Chapter 396

Chapter 396
## Chapter 396. Personal Revenge (6)

—

The hour when dawn breaks. Across the landscape surrounding Wuhan in Hubei Province, cries signaling the morning resonated from all directions.

*Swaaaa-ek—*

As the Thirty-Six Jade Void Swords (Ok-heo-sam-sip-yuk-geom) of the Emei Sect rained down with the intensity of a lightning strike, Cheol Sun-jik narrowly evaded the blade, pivoted his torso halfway, and unleashed a burst of Qi.

*Pe-pung!*

Surprised by Cheol Sun-jik’s sudden retaliation, the fighter, evidently a disciple of the Emei Sect, swiftly shifted his gaze to locate his opponent. However, Cheol Sun-jik had already vanished into the blind spot of his field of vision.

“Kindly take a short break.”

*Pe-peok!*

“Geu-uk!”

The Emei warrior collapsed instantly like a marionette with severed lines, completely stripped of any opportunity to retaliate. Cheol Sun-jik then took a moment to inspect his own physical condition. Though he appeared to dispatch his foes effortlessly, deep lacerations marred his arms and legs.

“This is quite different from a duel (bi-mu).”

In truth, because he had never anticipated a scenario where he would trade blows with members of the Nine Great Sects and One Gang—who were essentially comrades—outside of a formal challenge, the injuries were considerably worse. Naturally, his adversaries possessed formidable strength as well.

Who could have possibly predicted that Cheol Sun-jik of the Juk-hyeon-bang—a figure from the 108 Peaks, and specifically counted among the 12 Peak Stars—would find a reason to combat the Jeong-do-hoe, and the elite forces of the Nine Great Sects and One Gang, with everything he had? It went beyond mere absurdity; it was a bizarre and distant reality.

And yet, this ridiculous circumstance had materialized solely because of Jin So-un.

‘He truly is an individual who executes astonishing actions.’

To think he would assist Dam-ak in escaping. Naturally, he had not immediately credited the claim that the Jeong-do-hoe had launched an assault on Dam-ak. Yet Jin So-un had maintained it with absolute certainty. He stated that if the party hindering the flight turned out ‘not to be the Jeong-do-hoe,’ they could simply abort the mission halfway. Confronted with an attitude brimming with such absolute conviction, the academy peers had no choice but to take action. Of course, it was undeniable that they were further swayed by the words Jin So-un tacked on afterward: ‘It serves as an excellent chance to genuinely measure ourselves against the Nine Great Sects and One Gang.’

In time, those keeping watch through the darkness of night were forced to acknowledge the truth that the Jeong-do-hoe had indeed ambushed Dam-ak, precisely as Jin So-un predicted. This was because the aggressors failed to take even the basic precautions to conceal their affiliations, to a degree that was almost embarrassing.

‘Just where is all of this heading?’

He finally comprehended the urgency behind Dam-ak’s desperate flight. If he allowed himself to be easily manipulated by the machinations of the Jeong-do-hoe now, he might spend the remainder of his days confined within the Murim Alliance. He must have concluded that the wisest course of action was to disregard everything and flee. Yet throughout this ordeal, neither Dam-ak, who sought assistance from Jin So-un, nor Jin So-un, who agreed to provide it, appeared rational by any conventional standard.

Any person capable of evaluating the proper course of action given the current circumstances would argue that Jin So-un was not in the wrong, but does the world ever operate purely on sound reasoning? There was likely a reason Jin So-un was labeled a ‘madman’ rather than a ‘traitor’ by the populace. It was because this frantic… no, this man invests his entire being into resisting scenarios that others would simply tolerate as ‘just how things are,’ refusing to listen to hollow excuses. He hurls himself completely against injustice and refuses to retreat even while spilling his own blood. To ordinary observers, such conduct merely resembles the actions of a lunatic.

