Chapter 33

Chapter 33
## Chapter 33. A Second-Rate Warrior Searching for a Legend (5)

If one were to select the most magnificent structure in all of radiant Yueyang, it would undoubtedly be Yueyang Tower, an establishment offering an unobstructed panorama of Dongting Lake.

This prominent tavern stood as the ultimate symbol of Yueyang. It was an essential destination for any high-ranking official or aristocrat wishing to boast of their sophisticated indulgences, and even Confucian scholars who prided themselves on “appreciating the finer things” felt compelled to cross its threshold at least once.

Consequently, even for those wealthy enough to stomach the extortionate prices charged for wine at Yueyang Tower, securing a table was a feat as rare as plucking stars from the heavens.

“Our gathering is taking place at Yueyang Tower.”

“I was under the impression that booking a space there is nearly impossible. Did you have to arrange this months in advance?”

“What? Oh… Haha.”

In response to my inquiry, Namgung Seon-hwa merely offered Seong Mo-ran a cryptic look, appearing simultaneously completely aware and entirely detached.

The moment our group stepped inside Yueyang Tower, the raucous chatter of the drinking patrons ceased as everyone shifted their attention toward us simultaneously.

Granted, the clientele here consisted entirely of individuals accustomed to wielding immense influence wherever they went, yet the arrival of the renowned Namgung Clan still seemed to strike them as an exceptional novelty.

“Shall we make our way upstairs?”

“…”

Yueyang Tower spanned seven stories, with the upper levels providing an increasingly breathtaking and unhindered view of Dongting Lake’s scenery.

Because of this architectural perk, the cost of entry multiplied drastically with every single floor one ascended.

Ultimately, Yueyang Tower served as a physical manifestation of a person’s social standing.

‘The Taeul Sect wouldn’t even have been permitted past the front door.’

Whether in my previous lifetime or my current one, no matter how heavily my coin purse bulged with gold taels, a deep-seated psychological reluctance completely barred me from embracing such extravagance.

Whenever I envisioned sitting down for a meal in a place of this nature, the countenances of the Taeul Sect’s young disciples and Hall Masters immediately flashed through my mind.

Despite my silent hopes that we might stop short, the Namgung Clan party continued their relentless ascent until we reached the absolute top on the seventh floor.

To make matters worse, they had managed to reserve the highly coveted tables directly adjacent to the windows.

The companions mentioned previously were already situated at the spot, quietly sipping from their wine cups.

Every single one of them radiated an incredibly powerful aura.

“Allow me to present Young Master Jin So-un of the Taeul Sect.”

As Seong Mo-ran performed the introduction, I watched the eyes of the four seated men flick sharply toward me.

Instantly, the individual sporting a blue headscarf took the initiative to introduce himself.

“I am Ha Min-jung from the Mount Heng Sect.”

The man in the blue headscarf gave a subtle nod. This was Ha Min-jung, famously known as the Solitary Star Sword of the Mount Heng Sect—an entity that, while excluded from the prestigious Nine Sects and One Gang, was widely recognized as possessing equivalent martial might.

The phrase “Five Hundred Years of Regret” was a moniker that naturally shadowed any mention of the Mount Heng Sect.

It was a mocking expression used by members of the martial world to ridicule the sect’s historical misstep; during the inception of the Murim Alliance, the Mount Heng Sect had been granted an opportunity to join the grand coalition but failed to attend, leaving them unable to enjoy the lofty status of their peers in the modern era.

“I am Ak Mu-heun of the Shandong Ak Clan.”

This youth was the firstborn heir of the Shandong Ak Clan, a lineage that occupied a prestigious seat among the Five Great Clans. Furthermore, his family was renowned for developing the Ak Clan Spear Form, a martial art so incomparably lethal that the imperial military had integrated it as a standard combat style.

“Yang In-su, representing the Yang Estate.”

Seated alongside them was the eldest son of the Yang Estate, a powerhouse that claimed the Twenty-Ninth Peak among the illustrious One Hundred Eight Peaks.

The individuals gathered in this single room hailed from genuinely staggering backgrounds.

It suddenly became perfectly clear to me how they had managed to command a table on the absolute highest floor of Yueyang Tower.

Curiously, when I extended a respectful, clasped-hands greeting toward them, their collective acknowledgment was uniform—they merely offered cold, dismissive nods.

As far as I was concerned, experiencing this brand of elitism was a routine occurrence, so it didn’t bother me in the slightest. However, for some reason, Seong Mo-ran’s features darkened considerably at the sight. Detecting the sudden drop in temperature, Namgung Seon-hwa swiftly intervened to smooth things over.

