Chapter 397

Chapter 397
Chapter 397. Personal Revenge (7)

—

*Yuk-ga-chang-sik* (Yuk Family Spear Styles).

This specific martial art belonged to the Great General’s Manor, serving as a confidential heritage passed down alongside centuries of Imperial military history. The twelve sequences making up this spear methodology held a dual nature, balancing deep complexity with straightforward execution; through countless generations of refinement and evolution, it was safe to claim that a vast majority of the martial techniques utilized by the Imperial forces traced their ancestry back to these *Yuk-ga-chang-sik*.

Indeed, it stood as a fundamental cornerstone for the armed forces, carrying the same weight and reverence as Shaolin’s *Dharma Sutra*, Wudang’s *Taiji-quan*, and the Demonic Cult’s *Heavenly Demon Scripture*.

Jwa Dae-gi, once a lowborn slave under the Beijing Yuk family, committed the audacious theft of this sacred style before escaping to seek asylum within the Murim Alliance. His reckless boldness was so extreme that even Du Cheon-gang, whose own past involved the plundering of tombs, found himself utterly speechless. Yet, Jwa Dae-gi remained entirely unbothered and proud of his actions.

“Dammit! Do you think I asked to be born into servitude? After witnessing my mother being humiliated and my father taking his own life, anyone would want to either end it all or throw a massive middle finger at those bastards, wouldn’t they?”

His decision to head toward the Murim Alliance wasn’t driven by a mere urge to survive. He simply sought out the exact faction where he could inflict the greatest possible spite upon the imperial military, and that sanctuary happened to be the Murim Alliance.

‘Hold on… if that’s the case, could he be steering toward the Sa-heuk-ryeon in this current lifetime??’

During his previous existence, he came to this place solely because the Murim Alliance was the only option, but considering his volatile and strange disposition, the sudden realization that the Sa-heuk-ryeon might actually fit him better sent a wave of anxiety through me.

‘No, that can’t be permitted…’

It wasn’t because I shared a bond of friendship with him or felt any fondness… It was strictly because I wouldn’t have the chance to torment him myself!!! I absolutely must inflict double the misery he caused me back then, damn it all.

In any case, matching his aggressive nature, the core principles of this altered *Yuk-ga-chang-sik* were entirely dedicated to pure offense and annihilation.

*Chwa— chwa— chwa—*

The trackers pursuing us through the dense forest began emerging one by one. Seemingly cautious of my position on top of the moving wagon, they bared the blades at their hips and maintained a defensive posture. I began channeling my inner reserve into both hands.

*Whiiiii-ing—*

The specialized spear style—which Jwa Dae-gi had absurdly designated as the *Hyung-ho-chang* (Fierce Tiger Spear)—started to surge violently within my grasp.

*Dr-dr-dr-dr-dr—*

As the weapon began spinning rapidly under the influence of my Qi, it inevitably tore at the soft skin of my palms. Because this method was originally devised around the premise of rotating a cylindrical shaft, it was a style of combat that utterly disregarded the survival of the target and the physical well-being of the wielder. Consequently, such reckless resolve inflicted vastly more devastating wounds upon the adversary.

*Hyung-ho-chang.*
*Hyung-ho-jo* (Fierce Tiger Claw).

This particular movement had been developed after observing the young heirs of the Beijing Yuk family getting slaughtered because they tried to finish off an already injured predator. The Spear Qi (Chang-gi) emanating from these motions spun with savage intensity, striking a pursuer square in the torso. The attacker, who attempted to parry the strike by unleashing his own Sword Qi, was entirely overwhelmed by the crushing momentum of the spinning Spear Qi and was sent hurtling through the air like a launched projectile.

*Crack—*

When a brutal fighting style that abandoned all self-preservation to maximize raw devastation was unleashed, it left an immense, head-sized cavity carved deep into the pursuer’s chest.

“!”
“!”
“!”

I caught a flicker of astonishment in the gazes of the remaining trackers. This was an army-bred style centered purely on lethality, tracing an entirely different path from the typical martial arts practiced throughout the Kang-ho. It left these martial artists, who were accustomed to orthodox training and fighting with structured rules, completely bewildered regarding how to counter it.

*Hyung-ho-chang.*
*Hyung-ho-a* (Fierce Tiger Fang).

One tracker barely managed to evade the initial wave of spinning Spear Qi and scrambled for cover, but his pupils dilated with horror upon seeing a second, equally savage burst of Spear Qi screaming toward him. He spun his torso frantically and thrust his own Sword Qi forward to deflect it, but the swirling Spear Qi already contained the fundamental essence of the ‘Absorption Formula’ (*Heup-ja-gyeol*), causing it to ravenously consume the opposing force and rip his defenses to pieces.

