Chapter 381

Chapter 381
## Chapter 381. The Overflowing Waves (6)

—

In my past life, the first cracks in the unity of the Murim Alliance appeared during the Sichuan Blood Affair. Because the Alliance wavered and hesitated to take action, the Blood Cult managed to completely seize control of the Sichuan region. The panicked Alliance scrambled to respond when it was already too late, resulting in devastating casualties not just for their own forces, but for the entire White Path Murim of Sichuan as well.

This disaster triggered an intense, bitter rivalry between the *Baekdo-hoe* (White Path Association), led by the Sichuan-based Tang Clan, and the *Jeongdo-hoe* (Righteous Path Association), which comprised the Nine Schools and One Gang. Their escalating conflict, which had been stretched to a breaking point, fractured into an absolute division upon the assassination of Zhuge-so-myeong. His demise meant the loss of the only central figure capable of balancing the friction between these opposing factions.

While Hyeok-mu-gang served as the visible, prominent figurehead of the Murim Alliance, it was Zhuge-so-myeong who worked in the background, subtly managing the intricate web of power dynamics across the *Gangho*. His passing plunged the entire *Gangho* into mourning, while simultaneously triggering the inevitable collapse of the Murim Alliance.

The militarization of the Martial Pavilions, an outcome Zhuge-so-myeong had desperately attempted to avert, began almost immediately after his breath left him. Eventually, this internal strife led to the aggressive purging of rival faction members from the existing Martial Pavilions. As these pavilions transformed into independent partisan strongholds, the Alliance shifted from a unified, centralized authority into a loose coalition of private groups. Consequently, internal and external rivalries within the Murim Alliance grew brutally cutthroat.

By the time the Murim Alliance had decayed past the point of salvation, the Demon Cult stepped out from the shadows to launch its campaign to subjugate the *Gangho*.

‘……Which means that same catastrophic future is beginning to unfold once more.’

Although the graduation ceremony was an occasion that should have brought joy to everyone and concluded without a hitch, I found myself unable to celebrate alongside my fellow sect members. Even putting aside my upcoming placement at the White Wolf Pavilion, my mind was in turmoil because the fate of Zhuge-so-myeong—a death I believed I had successfully averted—was shifting back onto its original tracks.

In my previous life, Je-geum-hak and the Ghost Five (*Yuryeong-oma*) were the ones who murdered Zhuge-so-myeong. Yet, the Je-geum-hak of this timeline was already dead, killed by my own hands. Was eliminating Je-geum-hak simply not enough to alter Zhuge-so-myeong’s destiny? If that was the case, who had stepped forward to take his place now that he was gone?

Even if a direct substitute hadn’t materialized, the current circumstances remained exceptionally perilous. I recalled the Flame Marauder Ghost-Eye Unit (*Yeom-ma-gwi-an-dae*) that I fought when I went to save Moyong-sang-won. The Ghost Five were an elite group chosen from that very division, composed of killers whose successful assassinations numbered in the hundreds. The appearance of one member meant the remaining four were undoubtedly already hidden in the area. To make matters worse, I had no idea what disguises those other four were using.

A chilling dread crept through my veins as I realized I might have to face a hopeless reality because the most critical turning point of the future remained unchanged. Just as I felt myself slipping into despair and paralysis from the mounting terror—

*Slap!*

Clenching my jaw, I struck both sides of my face with my hands. The sharp sting on my cheeks forced my awareness back into focus. The battle wasn’t over. In fact, it hadn’t truly commenced.

‘I won’t let it happen.’

I had no intention of standing idly by while the Murim Alliance tore itself apart following the murder of Zhuge-so-myeong. For what reason had I struggled to get to this point? One by one, I gathered the gear I had set aside for the graduation event. I pulled on the Thousand-year Sky Silk Garment (*Cheon-jam-bo-ui*) and readied the Flying Dragon Claw (*Biryong-jo*). After sliding on the Red Phoenix Ring (*Jeok-bong-hwan*) and securing the Predator Gauntlet (*Po-sik-gap*), I adjusted my sleeves to hide them. Finally, I fastened the Red Light Sword (*Jeok-gwang-geom*) to my hip.

I hardened my resolve. If they were determined to execute their scheme with such ruthless malice, I would match them with absolute, unrelenting defiance. Having spent the majority of my past life consumed by the bitter poison of hopelessness and grief, there was no way I would let them win this time. I reinforced my determination once more.

—

The Wuhan Branch of the *Ha-o-mun*.

“Take a look at this…… these are the movements over the last twenty-four hours of the target you requested we follow.”

The branch manager handed me a document detailing the movements of one of the Ghost Five. The moment I spotted the operative a day ago, I contacted the *Ha-o-mun* to arrange a tail. Because of that quick action, a map tracking his path had already been assembled.

“I apologize for making such a sudden demand.”

The manager dismissed my concern with a wave of his hand.

