Chapter 389

Chapter 389
## Chapter 389. The Surprise Attack (7)

—

Who would drop off a missive in such a bizarre fashion? Initially, I suspected a practical joke, but I quickly dismissed that notion for two specific reasons. Had the goal simply been to mock the “Black Flame Dragon” moniker, they wouldn’t have provided a note consisting entirely of a cryptic sequence of numbers.

The second reason lay in the instructions themselves.

> Do not deliver if I return; deliver if I do not return.

This indicated that the individual requesting the delivery knew from the very beginning that they might not—or rather, could not—make it back. The fact that they directed an encoded message specifically to me suggested a strong likelihood that it was someone I had associated with recently. Reflecting on the people around me of late, almost all of them had arrived in Wuhan; none had departed. Therefore, the chance that this sender had journeyed beyond Wuhan was highly unlikely.

‘If that is the case……’

In the end, it had to be someone who had entered Wuhan but was now unable to return to this particular establishment. That individual was the one who had left this item and the correspondence. The only person matching all these parameters was……

‘Dam-ak!’

If anyone had entered Wuhan but possessed a compelling reason for not returning to the tavern, it could only be the Chief Strategist of the Black Path Alliance. Moreover, there was the deliberate use of the nickname “Black Flame Dragon.” If so, what urged him to leave this communication behind?

‘He is summoning me.’

He intended for me to navigate the mechanical formation he had set up inside the Murim Alliance. The dilemma was that even knowing his objective, I couldn’t simply comply. If he wanted me to infiltrate the formation, he ought to have detailed the proper way to enter; what was I supposed to accomplish with nothing but these incomprehensible digits?

‘I didn’t think he was that type, but he really operates without a backup plan.’

This is the classic pitfall of intellectuals. They assume that if a solution is obvious to them, it must be equally apparent to everyone else. Refusing to submit to the arrogant assumptions of a genius, I sought an alternative. As luck would have it, another intellect on par with Dam-ak had recently arrived in Wuhan. Furthermore, we shared a close bond.

“……*Hyung-nim*……”

Regardless of our camaraderie, I felt a wave of guilt for disrupting his sleep in the dead of night.

“……*Hyung-nim*.”

Zhuge-cheon-gi stumbled toward me, his eyelids heavy, and slumped into my arms in a sleepy daze.

“Cheon-gi, are you asleep?”

“……No, *Hyung-nim*.”

Cheon-gi mumbled sluggishly, rubbing his eyes before offering a bright, genuine grin.

“Did you come over because you missed your younger brother in the middle of the night?”

Meeting his expectant look, I found myself nodding reflexively.

“Y-yes. Precisely.”

“I am deeply touched, *Hyung-nim*.”

Zhuge-cheon-gi buried his face against my chest once more. You little rogue, you aren’t planning to go right back to sleep like this, are you? Time is of the essence for me right now. I gently tapped his back to shake him from his slumber.

“Cheon-gi, I apologize, but…… could you look over this?”

“What is that?”

As I handed the leather piece to Cheon-gi, the fog in his eyes dissolved, replaced by sharp focus.

“Why do you have this in your possession, *Hyung-nim*?”

“Do you recognize it?”

“This is *Gwang-wol-su*.”

“*Gwang-wol-su*?”

Cheon-gi nodded emphatically and launched into a detailed explanation.

“Are mechanical formations not essentially the art of distorting natural order to generate illusions? Within that framework, there are specific mathematical principles (*Su-ri*) that are routinely utilized.”

“And this represents one of those formulas?”

“The mathematical principles predominantly utilized by the Zhuge Clan are aggregated into roughly five distinct categories, such as the Five Elements Numbers, Yin-Yang Numbers, and Heaven-Earth Numbers. Among those, *Gwang-wol-su* is a calculation frequently employed by the Black Path Murim when designing mechanical formations or arrays of swords.”

Just as I suspected, my intuition had been accurate. The note had undoubtedly originated from Dam-ak. Is it a universal rule that brilliant minds can read each other?

“Then, can you locate the Life Gate within the array using this?”

“What specific formation are we dealing with?”

“I have no idea.”

“…….”

Ever since the raid on the Bong-an Hall, that entire zone had been entirely locked down.

“Even when mechanical formations utilize identical mathematical principles, they can be set up in vastly diverse configurations. Furthermore, it is standard practice to conceal the foundational numbers in the innermost core……”

He was explaining that it was an impossible task. As a quiet sigh of letdown escaped me, Cheon-gi inquired carefully.

