Chapter 341

Chapter 341
## Chapter 341. Life and Death (2)

—

Nam-gung-seon-hwa served as a leader within the academy’s official delegation. At present, she was stationed in the core area of the stronghold alongside her teammates under Jin-so-un’s command. It was virtually impossible to match Jin-so-un’s constant movements because his pace was simply too exhausting; trying to keep up with that level of exertion would have left her without a single moment to recuperate.

‘Where does he even get that kind of endurance?’

Such stamina could not be explained merely by having an exceptionally robust physique or a massive reserve of internal energy. No matter how superior a human frame might be, surely it still possessed innate boundaries? Even her own grandfather, renowned across the lands as the God of Swords (*Sin-geom*), would show visible signs of depletion if he trained continuously without rest. There was no logical explanation for Jin-so-un to be free from exhaustion. He was undoubtedly pushing through it by sheer force of will.

“Seon-hwa Noona, please be careful.”

Nam-gung-seon-hwa piled up several containers, stepping onto them to gain enough height to monitor the activities over at the Orthodox Society’s encampment. The distance was far too great to discern their visual movements, but as the individual possessing the highest cultivation of internal energy among her peers, she could pick up the distant echoes of their speech.

“Seon-hwa, what are they discussing over there?”

“They were arguing about bursting through the blockade. ……Wait, they mentioned establishing a specialized division?”

Nam-gung-seon-hwa passed along the disjointed phrases she managed to catch to her surrounding teammates. Because she was only picking up stray pieces of the exchange, the true meaning behind the words remained vague and confusing.

“A division? What is that supposed to mean……? Are they suggesting everyone should just look out for their own skin in a crisis like this? Have those Orthodox Society bastards lost their minds? They intend to abandon everyone else to save themselves?!”

“No. The person who proposed the idea was actually Young Master Jin.”

“What?”

The voices drifted over in scattered waves. Nam-gung-seon-hwa focused all her concentration to capture every remaining fragment without losing track.

“The Young Master attached a specific demand.”

“What kind of demand?”

“Absolute Obedience (*Sang-myeong-ha-bok*).”

“……What in the world is he planning? There is no way anyone would agree to that……”

This assembly was a tangled web of rivalries and allegiances, given that every single person belonged to a distinct sect, clan, or faction. Placing oneself under the authority of another or aligning with a particular figure required navigating complex political ramifications. On top of that, their deep-seated arrogance would not allow them to submit easily. To her, achieving such unity seemed like an utter impossibility.

Nevertheless,

“Even so, it is far better than attempting a breakthrough with a fractured group that cannot agree on anything.”

The words left her mouth in an optimistic tone before she could even catch herself. It was a stark departure from her typical cynical attitude. She was never one to put her faith in empty expectations. Even so.

‘If it is Young Master Jin, he must have formulated a strategy.’

Just as he had always done up until this very moment. Suddenly.

“Huh?”

“What is happening? What did you hear?”

A somewhat broken voice drifted across, yet its underlying message was unmistakable.

“Priest Il-gak declared that he would enlist?”

It was his unmistakable voice, ringing out with unwavering resolve.

“What? Why him of all people? The Orthodox Society would undoubtedly gather around his leadership……”

“I am not entirely sure. Following a discussion with Young Master Jin, he stated he would abide by Young Master Jin’s directives, and because of that choice, the Orthodox Society is thrown into absolute chaos at this moment.”

Mo-yong-jae-hwa, who had been observing the conversation in silence, let out a joyful shout with a suddenly brightened expression.

“Then this is fantastic news! Nam-gung Noona!”

“Uh, yes, that is certainly true, but……”

Nam-gung-seon-hwa was unable to mask her profound bafflement. In a crisis this pressing, Il-gak of the Shaolin Temple had chosen to surrender his leadership over the Orthodox Society in order to place himself under Jin-so-un’s command.

‘Given his standing and ties with the Orthodox Society, accepting such a humiliating terms should have been out of the question……’

She simply could not fathom the underlying motive.

“You find it hard to comprehend why Priest Il-gak chose to align with our faction?”

When she directed the question toward Seong-mo-ran, the other woman pondered for a brief second before giving a casual shrug.