“Do not worry about it. For a request coming from our ‘Guest’ (*Sik-gaek*), this is a simple matter.”

“Even so, I appreciate it.”

I proffered a small bag of coins, but he pushed it back across the table toward me, offering a question instead:

“……If I may, could you tell me who this individual actually is?”

He was asking for information in lieu of monetary payment. I hesitated to give an answer, knowing I could not reveal anything concerning that target. If I became the origin point for information regarding the future, that knowledge would inevitably twist back around to endanger me later on.

Without a word, I slid the bag of coins back toward the branch manager. Understanding the refusal immediately, he slipped the pouch into his robes.

“Forgive me for bringing up an inappropriate question.”

“You were only doing your job, there is no need to apologize.”

Scanning through the surveillance log, I locked onto the identities of the prominent individuals listed.

“This man…… what business does he have with Wudang?”

Nearly everyone the target had interacted with throughout the day possessed ties to the Wudang Sect. The branch manager gave me a puzzled look, as if surprised by my question.

“Weren’t you already aware that the target you asked us to track is Song-baek-pung-sa, a secular follower of the Wudang Sect?”

“……That man was Song-baek-pung-sa?”

“You truly did not know?”

I had been entirely unaware. To think that individual was Song-baek-pung-sa. To think that Song-baek-pung-sa was actually…… a member of the Ghost Five. Then again, during my past life, I was merely an inexperienced novice who had only just reached the Murim Alliance, and several years had passed before I ever heard about Song-baek-pung-sa’s ‘disappearance.’

“If this target holds that much significance, I can deploy additional operatives to assist.”

As I sat there silently processing the grim situation, the manager’s proposal made me look up sharply.

“What exactly do you mean by that?”

“Well…… it carries some risk, but we could establish surveillance on every single person he interacts with. And subsequently, keep eyes on everyone those individuals meet as well.”

“Can your organization manage that?”

“We can make it happen if the Young Master (*Gong-ja*) commands it.”

I paused to reflect on the option. If Song-baek-pung-sa belonged to the Ghost Five and intended to orchestrate the murder of Zhuge-so-myeong alongside his comrades…… he would bound to meet with the ‘other Ghost Five’ in person to coordinate. However, given the massive number of people he had already encountered today, tracking every single contact would place an immense strain on our resources, no matter how we approached it.

To find them in the quickest, most practical manner……

“For the time being, please disregard any direct followers of the Wudang Sect. Apply the same exception to high-ranking bureaucrats who have relocated to the capital, as well as their kin.”

“If I may venture a guess…… would it be accurate to assume that Song-baek-pung-sa is not who he claims to be?”

“…….”

“It sounds as though you are searching for individuals whose true identities are far simpler to mask.”

As expected of someone running a branch of the *Ha-o-mun*, his perception was incredibly sharp. Since this detail wasn’t perilous to confirm, I gave a brief nod.

“That is accurate.”

“I may not know the full details, but it sounds like you are dealing with a highly volatile individual or crisis.”

“Yes. Therefore, please instruct your people to avoid taking unnecessary risks so that no bystanders are caught in the crossfire.”

“I will ensure they exercise extreme caution.”

—

Although I had enlisted the aid of the *Ha-o-mun*, I wasn’t entirely confident that the Ghost Five would trip over their web of watchers. In fact, focusing so heavily on that specific angle left me feeling increasingly anxious that Zhuge-so-myeong might be assassinated through a blind spot I had missed. The sheer unpredictability of those killers always outstripped any precautions the Murim Alliance devised.

The most agonizing part of the situation was that I was the sole person aware of the impending doom, and there were far too many angles I needed to cover all by myself.

‘Should I just throw caution to the wind and shadow the Chief Strategist constantly?’

Naturally, staying by his side through all twelve double-hours would give me the greatest peace of mind, but such a plan was unrealistic. Not only would he dismiss any warnings that his life was in jeopardy, but he was also hardly the type to permit an Academy student to linger constantly in his presence.

To put it plainly, when Zhuge-so-myeong perished in the past, nobody suspected foul play from an outsider. The Murim Alliance was protected by countless defensive formations, thousands of martial arts experts lived within its bounds, and hundreds of sentries kept watch through all twelve double-hours. Furthermore, with a personal security detail of more than four elite guardians flanking Zhuge-so-myeong at all times, who would ever suspect an external assassin could infiltrate them? This misconception only served to turn everyone against one another in mutual suspicion.

Ultimately, the most viable method to stay close to Zhuge-so-myeong for an extended period was to join the Bureau of Infinite Information (*Mantong-bu*)…… but it would look ridiculous for me to be placed there, considering I hadn’t even sat for the examination after declaring I had no interest in joining the *Mantong-bu*. Even if Eun-ho, who had botched his own exam, managed against all odds to secure a position within the *Mantong-bu*, he lacked the capability to handle opponents like the Ghost Five.