“Is it…… absolutely vital that you go inside?”

To be honest, it was difficult to evaluate the situation precisely. If Dam-ak had set it up, he should have been capable of dismantling it himself. If it weren’t something that could be easily neutralized, he wouldn’t have left such a clue behind. If that were the case, Dam-ak ought to have been able to escape on his own accord, so why was he explicitly instructing me to infiltrate?

He was a man who, in both his past and present lives, meticulously mapped out every single contingency to prepare for any eventuality. The parcel delivered by the messenger boy was surely one of the many safety measures he had arranged. Therefore, if it were him, without a doubt.

‘He foresaw a scenario where my entry would become absolutely necessary.’

I grew intrigued. Recognizing the reality of the Demon Cult and knowing the path the Black Path Alliance and the Murim Alliance needed to take, what drove him to summon me inside specifically? Regardless of his motives.

“I must go in.”

I had no choice. Cheon-gi, reading the unyielding resolve in my gaze, nodded.

“Then, there is a singular method.”

“What is it?”

The youth paused for a brief moment, staring directly into my eyes.

“You must let me come with you.”

“…….”

Uh…… that is crossing a line.

—

What I was attempting was an incredibly hazardous endeavor.

“…….”

Reflecting on the past, it wasn’t as though my actions were ever particularly safe, but this specific undertaking carried immense risk. I had to illicitly infiltrate a restricted zone of the Murim Alliance, and on top of that, bring Zhuge-cheon-gi along. Dragging a *Saje* into a rogue operation posed an ethical dilemma, but the fact that the Chief Strategist was Cheon-gi’s grandfather made it an even greater complication.

“Is there truly no alternative?”

Cheon-gi, blinking as he observed me, replied casually.

“If you were to commit to memory all thirty variants of mechanical formations and twenty types of sword formations derived from *Gwang-wol-su*, it might mitigate the danger slightly, but well.”

The boy dismissed the option using ironclad logic. Memorization wasn’t the hurdle; the sheer amount of time required was the issue. Moreover, this wasn’t a scenario where I could leisurely deconstruct the array while making my entry.

Hmm, what path to take……. Even after debating the issue repeatedly, in the end, a solitary option remained. I clamped a hand tightly onto his shoulder.

“This is an enterprise that might feel somewhat perilous and a bit outside the law.”

“Don’t tell me…… are you intending to pillage a Black Path sect? You absolutely cannot! I would rather increase my workload to secure the funds for you, *Hyung-nim*.”

“…….”

What exactly does this boy take me for? No, what do all my *Saje* think I do in my spare time?

“It is nothing of the sort.”

“A-ah, that hurts, *Hyung-nim*……”

Apologies, it seemed I had inadvertently applied far too much pressure to his shoulder. I gradually loosened my grip and patted his hair.

“Our destination is the Murim Alliance.”

“By any chance, do you mean the Bong-an Hall?”

“Yes.”

“It must involve a matter of great gravity.”

Cheon-gi nodded, appearing to reach a sudden understanding.

‘What? What does he think he understands?’

While I tilted my head in confusion, the boy squeezed his small fist tight.

“Understood. I shall stand by your side, *Hyung-nim*.”

“No, what exactly do you think you understand?”

“To be perfectly candid, I am not entirely certain what your objective is. However, whatever the task may be, I am fully aware that you would never engage in something unrighteous, *Hyung-nim*.”

“…….”

Didn’t you literally just accuse me of planning a robbery?

“Kindly give me a brief moment. I will change into attire suited for stealth.”

“No, hold on, you actually own a stealth suit……?”

I couldn’t fathom why he possessed such clothing, but Cheon-gi vanished before I could even demand an answer. I fretted over it for a second but quickly abandoned the worry. After all, only one path lay before us now anyway.

‘Since this is to avert a massive conflict, the Chief Strategist will surely overlook this minor transgression, right?’

For a fleeting second, the icy glare of Zhuge-so-myeong flashed in my mind, but I quickly pushed the thought away.

—

The destination I departed for alongside Zhuge-cheon-gi, who had donned his stealth attire (which consisted merely of a dark martial robe and a cloth mask, though I instructed him to discard the mask since it drew too much attention), was the private quarters, rather than the Murim Alliance.

“Weren’t we supposed to make our way to the Bong-an Hall?”

“Is the guard presence not incredibly strict?”

“I have mastered a fair degree of stealth methodologies myself.”