“Because Jin-so-un is fundamentally different. You understand that just as well as I do, Seon-hwa.”

“Because of…… his uniqueness?”

He was undeniably unique. The qualities he displayed differed entirely from the conduct or psychology of standard practitioners of the White Faction. Yet, could a massive shift like this be credited solely to that trait?

“When the depths of hell break loose, it is only natural for people to seek out the Black Flame Dragon.”

Nam-gung-seon-hwa suddenly envisioned a tale she had once overheard during a past social gathering.

*When the Dragon and Phoenix frolic above the clouds,*
*The Black Flame Dragon roars in hell.*

In comparison to the ongoing Dragon and Phoenix Gathering, she had previously dismissed it as a mere rumor intended to mock Jin-so-un, who seemed to invite conflict with every step he took. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, the memories of the academy entrance examination rushed back to her. She had originally aligned herself with Jin-so-un’s group as a way to return the favor from the Ghost Spirit Plateau, but—

‘Instead of offering assistance, I was the one who received aid, ultimately gaining entry into the academy with far higher marks than I ever anticipated……’

Even after that period, whenever they stumbled into an insurmountable obstacle, they automatically cleared those hurdles so long as they remained by Jin-so-un’s side.

“Observe our current positions. Truthfully, both you and I rightfully belong within the White Faction, yet here we are, naturally holding our ground by his side, aren’t we?”

“……That is undeniably true.”

Nam-gung-seon-hwa gave a nod of assent. Without realizing it, she too had come to view her presence here as the natural state of affairs. If she hadn’t recognized something extraordinary within Jin-so-un, there was no plausible scenario where she, a noble descendant of the Nam-gung Family, would willingly serve under a pupil of the Tae-eul Sect. The present dilemma was no different. Had he not systematically revitalized the academy disciples, one after another, who were swallowed by despair and panic under the oppressive pressure of the Heaven and Earth Net? If he weren’t standing right here, they might have all perished while bickering aimlessly amongst themselves.

Right at that moment, Eun-ho spoke up in a tentative tone.

“Is it possible…… that he was simply tricked by Dae-sa-hyeong? He possesses an incredibly deceptive way with words.”

“……”
“ Mercifully, neither of them found the words to counter him.”

It was bizarre. They absolutely should have shot down the suggestion, yet for some strange reason, their lips remained sealed. The eyes of Seong-mo-ran and Nam-gung-seon-hwa locked across the short distance. Somehow, they secretly believed that scenario was entirely plausible.

“If we are talking about Dae-sa-hyeong, he is more than capable of managing that……”

“Ahem……”

Nam-gung-seon-hwa shifted her attention back toward the location of the Orthodox Society. Suddenly, the space between her eyebrows pinched together tightly.

“Huh? What just happened?”

Responding to Seong-mo-ran’s prompt inquiry, Nam-gung-seon-hwa spoke in a halting manner.

“Young Master Jin…… just delivered a physical kick to an individual who volunteered to join the division.”

“What?!?”

“That is classic behavior for Dae-sa-hyeong.”

“And…… he is throwing curses at them?”

“Wait, why on earth is he hurling insults at someone who wants to enlist?!”

“Because that is exactly who Dae-sa-hyeong is.”

“Be quiet, Lee Eun-ho!!!”

Nam-gung-seon-hwa pushed her senses to the absolute limit to grasp the unfolding madness.

“This…… I honestly cannot comprehend.”

“What precisely goes on inside that brain of his?”

Everyone offered a nod of agreement with Seong-mo-ran’s exasperated sigh. Naturally, they didn’t even register that they were acting in unison. At that exact second, a look of sheer disbelief washed over Nam-gung-seon-hwa’s face.

“But…… the individual who got kicked is pleading to join once more.”

“What?”

“He is proclaiming that he will follow all directives.”

Seong-mo-ran’s jaw dropped completely open.

“What kind of upside-down world are we living in?”

That marked the true turning point.

