatic…!”
“If a figure of the stature of the ‘Three Pureness Formless Sword’ severs ties with the Murim League, would that not compel our adversaries to reconsider their actions?”

He had long recognized the youth’s eccentricity, but this level of madness was unprecedented. Won-pyeong-Buk’s complexion deepened to a vivid crimson as he barked out a response.
“A-And what if I refuse to depart?”
“That option is unavailable to you. Regardless of our difference in seniority regarding age, the directives issued by the First Disciple of the Tae-eul Sect permit no defiance.”
Curse it all, no such regulation was ever mentioned when I affiliated myself as a secular member!
“The clause was undoubtedly included in the formal covenants. Were you unaware? This highlights why close scrutiny is required before affixing one’s mark to official papers.”
I never placed any mark on any papers to begin with!

The sharp glint in So-un-Jin’s expression softened once more into an amused, curved shape.
“In any case, to prevent such an outcome, I expect your utmost dedication, Saje.”
He reverted instantly to his customary lighthearted self. Witnessing this transition brought a minor sense of comfort to Won-pyeong-Buk, signaling that the young man fully comprehended the underlying anxieties that had been raised.
Even so, Won-pyeong-Buk sought further clarification.

“To clarify, provided your tenure at the school proceeds smoothly, there will be no necessity for me to abandon my position in the Murim League alongside you?”
“Naturally.”
Won-pyeong-Buk released a heavy breath. A sudden realization dawned upon him: the young man’s severe retaliation against the faculty member might not have been driven purely by impulse. It was highly probable that he had acted with calculated aggression, fully aware that he possessed the leverage to escape consequence.
“Was this action premeditated?”
So-un-Jin conceded without hesitation.
“In large measure, yes.”
“What was your objective?”

The Tae-eul Sect was already consistently augmenting its influence. Had he chosen to conceal his capabilities and advance incrementally, his objectives would undoubtedly have been realized over time. By establishing an adversarial relationship so early, he had potentially complicated his subsequent endeavors.
Yet, So-un-Jin’s expression remained entirely devoid of apprehension.
“The reality is that I have already attracted their suspicion.”
“…”
“Had I permitted such an overt provocation to pass, subsequent pressures would have proven far more challenging to manage.”
The familiar, mocking grin returned to his face.
“Furthermore, the Tae-eul Sect has transformed into an undeniable force that they can no longer choose to overlook.”
“…”

Could it be that his own perspective had been the narrow one?
“…Be that as it may, could you not have shown restraint until your transition to the Murim League? Should complications arise, your comrades risk being separated.”
In contrast to his own isolated journey to prominence, the Tae-eul Sect comprised a cohesive group of individuals. Now that their organization presented a palpable challenge, the ruling authorities would surely take measures to ensure their collective strength was fragmented.

So-un-Jin’s demeanor grew thoroughly icy for the first time. Beneath that stark exterior lay the visible weight of profound, arduous experiences, possessing an intensity that seemed entirely incompatible with his youthful age.
“…”
It was a look of sharp offense, as though his personal dignity had been brought into question. His countenance conveyed profound irritation, silently challenging the low estimation of his foresight. Won-pyeong-Buk recognized that his assessment had missed the mark entirely.
“…I see, you have already devised contingencies for that scenario as well.”

What profound calculations occupied the youth’s thoughts? Early triumph? This individual was far from a reckless prodigy blinded by early fame and ignorant of reality. He comprehended the mechanics of power perfectly and had chosen to assert his presence deliberately. Entirely by his own design.
Consequently, any further commentary from Won-pyeong-Buk lost its relevance, whether intended as a reprimand or guidance.
“Very well. I shall utilize my position to manage the institutional repercussions, so put your mind at ease.”
His sole remaining task was to offer whatever assistance lay within his power. After all, despite everything, the youth held the status of First Senior Brother to him, the junior secular disciple.