I am well aware, and your martial prowess surpasses that of most peers. However, at this very moment, the Murim Alliance’s defensive posture is at its absolute peak. Every guard is on high alert, waiting for anyone foolish enough to breach the boundary lines. Such rigorous security could never be bypassed easily, and we would undoubtedly face a massive disaster if apprehended. Consequently, a more secure strategy was required.

*Slide.*

Pushing open the door to the quarters and stepping inside, I found exactly what I expected: Dang-seo-hui was fast asleep, drooling directly onto the wooden table. I carefully closed the distance and rested a hand on her shoulder.

*Tap.*

In that instant, utterly belying her seemingly deep slumber, her free hand locked down my wrist, while three sizeable needles gripped between her fingers glinted in the dim light, suddenly hovering mere millimeters from my throat.

*Gulp.*

I could feel the biting cold of the metal tickling the skin of my neck.

“*Mmm*…… is that you, Junior Jin (*-geos-iya*)?”

Dang-seo-hui identified me, her eyes still struggling to open fully.

“Yes, it is me.”

“*Yawn*…… I mistook you for an infiltrator (*-geos-iya*).”

To think I was being treated like a prowler in my own residence. Since it was trivial, I dismissed it for the moment and addressed Dang-seo-hui as she retracted her weapons:

“I require your assistance, *Sunbae* Dang.”

“……I am exhausted (*-geos-iya*).”

Dang-seo-hui averted her gaze and glued her face right back to the table. As anticipated, a direct appeal was entirely ineffective.

“The moment has arrived to transform into a genuine champion of justice.”

“…….”

Dang-seo-hui twitched and hoisted her head up. However, her eyes remained half-shut just as before.

“*Yawn*…… I am already a genuine champion (*-geos-iya*).”

With those words, Dang-seo-hui buried her face once more. Anticipating this exact response, I had brought an incentive. At the sound of a distinct crinkling, Dang-seo-hui’s ears twitched, and her eyes snapped wide open.

“……What is that item (*-geos-iya*)?”

“Are you familiar with Bak Family Snow Crackers (*Bak-ga-seol-byeong*)?”

“B-Bak Family……! The ones that are constantly depleted before I can ever purchase them……”

I gave an enthusiastic nod.

“Indeed. These are those exact treats.”

Dang-seo-hui’s eyes began to gleam with intensity. I quickly hoisted the package aloft, evading her grasping hand.

“I-I desire for you to surrender them to me (*-geos-iya*).”

Dang-seo-hui strained upward on her tiptoes. I intentionally lowered the treats, letting them brush past her fingers for a fleeting second.

“G-give them here (*-geos-iya*)……”

I jerked them high out of reach again.

“Not without a trade.”

“T-then……?”

“Render your assistance for a particular task.”

“What sort of undertaking are you referring to (*-geos-iya*)?”

“We must gain entry to the Bong-an Hall.”

“…….”

Dang-seo-hui’s expression turned instantly solemn.

“Are you intending to slip inside illicitly (*-geos-iya*)?”

“Yes. We must infiltrate without being detected.”

“Engaging in unlawful behavior is strictly forbidden (*-geos-iya*).”

“A true champion is someone who must occasionally execute deeds that draw the criticism of the masses. All of this is entirely for the greater good.”

“…….”

Dang-seo-hui’s gaze flickered as she wrestled with the moral dilemma. At that exact moment, Zhuge-cheon-gi whispered softly under his breath.

“……*Hyung-nim*, is that lady not the renowned Hundred-Handed Spirit Maiden? Can such a ridiculous argument truly sway a person of her stature?”

“Cheon-gi. When attempting to sway an individual, the logical structure isn’t what matters most. It is the specific sentiment you connect with.”

“What does that even……”

“Observe intently.”

I deliberately shifted my fingers to elicit another loud rustle from the wrapping. Hearing this, Dang-seo-hui, who looked back and forth between the crackers and my expression, finally gave a resolute nod.

“All of this is for the sake of the *Gangho* (*-geos-iya*)……”

While Zhuge-cheon-gi watched in sheer disbelief, I responded instantly.

“The *Gangho* shall forever remember Great Hero Dang’s monumental sacrifice!!”

Before another word could be spoken, the package vanished from my fingers and was instantly secured in Dang-seo-hui’s grasp.