[I shall abide by your orders as well! Please permit me to join the unit.]
[I am prepared to execute whatever task you command.]
[Are you not the official Representative regardless? Please allow me to accompany you.]
[In truth, there is barely a single rank of separation between the Representative and the academy disciples even if we report to the Murim Alliance, so it makes no practical difference.]

Individuals who had fiercely guarded their aristocratic arrogance just moments ago began to fall in line behind Jin-so-un. The very people who were shouting curses and pointing fingers until yesterday were now desperately pursuing his footsteps like frightened toddlers terrified of losing sight of their parent. Yet, that bizarre spectacle did not appear out of place at all. It felt perfectly ordinary, as though this had always been their rightful place. A subtle grin graced her lips before she could check herself.

“We weren’t the eccentric ones after all.”

“No, we simply possessed the foresight to see it first.”

Much like stars that remain invisible throughout the brilliant glare of day, there are individuals who demonstrate their ultimate worth in the dark depths of perilous eras and societal collapse. And such individuals—

[Just carry out your directives flawlessly. If you do that, I will exhaust every resource available to ensure you can fight through this and survive.]

—The populace referred to them as ‘Heroes.’

As the count of individuals who pledged to submit to Jin-so-un’s authority surpassed the halfway mark, the ultimate hour of decision loomed for the remaining holdouts.

“The members of the Nam-gwon-mun have announced their allegiance to Jin-so-un.”

“What madness is this! Those martial artists possess a sacred duty to defend our academy disciples…… to think they are throwing all their support behind a single individual……!”

“That is precisely why they are joining his side. Because Jin-so-un holds the mantle of Academy Representative. In a crisis where all instructors are missing, is he not effectively the ultimate authority left standing?”

It had long since become impossible for them to form their own separate factions and attempt any independent action. Once Il-gak surrendered his authority to Jin-so-un first, the Shaolin Temple along with its affiliated secular institutions swiftly followed suit. With the scattered survivors from Mu-dang, Gong-dong, the Je-gal Family, and the Ak Family all throwing their lots in with Jin-so-un, the remaining members of the Orthodox Society and the White Faction found themselves in a highly awkward position to form any independent front. At this juncture, the remaining bystanders who had been monitoring the situation began to enlist in Jin-so-un’s unit one after another.

As though he had anticipated this exact outcome, Jin-so-un immediately separated the incoming volunteers and assigned them into entirely separate groups, arranging the division in a structural layout that had never been witnessed before. Warriors from the Orthodox Society, the White Faction, and the 12 Peaks Stars were entirely intermingled, and there were even squads where the traditional chain of command was completely inverted, resulting in a lower-ranking disciple issuing direct orders to a senior martial artist.

In spite of this, not a single voice of protest rose up. From the precise second that absolute obedience was established as the law, they were transformed into mere cogs within the unit. Consequently, every single academy disciple ended up taking part, yet the resulting force was built upon a completely revolutionary design.

The moment the division was structured into eight distinct squads, Jin-so-un instantly called forward his chosen squad leaders.

“Every one of you, take a sheet.”

With calligraphic implements resting beside him, Jin-so-un began drafting specific combat directives right then and there. Because they had already undergone extensive training regarding strategic orders at the academy, the paperwork itself was not shocking. What truly stunned them was Jin-so-un’s completely unhesitating execution.

“……He commands the presence of a veteran who has successfully executed this exact strategy multiple times in the past.”

Il-gak, scanning over the strategic orders, could not conceal his profound respect, and Cheol-sun-jik offered a firm nod of agreement.

“I assumed we would initiate a strategy meeting with the squad leaders following the formation of the unit, but to think he had already mapped out the entire campaign beforehand……. What is more, there is not a single vulnerability to be found within this plan.”

Had Jin-so-un commanded an operation of this nature in his past? The pressing mystery lingered heavily in Cheol-sun-jik’s thoughts. Standing adjacent to him, Il-gak was marveling at a entirely separate detail.

“Cheol Si-ju, have you observed this? Looking closely at the layout, the unit organization was not merely a random scattering of the various sects.”

Cheol-sun-jik cross-referenced the operational charts he had been handed with the documents provided to Il-gak. He noted the core objectives for each unique group, along with the contingency protocols to execute during a sudden crisis. He saw which specific fighters were to be deployed as the main force and which vulnerable individuals required primary protection. Every detail was meticulously customized for each squad depending on its unique roster and current status. Only then did the full scope of Il-gak’s observation dawn on him.