“Gwaaaaak!”

Refusing to give even a moment’s respite to the attacker now collapsed on the ground with a thoroughly mangled right arm, I unleashed another barrage of Spear Qi.

*Pe-pe-pe-pe-pung!*

As the devastating Spear Qi hammered down directly, another tracker threw himself forward desperately to shield his wounded comrade.

‘They fell for it.’

A cruel smirk tugged at the corners of my lips as I immediately unleashed the third sequence of the *Hyung-ho-chang*.

*Hyung-ho-chang.*
*Hyung-ho-po* (Fierce Tiger Roar).

This massive torrent of Spear Qi erupted outward, appearing five or six times more immense than the *Hyung-ho-jo*. It instantly enveloped both trackers. The more frantically they fought to avoid being pulled into the swirling vortex, the more catastrophic their injuries became.

“Ke-aaaaargh!”
“S-Stop!”

The pair collapsed heavily onto the dirt, completely drenched in their own blood. A wave of sheer terror washed over the countenances of the surviving pursuers. They were clearly horrified that such a gruesome assault had been executed without a single shred of hesitation. Even if the ultimate conclusion of any combat was the act of ending a human life, the core philosophy behind it was completely separate.

For martial arts (*Mu-do*) that originated as a path toward self-cultivation and spiritual enlightenment walked a vastly different path than military arts designed purely for the efficient elimination of human targets. Furthermore, the *Hyung-ho-chang*, which was saturated with Jwa Dae-gi’s deep-seated resentment toward society, did not emit standard Demonic Energy, yet it certainly could not be categorized as a technique of the White Path.

I found myself appreciating the sheer brilliance of the *Yuk-ga-chang-sik* all over again. If Jwa Dae-gi had managed to pilfer and escape with all twelve sequences instead of a mere six, would he have managed to survive a bit longer? In all likelihood, no. Not long after his escape, the Imperial forces had already mobilized to hunt him down. Given that his ultimate demise came at the hands of the Demonic Cult after stealing a signature martial art—and from the prestigious Beijing Yuk family at that—it was honestly a fairly decent end from his perspective.

*Wiiii-ing—*

Along the shaft spinning at an incredible velocity, the spearhead whirled with terrifying momentum. I executed a straightforward thrust directly into the intricate and varied sword patterns rushing toward me.

*Kiri-ri-ri-ri-ri-rick——*

The point of my spear ground against the flat of the incoming blade, drilling into it with enough force to shatter the steel itself. The sheer impact of that transmitted force instantly threw the adversary into a panic, and the tracker attempted to pull his weapon away to escape the spear’s deadly trajectory.

Yet, why is a spear revered as the king of long weapons? Is it not precisely because of its reach? Yanking the shaft back to its full extension, I drove it forward like a lightning bolt straight into his dantian.

*Pook——*

The tracker’s eyes bulged with shock, utterly blindsided by the sudden maneuver.

“Do not give yourself such airs. Did you truly embark on an assassination plot without preparing yourselves for this level of consequence?”

“…Ke-aaaaargh.”

A mere underling of the elite Jeong-do-hoe who erroneously believed himself to be the main character of this world. I delivered a harsh kick to the fallen tracker, who was now forced to painfully grasp the reality of his own insignificance. His body tumbled off the roof of the carriage and rolled uselessly into the dirt.

The surviving trackers hesitated, torn between pursuing their target or treating their crippled comrades, but they ultimately chose to tend to the wounded. A wave of unbridled malice, sharp enough to pierce through flesh, was locked onto me. But what did their glares matter?

I adjusted my stance once more. In truth, the wisdom of the ancient scholars never errs. For individuals incapable of recognizing their own transgressions, a harsh lesson is the only remedy.

*Hyung-ho-chang.*
*Hyung-ho-chul-su* (Fierce Tiger’s Strike).

A brutal wave of Spear Qi ripped through the atmosphere with immense rotational force, raining down upon them. The panicked trackers swung their blades frantically to shield the injured, but—

*Ke-uk—*
*Kya-ak—*

Accompanied by agonized shrieks, the limbs of the two defenders were instantly shredded. Looking down at the bleeding figures, I spoke in a low, cold tone.

“Had you abandoned them and chosen to flee, I would have slaughtered every single one of you.”

“….”
“….”

The men could only stare upward at the carriage with empty, shell-shocked expressions. I turned my back on them without a single hint of remorse, and immediately launched a signal flare into the sky.

Now, an undeniable military spear style has been revealed. Cheong-su-jin-in, what will your next move be?

Visualizing the bitter, contorted expression that would soon overcome Cheong-su-jin-in’s face upon receiving this news, a faint smirk crossed my lips.