Upon departing from the Academy Chief’s quarters, I made my way toward the Representative’s chambers when I abruptly checked my stride.
‘This is a major oversight.’
In the intensity of the confrontation, focused entirely on the immediate threat to my survival, the long-term implications regarding the Murim League had slipped my mind. It was an absolute certainty that my junior martial brothers would be stationed within its ranks upon completing their studies here.
‘How could I have overlooked such an obvious detail…’

Having drawn their undivided scrutiny, the leadership will undoubtedly take steps to prevent us from operating as a unified front.
‘Moreover, should their objective be our total eradication, isolating us into separate components is the most efficient strategy to dismantle us.’
During my previous existence, our organization was merely an insignificant, minor entity, meaning our consolidation posed no threat to them; however, our current standing alters the dynamic completely.
Good grief, those wretched fools, why did they compel me to act by initiating a conflict?

Following a prolonged internal tirade directed at the teaching staff and senior coordinators, I quickly cleared my mind with a sharp movement of my head. This outcome was inevitable regardless of whether I had chosen compliance.
In fact, it presents a distinct advantage. This arrangement is preferable to remaining united initially only to face forced separation upon the onset of open hostilities. It is far more practical to operate independently before converging when the military divisions are organized.
‘Without a doubt, this works to our benefit. Absolutely.’
The remaining complication involves ensuring the protection of my juniors should they face mistreatment within their designated sectors.

‘The system is profoundly corrupt.’
They will be bound by the specific hierarchies of the Murim League and the protocols governing their assigned divisions. Consequently, mutual assistance or cross-departmental involvement will be systematically restricted. This means direct supervision of the Tae-eul Sect’s younger generation will no longer be possible for me. The sole exception would require an incredibly rapid ascent through the ranks to exert administrative authority.
However, given the constraints of temporal reality, I must devise an alternative strategy to safeguard them in the interim.

Let me consider the options… wait.
‘Is constant protection even necessary?’
Regardless, my own schedule will be exceptionally demanding once I assume my responsibilities within the White Wolf Pavilion. I will be tasked with transforming an undisciplined group lacking fundamental skills into a highly functional squad. Under such demanding conditions, maintaining constant oversight over each individual Saje is highly unrealistic.
Ultimately, the issue hinges on whether my junior brothers will suffer physical subjugation in their new posts, mirroring my own previous experiences.

‘The solution is simply for them to remain undefeated.’
I have successfully recovered the legacy techniques of the Great Ancestor, and the deficiency in our inner reserves has been addressed through the consumption of the O-ryeong-seon-hwa-yu. The primary benefit of the O-ryeong-seon-hwa-yu lies in reinforcing the foundation of the dantian. Having utilized both the Jeong-sim-dan and the O-ryeong-seon-hwa-yu, their physical constitutions can safely assimilate subsequent medicinal treasures without adverse effects.
‘The remaining deficit in internal reserves can be settled during the institutional competition six months from now…’

Provided they achieve a sufficient baseline of inner strength and tactical proficiency, they will face no danger of being overwhelmed. Though our organization’s public reputation remains modest, a subordinate who possesses formidable individual power cannot easily be exploited by superiors. While they may still encounter biased directives, total exemption from hardship would strike me as somewhat inequitable, considering the immense trials I endured during my former existence!

“From what location are you returning?”
“Ah? Oh, right.”
Saryeon-Sa, who was on the verge of entering the Representative’s office, noticed my approach and inquired. I answered with deliberate composure.
“I have just concluded an audience with the Academy Chief.”
“Has the matter been… settled?”
I offered a confident, sweeping nod.

“Truly?”
Saryeon-Sa’s expression conveyed deep skepticism. Good grief, what is the reason for this profound lack of confidence in your First Senior Brother?
“Beyond managing the immediate campus crisis, I have also formulated a strategy to address the challenges our fellow disciples will encounter within the Murim League.”
“Oh? Is that so? Did the Academy Chief offer his personal intervention?”
“Far from it!”
“…”
“The answer was conceived entirely by my own ingenuity.”

Saryeon-Sa pressed further, her features tight with apprehension.
“W-What exactly is this plan?”
No remedy exists that offers greater absolute certainty. None at all. I let a broad grin spread across my features as I locked eyes with Saryeon-Sa.
“The strategy requires every single one of you to attain immense, unparalleled power.”
“…”
“In this manner, regardless of any malicious schemes deployed by the leadership, you will possess the means to retaliate effectively!”
“…”
Saryeon-Sa’s face twisted into a profound scowl. This specific countenance left no room for doubt; it was her signature look indicating total and absolute aversion to a proposal.
“Junior sister, what is the reason for that expression?”
Objectively speaking, this is the most flawless strategy available.