“I realize I didn’t greet everyone properly when we met earlier. I am Namgung Seon-hwa of the Namgung Clan. My Older Brother San has spoken of you all extensively.”

Upon hearing Namgung Seon-hwa’s pleasant words and observing her polite demeanor, the assembled men found themselves unable to conceal their sudden awe.

Perhaps swayed by Namgung Seon-hwa’s captivating presence, the final member of the group—a youth possessing a mild, pleasant countenance—stood up from his seat and returned a proper clasped-hands greeting accompanied by a warm smile.

“I am Yu Ji-ryang, hailing from the Maoshan Sect.”

Even a representative from the Maoshan Sect was present—an organization far more unorthodox than almost any other in the secular world due to its absolute mastery over tactical formations and mystical incantations.

This assembly truly lacked nothing whatsoever; it was thoroughly elite.

“If I may ask, what brings a traveler from the Taeul Sect to a gathering like this?”

Ak Mu-heun voiced an unusual query, directing his gaze vaguely between myself and Namgung Seon-hwa without addressing either of us directly.

“Ah, Young Master Jin So-un will be journeying alongside us.”

The moment Namgung Seon-hwa made this declaration, the brows of the three young masters knitted into deep, disapproving scowls.

“Hmph… Is the Taeul Sect suddenly harboring desires for the Mita Sacred Water as well?”

“Desiring it is well within his rights. Assuming, of course, that he actually possesses the capability to claim it.”

“My primary concern is that we might simply be burdening ourselves with another dead weight to look after.”

Ha Min-jung, Ak Mu-heun, and Yang In-su delivered their remarks in a rapid, biting succession, causing Seong Mo-ran’s expression to grow increasingly venomous.

“Tell me, then—just how many subordinates did you bring to support you?”

“I journey alone.”

“What?”

Ha Min-jung stared at Namgung Seon-hwa, his face twisted into a mask of pure, unadulterated disbelief.

“Uh… Well, the thing is…”

“If the presence of Young Master Jin as our traveling companion causes such intense discomfort, then I shall remove myself from this venture as well.”

“Older Sister!”

Seong Mo-ran delivered her sudden ultimatum without a hint of hesitation.

Not only were the three young masters left completely stunned, but even my own eyes widened in sheer surprise.

“My apologies, Seon-hwa. Rest assured, even if I manage to secure the miraculous water independently, I will ensure it finds its way into your hands.”

Seong Mo-ran pressed her lips tightly together, her resolve utterly solidified. She locked eyes with me and gave a firm, reassuring nod.

The trio of young masters stared directly at me, practically demanding an explanation for the bizarre dynamic unfolding before them, but I was entirely in the dark regarding her sudden fierce loyalty.

If she possessed some hidden motive for forcing her company upon me, I wondered if it was driven by a lingering desire to drive a blade into my stomach. Yet, reflecting on her behavior during our final day at the Iron Sword Sect alongside her current defensive display, that didn’t quite seem to be the case.

“Lady Seong… There is truly no reason for you to take such drastic measures on my account…”

I attempted to diffuse the mounting tension. When evaluating the grand scheme of things, this specific group was destined to perish within the treacherous confines of the Demon Spirit Plateau. Missing out on this collective excursion wouldn’t be a negative outcome for her at all.

Before I could finish my sentence, however, Namgung Seon-hwa cut me off entirely to voice her own stance.

“Sister Mo-ran volunteered for this journey solely to assist me. If Sister chooses to take this path, then I shall join her in withdrawing from the group as well.”

With Namgung Seon-hwa throwing her weight behind the protest, the countenances of the remaining three young masters turned incredibly stiff and uncomfortable.

They looked exactly like travelers who had spotted a gleaming silver coin on the path, only to realize upon closer inspection that it was thoroughly coated in filth.

“Ahem. Well, such an arrangement is certainly acceptable. Did we not convene here under the premise of mutual alliance? Even if one individual benefits without contributing, we ought to show a degree of magnanimity.”

“Reflecting upon it, this might actually work to our advantage. At the very least, he isn’t dragging a massive entourage along to complicate things.”

“Young Master Jin must have performed some miraculous deed to salvage an entire nation in his previous incarnation.”

The three young masters ensured they fired off one final parting volley of sarcasm before falling silent.

Seong Mo-ran finally took her seat, delivering a chilling rejoinder.

“If your memories have already faded regarding the disaster that befell the Iron Sword Sect after they presumed to underestimate the Taeul Sect, you would do well to tread lightly from here on out.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…Ahem.”