*Pop!*

Even though the dawn sun was gradually climbing past the horizon, the surrounding terrain remained shrouded in shadow. Because of this, the resounding crack and vivid azure hue of the flare exploding in the eastern sky were easily spotted. Eun-ho let out a breath of relief at the sight of that signal. Had a crimson flare been ignited, their path would have shifted straight toward the Sa-heuk-ryeon. Any lingering attachment to the position of Hall Master he might have attained was promptly cast aside.

Geum-pyo and Dong-ryong removed the cloth masks covering their faces and tucked them safely away into their garments. However, noting the subtle grin playing on Geum-pyo’s features for reasons unknown, Eun-ho felt a wave of irritation.

“Can you actually find something to smile about given our current predicament?”

“I was just thinking about this after we visited our parents recently… haven’t we transformed completely?”

“….”

Why would he bring up such a sentimental topic so abruptly at a time like this?

“It’s the truth. We used to be completely ordinary youths who assumed we’d spend our days assisting at the grain mill… yet now, we are fully aware of exactly how many trackers are pursuing us down to the very last individual.”

Reflecting upon it, it truly was a mind-boggling reality. No matter which village or township you visited, there were countless individuals just as mundane as they used to be, or even less accomplished. To think that these three brothers had successfully completed their training at the Murim Academy and were now executing a covert operation against the elite forces of the Jeong-do-hoe. It felt entirely surreal that the martial artists of the Jeong-do-hoe, who once seemed like untouchable deities far too terrifying to even look upon, were now viewed as mere opponents to be confronted.

“Even so, let’s keep our guards up, Hyung. This mission carries an immense amount of danger. If we slip up even slightly, the three of us might end up forced to cross over to the Black Path together…”

“What does that matter? We will be alongside Dae-sahyeong. Dae-sahyeong will undoubtedly guide us through any storm.”

“….”

He wondered briefly if their reliance on him was becoming somewhat excessive, but he couldn’t deny that those words held truth. Just as their journey to this point had been paved by Dae-sahyeong’s incredible capabilities, Dae-sahyeong’s overwhelming strength would surely dictate the outcome of whatever lay ahead.

“Furthermore, every single time a major incident like this occurred, our lives shifted in a massive way. I am genuinely eager to see what kind of changes await us once this ordeal concludes.”

Precisely as Geum-pyo remarked, Jin So-un was an individual who existed as the absolute epicenter of a tempest. He himself remained as tranquil as a calm sea, yet every path he treaded left the entire world completely upended. It was precisely during these thoughts about their extraordinary Dae-sahyeong that a voice broke the silence.

“Hyungs… they are arriving.”

The words sounded sluggish, as though the speaker had barely shaken off sleep. Whether he had simply been dozing off on top of the wagon this entire time, Dong-ryong rubbed at his weary eyelids and quickly readied his stance.

“Our objective is strictly to make it known that martial artists from the Tae-eul Sect are present here. Do not overextend yourselves.”

Eun-ho reinforced the parameters of their mission once more, and both Geum-pyo and Dong-ryong offered silent nods as they unsheathed their blades.

“What is the meaning of this?”

Jegal So-myeong knit his brows in profound irritation at the news delivered by the operative from the Cheon-mok-gak. His question didn’t stem from a lack of comprehension regarding the report itself. Rather, he was demanding an explanation for the egregious delay—why this crucial data was only reaching him now. Had not even the Alliance Leader’s Aide—who typically would have received the operative’s account and relayed it up the chain of command—escorted the man directly into Jegal So-myeong’s presence out of sheer horror at the current state of affairs?

“I demanded an answer. What exactly does this signify?”

“T-That is… the defenses of the outer palace have been compromised…”

*Bang!*

Jegal So-myeong slammed his fist violently against the wooden table.

“You are bringing this intelligence to my attention… only now, when the sun hangs directly overhead?”

‘It hasn’t quite reached the peak of the sky yet…’ The operative, who nearly corrected him out of sheer reflex, desperately forced his mouth shut. A careless word in this room would guarantee he became the target of the counselor’s wrath instead of the Pavilion Master.

“Where is the Pavilion Master! Where has the Pavilion Master gone! Why is the Pavilion Master not the one delivering this critical update?!”

“T-The Pavilion Master-nim is currently occupied with a direct investigation into the events that transpired within the outer palace…”

*Bang! Crack.*

Under the immense pressure, the sturdy desk of the Man-tong-bu split cleanly down the center. This man, who had maintained absolute composure throughout a lifetime of complex political warfare, was openly displaying unbridled fury for the first time.

“You wait until this hour to inform me that the outer palace security was shattered, and the Pavilion Master hasn’t even bothered to show his face?”