‘A lunatic, yes, he is undoubtedly a lunatic. Still…’

The disciples of the 71st Murim Academy hold a deep affection for this version of Jin So-un. Even those who initially mocked and condemned him as an eccentric person have now grown to cherish him deeply. It was the memory of him standing solitary to declare, ‘I will ensure everyone returns alive,’ within the Silent Forest where every student had surrendered to death. And the reality that he spilled oceans of blood to fulfill that promise. The reality that while bleeding profusely, he refused to take a single backward step from the absolute vanguard until the very conclusion.

All of those images were permanently etched into the minds of the students. Even the hearts of common folk would burn with passion upon witnessing a back like that. How much more intense would it be for pupils who had dedicated themselves to the path of martial arts? There was a distinct reason why the Baek-rang-gak was not merely occupied, but overflowing past its capacity.

This situation was no different. In spite of the perilous circumstances where they risked becoming adversaries of the Jeong-do-hoe, the reason the students advanced without a second thought was their desire to place their faith in his back once more. No, perhaps it was because they wished to shield his back.

“How many did you encounter over in that direction?”

“….”

Jong Chu-ak of Zhongnan materialized from nowhere and posed the query. Cheol Sun-jik’s brow twitched as if he had run into an inexplicable phenomenon.

“…Why on earth did you venture out here?”

“Why else? I ventured out because the Unit Commander instructed me to do so.”

“You realize you might cross paths with an elder from the Jeong-do-hoe?”

“What Jeong-do-hoe… There is no world in which the Jeong-do-hoe would perpetrate something like this.”

Contradicting his words, his tentative gaze drifted toward a faraway mountain peak. One might wonder what sort of intense denial this represented, but he recognized it for what it was. Because if they did not maintain that delusion, they would be unable to stomach the truth of their own corruption. Perhaps the past betrayal by his own clan at the Man-dok-mun had caused him to fantasize about retribution. Because enduring the excruciating torment of being deceived by those you trusted would invariably be an agonizing trial.

Jong Chu-ak, who stared down at his tightly balled fist for a brief moment, delivered the purpose of his arrival in a grave tone.

“Ma Sae-jin of the Kunlun Sect has called for assistance. We must advance without delay.”

“Did he indicate the adversary is too formidable?”

“I am uncertain about formidability. He mentioned their numbers are far too vast.”

“Was it not the signature strategy of the Kunlun Sect to strike and retreat? Are they opting for an open engagement?”

In response to Cheol Sun-jik’s inquiry, Jong Chu-ak offered a soft chuckle.

“That fellow Ma Sae-jin merely attained a swift advancement owing to Unit Commander Jin. Would even the Baek-rang-gak not be far too grand a placement for him?”

“….”

Had Jong Chu-ak always found amusement in such jests? He had previously considered him a far more rigid individual.

‘Well, he must have been altered after associating with the wrong Unit Commander.’

Cheol Sun-jik halted his wandering thoughts and began to advance. The sun was already ascending, and their Unit Commander desired to press on even further. The sun, which rose steadily as if intending to bathe the entire realm in light. For some reason, they equated that sight to the posture of Unit Commander Jin, who had resolutely shielded them, and took another step forward. This time, it fell upon them to bleed in his stead.

“Let us move swiftly.”

—

To travel from Hubei Province, where Wuhan is situated, to Shanxi Province, the quickest route involves crossing Shaanxi or Henan. Naturally, under standard escort conditions, one would proceed directly to Shanxi Province by passing through Zhengzhou in Henan Province. The Shaolin Temple stands near Zhengzhou, Henan, and no path offers greater security than that specific trajectory.

However, that remarkably secure route has transformed into a corridor of death for our party. This is because Hubei, Henan, and Shaanxi serve as the immediate territory of the Jeong-do-hoe. If we redirect toward Anhui, our only passage to Shanxi requires traversing Hebei after navigating Jiangsu and Shandong. It amounts to a path that circles roughly half the landmass, yet Dam-ak settled on that specific course.