“The squad distribution itself…… was systematically executed based on every individual’s personal strengths and specific martial styles.”

There was an underlying logic behind why he, who had been among the first to volunteer, had been designated as the **3rd Squad Leader (Sam-dae-ju)**.

“To think he has cataloged every single person’s traits to this profound degree…… is it not truly awe-inspiring?”

Could that be the case? The Academy Representative did possess authorization to review all records concerning the enrolled disciples. Utilizing that data as a foundation, if he synthesized it with his own personal observations and assessments, compiling this level of intelligence would not be an impossible feat. Particularly if the person doing it was Jin-so-un.

“Is it not common knowledge that he possesses a photographic memory? This task must have required zero effort on his part.”

“No matter how gifted his mind may be, to memorize the specific talents and exact martial cultivation of every single soul…… does that not prove that he harbors deep affection for his fellow academy disciples?”

Affection, affection of all things.

“This must stand as absolute validation that even while they were locked in conflict, Jin Si-ju was viewing the academy disciples with the compassionate heart of a Buddha.”

Cheol-sun-jik tilted his head to the side in skepticism. The formidable Jin-so-un cataloging student data out of pure ‘affection’? If they were talking about the man he had come to know.

“Did he not commit it all to memory to ensure he was prepared for the moment they turned into his adversaries? Representative Jin was undoubtedly calculating a scenario where he had to combat the entire student body single-handedly.”

Indeed, that was far more likely. Because Jin-so-un was a calculated individual who was entirely capable of such foresight. Suddenly registering that the exchange had fallen completely silent, he turned his gaze to discover Il-gak studying him with an intense, unblinking stare. What in the world, why was the monk peering at him with that particular expression?

“Cheol Si-ju, I have been waiting for the appropriate moment to share this with you……”

Il-gak spoke with a tone of profound, genuine worry.

“It is deeply unhealthy to view the world through such a cynical lens.”

“Where is this sudden lecture coming from……”

“For if you perceive reality through the vision of a fiend, the world transforms into a living hell. Nurture the heart of a Buddha within yourself. Only then will the world reveal itself as the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.”

“……”

Who exactly was he labeling a fiend? He possessed more than a dozen concrete examples to demonstrate that Jin-so-un was entirely devoid of a gentle nature, yet he chose to hold his tongue. Not only was there a complete lack of time for such meaningless banter given their situation, but—

“Is there an issue with my face?”

—Il-gak’s eyes were radiating a glow that was far too intense. ……Even brighter than the sheen on his smooth head.

“……No. I suppose that interpretation is within the realm of possibility.”

Cheol-sun-jik felt as though he finally comprehended why Il-gak fell completely under Jin-so-un’s sway at every turn.

The element I dedicated the highest level of care to while structuring the entire force was our wounded contingent. Regarding the casualties belonging to the high-ranking clans, a fair number had achieved a moderate level of healing because their respective sects possessed specialized internal recovery methods; conversely, for the minor factions that lacked such advanced arts, I personally bound their lacerations using the absolute limit of emergency medical techniques.

Fighters who possessed the physical capacity to sprint and whose trauma was relatively minor were designated to join the frontline vanguard. To the individuals who retained full mobility, I assigned the sole responsibility of hoisting those who were incapacitated onto their backs. I confiscated every single weapon belonging to the non-combatant wounded. The gathered armaments were redistributed to the warriors who had lost their own gear during the prior skirmishes or whose blades had shattered. To the individuals whose main weapons were confiscated, I provided basic throwing knives and a heavy iron broadsword for last-resort defense to utilize in case of extreme emergency. Naturally, if they ever found themselves forced to draw those heavy broadswords, it would mean our entire line had collapsed, so I internally prayed they would remain untouched.

Under normal circumstances at the Murim Academy, a radical reshuffling like this would have faced insurmountable resistance, but given their current binding oaths of total compliance, the entire operation proceeded without a single hitch.