—

Upon entering the grounds of the Murim Alliance, we directed our steps toward the peripheral sectors. The defensive grid was incredibly tight, yet no sentry impeded our progress with Dang-seo-hui navigating the route ahead. Before arriving at the Bong-an Hall, we melted into the darkness to evade detection. Leaving Zhuge-cheon-gi, whose capacity to mask his presence was comparatively unrefined, stationed behind, Dang-seo-hui and I crept up to the perimeter wall of the Bong-an Hall.

Dang-seo-hui extracted three mother-of-pearl containers from within her clothing.

“……*Sunbae* Dang, you must avoid lethal force. They are on our side.”

Dang-seo-hui glared at me with an irritated expression.

“One must administer Forgetfulness Grass and Paralysis Grass in tandem (*-geos-iya*). If they realize they are drifting off to sleep, they will deduce an intrusion has occurred (*-geos-iya*).”

*Tsk*, I was foolishly attempting to lecture an expert in their own craft. I clamped my mouth shut.

*Sniff, sniff.*

Dang-seo-hui shut her eyes and tilted her face upward, catching the air. Then, after mimicking the act of tracking an invisible current completely hidden from my vision, she slowly unsealed the mother-of-pearl containers.

*Slide.*

In accordance with Dang-seo-hui’s glowing hands, a pale vapor began to slowly drift from the three vessels, permeating the entire vicinity of the Bong-an Hall. The eyelids of the guards, who had been scanning the perimeter with razor-sharp focus, began to droop heavily. Shortly after, their eyes sealed shut completely, their postures freezing mid-stance.

“The task is complete (*-geos-iya*).”

Gently patting Dang-seo-hui’s head in approval, I prepared to signal Cheon-gi so we could scale the wall and access the interior of the Bong-an Hall.

*Swish—*

Dang-seo-hui fell into step right alongside us.

“We shall handle the interior ourselves.”

“How do you intend to exit when the task is concluded (*-geos-iya*)? Do you plan to walk out while alerting the entire compound (*-geos-iya*)?”

Her logic was irrefutable. My hesitation lasted only a second, and action followed immediately. It would be absurd to reject her assistance when the entire operation was already an illicit secret. I offered a quick nod and spurred my body forward once more.

Stepping into the Bong-an Hall, we encountered a bizarre sight: the Alliance personnel had succumbed to slumber while remaining completely upright. For someone like me, who had only ever witnessed targets collapse into a heap when exposed to sleeping agents, it was an incredibly impressive display.

‘The legitimate heir who inherited the profound legacy of the Poison King…….’

Bypassing the eerie statues of sleeping guards, we advanced toward the detached pavilion.

*Whirrrr—*

The mechanical formation in question was actively churning, releasing a dense, dark vapor.

“Can you manage this?”

“…….”

Zhuge-cheon-gi, fully aware that every passing second was critical, extracted several uniquely shaped implements and began calculating rapidly in his head, bypassing the need for writing materials entirely. After a brief interlude, he plunged his hand into a section of the vapor, and the moment the boy took a step forward.

*Whoosh—*

A segment of the cloud dissipated, exposing a clear path inward.

“From this point onward, you must track my movements precisely.”

With Zhuge-cheon-gi spearheading the advance, we began to carefully navigate the treacherous array. I had to physically restrain Dang-seo-hui multiple times as she repeatedly attempted to poke at the surroundings. The environment shared a striking resemblance to the *Muryang-bul-goe-myeol-hon-jin*, characterized by an absolute blackness where the path even an inch ahead remained entirely obscured. Cheon-gi forged the path sequence by sequence, continuously cross-referencing his instruments with the leather note.

I lost track of how much time slipped away.

“*Hyung-nim*, we have arrived at our destination.”

We broke through to the terminus of the mechanical formation.

“Allow me to go first.”

Stepping forward while bracing myself for a worst-case scenario, just in case.

*Swoosh.*

The surrounding vapors vanished into thin air, and the detached pavilion materialized clearly before us. And positioned dead center.

“……You took your time. Young Master Jin.”

Dam-ak, who appeared noticeably more gaunt than before, was observing me with an unreadable expression, his hands clasped behind his back. Just as I prepared to approach him, overwhelmed with relief and joy that he had survived.

*Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang.*

In a flash, an array of swords and sabers cleared their scabbards, their points directed straight at my companions and me. These individuals were explicitly not members of the Alliance, but rather combatants belonging to the Black Path Alliance. They were openly radiating a raw, unbridled malice. Following the display, a voice dropped low, mirroring the heavy mist around us.

“Are you prepared to suffer the consequences for the actions of the Murim Alliance?”