“The moment we reach Anhui, the protectors will be positioned.”

“For the forces from Shanxi Province to arrive in Anhui, they are required to cross Henan.”

The northeastern boundary of Henan features a jutting landscape, sharing borders with Shandong and Hebei. Presently, the sole rapid method for the Shanxi group to arrive in Anhui was to journey through Henan.

“Given that the forces initiated their journey precisely when I commenced my departure, they ought to be positioned for my arrival in Anhui at this moment.”

“…Did you anticipate that an event of this nature would unfold?”

When I voiced my astonishment, Dam-ak inclined his head slightly.

“Even if I failed to foresee such an occurrence, is it not fundamental to arrange at least this degree of contingency?”

He countered with an expression that suggested my surprise was the true anomaly. Good grief, what an unbelievable level of foresight. Then again, considering he was a man capable of identifying routes without even laying eyes on the Demonic Cultists in my prior existence, this development should not even be startling. Concurrently, a significant realization dawned upon me.

‘Those fools of the Jeong-do-hoe, just what sort of monster have they managed to provoke…?’

It was a predicament where it would scarcely suffice if they implored him for amicable relations, yet they recklessly sought his demise and blundered; were I an officer of the Jeong-do-hoe, I would have rapidly scrambled beneath my blankets, clutched my wooden support, and been trembling in terror.

Regardless, owing to Dam-ak’s absurd level of preparation, we were bound for Anhui Province. Because the Tae-eul Sect and the Wang Family Manor were situated in Anhui Province, even if we hastened toward Anhui Province guiding the transport, we would possess plausible justifications to offer later on.

‘Is this a competition to see who can more brazenly feign ignorance?’

That faction will expend every effort to conceal their assault on Dam-ak, while I must somehow mask my involvement in aiding Dam-ak. My mind feels constrained by this trivial game of deception. To think this constitutes a struggle between the Light and Dark of the Kang-ho, that this represents the Murim. Good grief, it truly causes one’s passion to overflow.

The dilemma lies in the fact that our side possesses no luxury of time, whereas their side holds an abundance of it. If duration were not an obstacle, I would assemble all the academy pupils and the resources of the Wang Family Manor to march forward deliberately in open defiance. However, at present, Dark Path exponents across the land are raising a furor, demanding, ‘Surrender our invaluable Dam-ak.’ The moment one of them claims, ‘My apologies, my grip failed!’ an outright conflict will erupt. From that instance forward, the ‘Assist Dam-ak’s Escape’ endeavor will degenerate into a disastrous campaign known as ‘To the Sa-heuk-ryeon with Dam-ak,’ meaning I must deliver Dam-ak to the Sa-heuk-ryeon detachment awaiting in Anhui Province before the clock runs out.

In all likelihood, since the opposition recognizes this reality as well, they must have deployed operatives across the territory utilizing a strategy meant to delay us as long as possible. Right at that moment, an abrupt shout disrupted my contemplation.

“Halt! A provisional inspection…”

An interrogation during these twilight hours while maintaining blazing torches? Even the Green Forest Alliance permits travelers moving at this hour to pass unhindered. How am I aware of this? Well, it happens that I share a close bond with an individual within the Green Forest Alliance.

“Halt! Should you refuse to comply, in the name of the Murim Alliance… Aaaaaargh! You absolute lunatic!”

“Hyah! Hyah!”

Regardless of how grand the reputation of the Murim Alliance sounded, how could it possibly withstand the sheer velocity of prime stallions charging like a tempest? The individuals managing the checkpoint shouted oaths and scrambled clear. Immediately following that, an agonized ‘Argh!’ erupted due to the projectiles unleashed by our defenders.

*Drrrr.*

The small compartment window of the transport slid open, and Dam-ak extended his head out.

“Hmm… they stated it was an inspection, should we not offer compliance?”

“….”