Just as my thoughts were tying themselves into painful knots from the endless cycle of unresolvable dilemmas—

“What is causing you to look so deeply troubled?”

An unexpected voice broke through my thoughts.

“……Sunbae Dang? *Ugh*……”

Before I could react, a piece of candy was shoved into my mouth.

“Whenever your thoughts are tangled, consuming something sweet helps (*-geos-iya*).”

“……What brings you here?”

“I came to observe your graduation. Make sure to chew it completely (*-geos-iya*).”

To think she brought candy as a token for graduation. The only individual capable of pulling off such an unusual gesture without opposition was Dang-seo-hui…….

‘Wait?!’

In that instant, a sudden realization struck me like a flash of lightning.

“Sunbae Dang!”

“……Why are you staring at me like that (*-geos-iya*)?”

Sensing an unusual shift in my demeanor, Dang-seo-hui instinctively retreated two steps, behaving like a cautious wild cat. I realized I had reacted too eagerly. She was someone who could be swayed to assist, provided I approached the conversation with the right perspective.

“Sunbae Dang. In your eyes, what defines a true hero (*Hyeop-gaek*)?”

“A hero?”

Hearing my earnest tone, Dang-seo-hui halted her retreat and froze in place.

“Can someone who merely flings utensils at lowlifes causing trouble in some tavern truly earn the title of a genuine hero?”

“……Are you implying that I am not a hero (*-geos-iya*)?”

“Not at all. Sunbae Dang is undoubtedly a hero. However, what I mean is that you haven’t yet reached the level of a ‘true’ hero.”

“…….”

Looking at the disgruntled expression on Dang-seo-hui’s face, I began to recount the tale of the Pa-gung from my past life—specifically, Moyong-jae-hwa.

“That person…… sacrificed himself for the sake of everyone in a place hidden from view, without uttering a single word of complaint. Would you not consider someone like that to be a true hero?”

stir in her eyes, showing that she had even forgotten about the candy she was eating, I knew my point had hit home.

‘This is going to work.’

The surge of relief at my bizarre gamble paying off was momentary. I instantly smoothed my features into a grave expression and waited, letting Dang-seo-hui absorb the desire to become a true hero.

Just as anticipated, Dang-seo-hui, completely distracted from her treats, gazed back at me with focused, glittering eyes and inquired:

“What actions must I take…… to transform into a true hero (*-geos-iya*)?”

Suppressing a smirk that threatened to break across my face, I answered her, emphasizing every single word.

“From this moment forward, do not permit the Chief Strategist to leave your sight for even a single moment.”

“What is the reason?”

“I am unable to disclose that to you. It is a highly sensitive matter.”

For a brief second, Dang-seo-hui’s gaze flickered with uncertainty. I stepped forward, placing my hands firmly on her shoulders to look her straight in the eye.

“A true hero might not be privy to every detail, but they burn their own life away without a word of complaint.”

Slowly, the uncertainty cleared from Dang-seo-hui’s bright eyes as she found her resolve. I tightened my grip slightly on her shoulders.

“Are you prepared to transform yourself into a true hero?”

“Yes!! I am!!!”

Dang-seo-hui nodded her head emphatically in agreement.

“…….”

*Tsk*, why do I still feel a lingering sense of unease? If it was Dang-seo-hui, her constant presence around Zhuge-so-myeong wouldn’t raise any eyebrows. To begin with, Dang-seo-hui was a singular, unpredictable force who possessed just enough eccentricity to act so boldly…… cough.

Furthermore, her martial capabilities were beyond question. To put it another way, she represented the perfect foil to counter any assassination plot devised by the Ghost Five. Considering all factors, Dang-seo-hui was the only viable shield available to me right now.

‘Yes, Sunbae Dang is the only option.’

Dismissing my lingering doubts, I gave Dang-seo-hui’s shoulders an encouraging pat.

“The *Gangho* will forever remember the noble actions of Great Hero (*Dae-hyeop*) Dang!”

“Great…… Hero……?!!!”

“Your deeds will never be forgotten! Great Hero Dang!!”

“Understood!”

Dang-seo-hui took about five proud, sweeping strides in the direction of the *Mantong-bu* before grinding to an abrupt halt. What was wrong now? Surely she hadn’t forgotten the layout of the grounds…….

“……Where do you think you are going?”

Right then, a freezing voice cut through the air toward us. She shifted her gaze toward the man standing directly in her path.

“That, that is a confidential matter (*-geos-iya*)……”

“I distinctly heard you mention the *Mantong-bu*.”

Dang-seo-hui turned back to look at me, her expression completely panicked. What are you doing, Great Hero, losing your composure so transparently? Letting out a weary sigh, I addressed the man directly.

“I would deeply appreciate it if you stayed out of concerns that do not involve you.”

That irritating countenance hadn’t changed one bit.

“Yong-so-ah.”