As a suffocating, awkward silence settled over the table, Yu Ji-ryang broke the tension by offering a pleasant smile and addressing the group.

“Young Hero Ha has successfully acquired a chart of the area.”

As every pair of eyes in the room instantly locked onto him, Ha Min-jung allowed a proud, self-satisfied grin to spread across his face as he retrieved a rolled parchment from the inner folds of his tunic.

When he unrolled the document, a dense, intricate network of illustrations resembling an elaborate ant colony revealed itself across the surface.

“Oh, so this is the chart. From what source did you manage to procure it?”

“My lady, that information remains strictly classified, so I cannot divulge it so carelessly. Haha.”

The document Ha Min-jung had proudly displayed for the table was the exact same layout of the subterranean cavern that the proprietor of the Black Shop had previously revealed to me.

“Is this map actually dependable?”

Despite the brief friction that had occurred with Seong Mo-ran moments earlier, Ha Min-jung maintained a bright, amicable expression.

“The intelligence claims it was charted by an individual who managed to survive within those depths for half a year.”

“Be that as it may, it would be foolish to place our absolute faith in it.”

“Naturally, it should be treated merely as a loose guide. Still, having this reference is incomparable to blundering into such a labyrinthine environment completely blind, wouldn’t you agree?”

Seong Mo-ran’s responses remained frosty, yet the glances the three young masters cast in her direction remained intensely admiring.

It was only in that exact moment that the true nature of their interactions dawned on me.

‘They are thoroughly intoxicated by youth and infatuation.’

Utterly oblivious to the grim fate lurking in their immediate future, I watched them snicker and gossip while savoring the Jade Dew Wine, the celebrated specialty of Yueyang Tower.

Right at that moment, a massive commotion began filtering up from the lower levels.

As our conversation trailed off, our group began turning toward the stairwell one after another. Simultaneously, as if jolted by a sudden current of electricity, the young masters leaped from their chairs in unison.

“Yong So-ah!”

“It’s Yong So-ah!”

“It’s Yong So-ah, the legendary One Sword of the Wudang Sect!”

At the utterance of that specific name, my entire frame shuddered violently, matching their shock.

Yong So-ah, flanked by a cohort of individuals who appeared to be his martial juniors, ascended to the seventh floor under the eager guidance of a tavern attendant. The moment Ha Min-jung’s group established eye contact with the legendary figure, they bent forward in clasped-hands greetings executed with the absolute pinnacle of deference.

“Young Hero! It is an absolute privilege to cross paths with you.”

“It is a true honor.”

“An absolute honor.”

Shortly after, even Seong Mo-ran and Namgung Seon-hwa stepped forward to offer their own clasped-hands salutations, to which Yong So-ah offered nothing more than a perfunctory nod of his head.

Despite his aloofness, not a single soul in the room presumed to take offense.

-Soaring high above the dragons and phoenixes, Yong So-ah traverses the heavens alone.

The Dragon and Phoenix Assembly represented a congregation of the absolute finest prodigies culled from the ranks of the Murim Academy.

The widespread adage implied that even the collective brilliance of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly paled in comparison to the sheer talent of Yong So-ah.

When one took into account that the pinnacle of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly was Small Buddha Il-myeong—a legendary prodigy destined to perfectly master all Seventy-Two Supreme Arts of the Shaolin Temple—it became clear just how wildly outrageous that proverb truly was. Yet, not a single member belonging to that elite assembly ever voiced any resentment regarding the comparison.

Yong So-ah was a prodigy who existed on an entirely different plane than ordinary geniuses, already frequently counted among the Hundred Greatest Swords under Heaven.

Given that he had only recently reached his mid-twenties, achieving such a reputation was nothing short of miraculous.

“It seems… everyone has assembled here.”

Yong So-ah’s gaze drifted deliberately across the expanse of the upper floor before ultimately locking onto me.

His eyes were completely unreadable, devoid of any discernable emotion.

The ones who grew intensely anxious at this silent confrontation were Ha Min-jung and his companions.

Each of them shot me frantic, demanding looks while jerking their chins toward the legendary cultivator, silently commanding me to rush over and present a proper greeting.

“…”

In the course of my previous life, I had encountered this man in close proximity exactly once—and that had been the precise moment he arrived to carry out my execution.

He remained entirely oblivious to that past, but for me, sitting in his presence was a thoroughly unpalatable ordeal.

I simply hoisted my wine cup and redirected my attention toward the vast waters of Dongting Lake.

A moment later, Yong So-ah shifted his attention away from my form.