‘These prideful bastards who value their precious reputations above all else are incredibly simple to manage in crises like this.’

An hour and a half had ticked away since the cowards abandoned us and fled. I was maintaining the unit in a state of quiet readiness, waiting for the anticipated signal. Right at that moment.

“Excuse me, Commander!”

The **2nd Squad Leader (I-dae-ju)** Nam-hwa-seong abruptly thrust his arm into the air. This particular idiot, who had been grinning foolishly without even grasping what dangerous objective the 2nd Squad would be tasked with, now raised an inquiry with an incredibly grave expression.

“Seeing as we have established an official military unit, it is only proper that we give it a name, is it not!”

“A name?”

“These warriors have gone so far as to abandon their prestigious titles as academy students to serve as mere unit members; they deserve to at least understand what banner they are fighting under!”

Well, did his logic possess a shred of merit? When I thought about it, even the sacrificial meat-shield division members back then had grown fiercely attached to the title ‘Achieving Justice in a Small Way.’ I cast my eyes upward toward the horizon. The sun was dipping low, casting dim shadows. It was certain that the upcoming signal would flash with absolute clarity once the light ignited.

“Devise a name yourself.”

“I—I am permitted to name it? Ahem.”

Nam-hwa-seong fell into deep, agonizing concentration as though the fate of the world rested on the choice, before cautiously offering his idea.

“Ahem…… what about the Ja-saeng-dan (Self-Survival Unit)?”

个人“……”

My fundamental error was placing any modicum of faith in Nam-hwa-seong’s cognitive abilities……

“Ja-saeng-dan bears far too close a phonetic resemblance to Ja-sal-dan (Suicide Unit). Might I propose the Saeng-hwan-dan (Return Alive Unit) as an alternative?”

What was wrong with this one’s brain as well? Cheol-sun-jik, who normally avoided such trivial matters, chimed in with an incredibly earnest face. Is this ridiculous naming convention truly the most critical issue demanding our attention right now……

“That title carries an ominous undertone, as if we are wishing for individuals who have already perished to return from the grave…… Hmmm, how do you feel about the Jeong-do-dan (Righteous Path Unit)……”

“Drop it!”
“Keep your mouth shut!”

Following that, the **4th Squad Leader (Sa-dae-ju)** Gwak-su-san attempted to voice his own recommendation but was instantly shouted down by the others, forcing him to close his mouth in embarrassment. Right at that second.

“Um……”

The logistic support force’s **6th Squad Leader (Yuk-dae-ju)** Nam-gung-seon-hwa timidly raised her hand to speak.

“Sa-hwal (Life and Death), what are your thoughts on Sa-hwal-dan?”

A sudden hush enveloped the immediate area. Before long, as if every warrior present was testing the phrase on their tongue, quiet murmurs began to ripple through the crowd like a synchronized chant. And then.

“It is a title that perfectly encapsulates our current plight, being stranded precisely at the dividing line of life and death.”

“It sounds excellent!”

“I throw my full support behind the 6th Squad Leader’s recommendation!”

One after another, the leaders raised their hands in approval, letting out soft, tense chuckles. In this manner, the designation of our force was officially settled. Everyone exchanged glances while silently whispering the unit’s new name to themselves. That brief moment of unity lasted only a heartbeat before a terrifying, piercing sound sliced through the dense woods.

*Beeeeeeeeeek—*
*Pop.*

A crimson flare sparked weakly against the darkness before instantly burning out. Every single soul present understood the terrifying meaning behind that specific color. As though the lighthearted banter from seconds ago had been nothing but an illusion, a wave of cold dread threatened to choke the atmosphere once more. I fixed my gaze on the dark sky where the fading trail of the crimson light lingered.

“We deploy.”

I snapped my head down, locking my eyes directly with the gathered members of the unit.

“Sa-hwal-dan.”

A fierce, localized fire began to ignite within eyes that had been on the verge of surrendering to panic.

“Understood!”
“Understood.”
“Understood!!!”

Triggered by that collective roar, the various squads sprang into motion. Are we truly resting at the crossroads of life and death? We shall see about that. I will personally ensure we tear our way out of this trap, even if it kills us.