I would gladly choose that option if they were not actively seeking your demise. I pulled the window shut, as I had no patience for poorly timed humor, and gripped the leather straps of the horses.

“Hyah! Hyah!”

As we traveled at an accelerated pace, we shortly neared the vicinity of Mount Ho-ryeong. Though we remained far from clearing Hubei Province regarding total distance, for the present, if we merely skirted past Mount Ho-ryeong, we could deem ourselves outside the grasp of Wuhan’s dominion. If we could manage to reach the rendezvous point, Ma-seong, without detection, the mission would be practically half-accomplished.

Yet there was no chance matters would progress with such simplicity.

‘Four individuals? No, there are six.’

Six trackers had successfully trailed our transport. Even if the academy alumni, including Cheol Sun-jik, mounted a fierce defense, I had never anticipated they could obstruct every single martial artist of the Jeong-do-hoe from the outset. No, I ought to acknowledge that they are performing admirably even by containing this number. Ultimately, the adversary consists of the elite task force of the Jeong-do-hoe.

In any event, it remains a critical issue if our true identities are exposed. If we are compromised here, we will be forced to battle and blast our way toward Anhui Province at a sluggish pace. In a period where every second counts, we simply lack that brand of breathing room.

“Kindly assume control of the reins.”

“Have trackers attached themselves to us once more?”

True to his extensive background as a professional driver, his intuition is sharp. Rather than providing a direct reply, I countered with a question.

“Are you capable of driving without diminishing our velocity as much as possible?”

“Naturally. My experience spans three decades.”

“Then please preserve our current pace to the utmost.”

Entrusting the straps to the driver in that fashion, I vaulted onto the roof of the vehicle. The defenders attempted to rise alongside me with their blades drawn, but I signaled for them to remain still. As I have stressed repeatedly, if you reveal yourselves, the pursuers will instantly deduce that Dam-ak is contained within. The optimal strategy is to ensure they remain oblivious as to which transport Dam-ak occupies until we successfully exit Hubei Province. The dragnet will remain thin as a consequence, and we will possess the ability to pierce through the Jeong-do-hoe elite unit.

“Not yet. Should I prove incapable of obstructing them, only then must you intervene.”

“….”

The defenders offered a silent nod, and I scanned the collection of implements arrayed across the carriage roof. Escorts employ a variety of implements apart from their primary tool to contend with diverse adversaries during a journey. After considering my options for a brief moment, I selected a polearm and a handful of worn projectiles scattered among the longbows, hatchets, and massive blades. This choice was dictated by the fact that I had never wielded a polearm once in my entire life. Furthermore, it so happened that I possessed knowledge of a specific polearm form perfectly suited for the present scenario.

‘It is roughly the period for that “Yuk-si-ral” rogue to be expelled from the Yuk clan and gain admission to the Baek-rang-gak.’

This eccentric individual, who adopted the title of “Yuk-sik-rang” (*Six-Style Wolf*), possessed the audacity to purloin six polearm patterns of the Yuk clan and operate as an independent combatant. The underlying reason this rogue managed to preserve his life despite utilizing the Yuk Family Spear Styles (Yuk-ga-chang-sik)—which constituted the treasured martial art of the Great General’s Manor—at his own whim was due to the eruption of the Great War between Justice and Demons. We frequently mocked him by instructing him to bow toward the Demonic Cult twice daily.

‘Even amidst the chaos of an active battlefield, every instance that “Yuk-si-ral” rogue displayed his polearm form, the high-ranking officials of the Murim Alliance would shudder in consternation. I find myself curious to witness the expression that insufferable Cheong-su-jin-in displays when confronted with this particular style.’

I commenced channeling Qi into the point of the weapon while visualizing that irritating countenance wrinkling like a discarded parchment. The pursuers, who were leaping across the upper branches of the trees, bounded upward with the morning radiance framing their figures, resembling avian creatures spreading their wings.

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