“…Is it your group’s intention to venture into the Demon Spirit Plateau?”

“Ah! Yes, that is our plan. Young Hero, are you also bound for that territory?”

“I am executing the direct mandates of my sect.”

To begin with, an elite cultivator of Yong So-ah’s caliber would have absolutely no practical use for an item like the Mita Sacred Water.

“Ah, I understand. In that case, would you perhaps honor us by traveling in our company? Our party has successfully secured an intricate layout of the subterranean interior.”

“…I have already obtained a comprehensive chart myself, and I am currently returning from an interview with the survivor who traversed those depths. …Nevertheless, if it is your desire to journey alongside me, I shall not forbid it. I cannot simply idly observe the younger sisters of my trusted companions marching to their deaths.”

“…”

“…”

His manner of speaking was far from pleasant or humble, yet the mere confirmation that they would be traveling under his protection caused the color to instantly rush back into the pale faces of the young masters.

“…Naturally, that privilege extends solely to those whose backgrounds and intentions can be fully verified.”

Yong So-ah’s piercing gaze locked onto me once more.

Seong Mo-ran immediately stepped into the space between us, speaking up in my defense.

“His background is entirely beyond reproach. This is Young Master Jin So-un of the Taeul Sect, the lineage that holds the prestigious First Peak of the One Hundred Eight Peaks.”

“…The Taeul Sect? That is an organization completely unknown to my ears. I refuse to compromise our safety by harboring unknown variables. Should you choose to journey alongside him, I will consider you officially severed from my group.”

“…!!”

Seong Mo-ran’s gaze darted frantically between myself and Yong So-ah, her face frozen in utter disbelief.

After draining the final drops of the Jade Dew Wine from my cup, I pushed myself up from the table and walked over to Seong Mo-ran.

“Lady Seong, it appears our shared journey concludes at this point. The immense kindness and consideration you have extended to me up to this moment are already far more than I could have ever asked for.”

As I turned on my heel to make my exit, Yong So-ah spoke up, his voice dripping with absolute disdain.

“Conceited.”

“…What exactly about my actions is conceited?”

“Navigating that domain entirely on your own is a guarantee of your demise.”

I tilted my head slightly to the side.

“Are you implying that my survival is absolutely guaranteed simply by trailing behind you?”

“…”

“Watch your mouth!”

Unable to stomach my blatant defiance, Ha Min-jung barked out a fierce reprimand, but I dismissed him entirely and pressed on.

“The moment anyone sets foot inside that forbidden zone, absolutely no one can offer an ironclad guarantee of life or death, can they? Given that reality, rather than placing the custody of my existence into the hands of a stranger, I prefer to bear the full responsibility for my own fate.”

Yong So-ah fell into a tense silence for a brief interlude.

“…And thoroughly audacious as well.”

He stared down at me with an expression one might use when scolding an ignorant child.

“Before you expend your energy fretting over the fates of others, perhaps you should direct some of that concern toward your own well-being. Walking the path of the Wudang Sect does not render your flesh impervious to a steel blade.”

With those parting words, I offered distinct, respectful clasped-hands salutations to Seong Mo-ran, Namgung Seon-hwa, and Yu Ji-ryang respectively, before making my way out of Yueyang Tower.

It was only after I had woven my way through the dense sea of humanity packing the bustling thoroughfare for a considerable distance that my rational faculties finally began to settle.

“Phew…”

The cold composure I had managed to maintain even when facing down the hostile Iron Sword Sect had completely fractured, thrashing about wildly like a feral hound snapped off its chain.

Though our paths had crossed only a single time in my prior existence, I was utterly incapable of reacting with indifference. He remained completely unaware, but the catastrophic choices he would eventually make would yield grim consequences that plunged the forces of the Orthodox Path into absolute ruin and despair.

“Still, this entire sequence is highly anomalous. Given that the Wudang Sect and the Namgung Clan breached the perimeter as a unified front, how is it that the Namgung Clan was the sole entity completely wiped out?”

I was well aware from my past life that Yong So-ah and the Wudang Sect had thrown themselves into the chaotic struggle for the Mita Sacred Water.

However, I had been completely oblivious to the fact that they had initially formed a joint venture with the Namgung Clan’s circle.

“Did he possess such overbearing arrogance that he felt entitled to discard even one of the Five Great Clans like an expendable tool, meaning an obscure, third-rate sect like mine never stood a chance of entering his sight?”

A cynical smile crept onto my face. Possessing absolute clarity regarding a looming catastrophe while remaining utterly powerless to alter its course was the crushing psychological burden that an individual burdened with knowledge of the future was forced to carry.

After taking a few more deliberate steps down the path, the rapid, rhythmic sound of running footsteps echoed from directly behind me.

“Lady Seong? What could possibly bring you out here? Were you not scheduled to advance under the protection of the Wudang Sect?”

“Sigh, I haven’t the slightest clue anymore. Regardless of whether I breach the perimeter with that faction or not, my survival is practically assured. But you… you are practically sprinting toward a certain grave, aren’t you?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Ah, just put it out of your mind. My choice has already been made. Goodness, I shudder to think of the lectures my Father or Grandfather will subject me to if they ever catch wind of this.”

Seong Mo-ran let out a heavy sigh, shifting her gaze up toward the open sky.

Moments later, the rest of the Namgung Clan’s entourage caught up to us in rapid succession.

“Rest assured, I intend to keep the details of your confrontation with Young Hero Yong So-ah strictly hidden from the elders of the Iron Sword Sect.”

“Seon-hwa!”

“You initially journeyed all this way under the promise of aiding me, so how could you possibly expect me to simply let you walk away?”

“No… it wasn’t that. I was simply harboring a bit of anxiety regarding the circumstances.”

Seong Mo-ran repeatedly stole fleeting glances in my direction, her fingers twisting nervously in anxiety.

“Are you truly holding up all right?”

“I am perfectly fine. To be frank, if our group had chosen to advance alongside that faction, Young Hero Yong So-ah would have inevitably claimed the prize for himself anyway. From a tactical standpoint, this separation is actually a beneficial development.”

“With this adjustment, our traveling party has become significantly more streamlined.”

Yu Ji-ryang fell into step directly behind the ladies, flanked by a pair of men who clearly served as his personal subordinates.

“Young Hero Yu, I must offer my sincere apologies for this sudden turn of events.”

“Think nothing of it. We were brought into this venture as contractual assets from the very beginning, were we not? Your only duty is to ensure that we formation masters are kept thoroughly shielded from harm.”

I seized the opportunity to voice a query that had been nagging at the back of my mind for some time.

“This might strike you as an incredibly abrupt question, but is it not immensely hazardous for specialists in formation arts to venture deep into the interior of that plateau?”

Hearing my concern, Namgung Seon-hwa offered a bright, reassuring smile as she provided an explanation.

“The intelligence reports indicate that a massive array constructed from natural landmarks blocks the path inside.”

“An array?”

“Precisely. That is the exact reason why even the operatives of the Hao Gate, despite holding a comprehensive chart of the subterranean layout, never dared to entertain the notion of seizing the Mita Sacred Water for their own benefit.”

“…The information I have gathered suggests that Natural Formations are generally not overly complicated to dismantle.”

Tactical arrays formed purely by environmental coincidence typically crumbled effortlessly when subjected to a concentrated display of overwhelming physical destruction.

Setting aside the young heiress of the Namgung Clan herself, the vanguard units of the Namgung Clan were comprised entirely of elite martial masters, meaning they had absolutely no reason to fear a standard environmental barrier.

“Hmm… While it certainly utilizes environmental landmarks as its foundation, the reports clarify that it is explicitly not a standard Natural Formation. They describe it as a monumental, complex array engineered through grand methods dating back roughly three to four centuries ago.”

“…”

The revelation struck my mind like a sudden bolt of lightning, causing isolated fragments of historical lore to rapidly align into a coherent picture.

‘Could it truly be…’

Meanwhile, Namgung Seon-hwa observed me with an expression tinged with mounting anxiety.

“But with our current circumstances, how are we to proceed now that we have forfeited our chance to claim the chart?”

“The blame lies entirely with me, Seon-hwa. I am so sorry.”

“No, don’t blame yourself. That opposing faction is equally handicapped by a severe lack of actionable intelligence. It should prove significantly less complicated to procure an alternative map instead.”

It appeared the allies she had previously associated with had systematically divided operational duties among themselves, intending to independently forage for the essential resources required to successfully infiltrate the cavern.

After rapidly cataloging and verifying the vast historical records stored within the archives of my memory, I spoke up.

“Ah, you can completely dismiss any anxieties regarding the subterranean chart.”

“What did you say?”

“I have the entirety of that layout perfectly committed to memory.”

The assembled companions tilted their heads in unison, their expressions making it entirely obvious that they were utterly incapable of processing the meaning behind my words.

A moment later, however, the gravity of my statement finally dawned on Seong Mo-ran, and her countenance contorted into a display of absolute, unbridled shock.