Jegal So-myeong’s entire frame began to shudder from the sheer intensity of his mounting rage. Even the operative, who had mentally braced himself, was paralyzed with a terror so severe he nearly lost control of his bladder. A freezing, lethal aura instantly locked the room in ice.

“At what precise moment did the Cheon-mok-gak become aware of this breach?”

“….”

“I asked when you discovered it!”

“During the… morning briefing provided by the Myo-si (5-7 AM) concluding guard shift…”

“And yet you delayed the report until now?! Is such a catastrophic failure even possible unless every single one of you has completely lost your minds collectively!”

“T-That is, due to an administrative oversight that occurred… Ugh.”

The operative was cut short. An inkstone gripped tightly in Jegal So-myeong’s hand sliced through the air and struck the man squarely across the forehead.

“Ugh…”

Jegal So-myeong was well aware that, excluding the Man-tong-bu and a few select divisions, the vast majority of administrative branches actively granted favorable treatment to the specific factions they originated from. However, this action crossed the boundary entirely. A deliberate suppression of intelligence meant that vital occurrences were being obscured, and given the precarious situation currently facing the Murim Alliance, the singular monumental secret that required such concealment… ultimately boiled down to one specific matter.

“Summon the Jeok-ryong-gak (Red Dragon Pavilion) to assemble at the Bong-an Hall immediately.”

“Understood!”

As the Alliance Leader’s Aide, reading the volatile atmosphere perfectly, scrambled out of the chamber, Jegal So-myeong rose swiftly from his seat and strode out. The operative, who momentarily thought to intercept him, froze entirely in place, utterly cowed by the counselor’s terrifying presence.

Jegal So-myeong found it impossible to suppress his escalating wrath. Suspicion gripped him. Unlike the comprehensive briefing regarding the perpetrator who targeted his private quarters, which had landed on his desk almost immediately, the investigative summary detailing the Bong-an Hall sector had been delayed extensively. Even so, he had restrained himself, knowing that if the Man-tong-bu interfered directly in the internal business of every separate branch, it would be viewed as an egregious abuse of authority.

However, that strict adherence to protocol had ultimately only provided a convenient shield for duplicitous politicians.

“G-Great Military Counselor-nim!”

The moment he arrived at the Bong-an Hall, the Cheon-mok-gak Pavilion Master along with several Execution Hall Unit Commanders, who were ostensibly conducting the inquiry, blocked his path in unison.

“W-What brings your esteemed self to this location?”

“Step aside.”

“A substantial portion of the Bong-an Hall infrastructure has sustained critical damage, and we cannot guarantee it won’t collapse at any moment. If there is a hazardous inspection required, allow us subordinates to handle it while you…”

“I commanded you to step aside.”

He came within a hair’s breadth of striking them down then and there, but Jegal So-myeong barely managed to suppress his explosive rage. A tense, silent standoff hung in the air. Ultimately, the Cheon-mok-gak Pavilion Master and the Execution Hall Unit Commanders, drenched in cold sweat, retreated one by one. They recognized that continuing to impede his path would trigger a catastrophe they could never hope to contain.

“….”

As Jegal So-myeong stepped into the interior of the Bong-an Hall, the fractured remnants of the shattered structure came into view with meticulous clarity. Though he lacked formal expertise in forensic analysis, he could easily decipher what those destructive markers signified. Furthermore, the true reason behind the sluggish and evasive nature of the official investigation became instantly transparent to him.

“Did you summon us, Great Military Counselor-nim?”

At that exact moment, the Jeok-ryong-gak Pavilion Master arrived on the scene, accompanied by his subordinate Unit Commanders and high-ranking leaders. Jegal So-myeong did not even turn to face him, instead issuing a cold directive.

“Take up positions precisely where I designate.”

“….”

The Jeok-ryong-gak Pavilion Master, who initially meant to inquire about the purpose, immediately sensed the dire gravity of the situation and signaled his troops with a sharp nod. Shortly after, the elite operatives of the Jeok-ryong-gak surrounded the perimeter of the mechanical array concealing the annex, just as Jegal So-myeong had indicated.

“Commence!”

Jegal So-myeong’s instructions were incredibly sparse, but the warriors and officers of the Jeok-ryong-gak were individuals of exceptional talent. Acting as an extension of the counselor’s own intent, they began channeling precise palm strikes packed with the exact level of destructive internal force required, focusing entirely on his designated coordinates.

*Dr-dr-dr-dr-dr.*

In short order, the entire annex structure, along with the hidden mechanical array, began to vibrate violently. The dense shroud of dark fog blanketing the sector repeatedly condensed and fractured, obscuring all vision in a disorienting cycle.

“Increase the output! Strike harder!”

Obeying Jegal So-myeong’s command, the Jeok-ryong-gak personnel poured a massive surge of inner energy into their strikes, causing the tremors to magnify exponentially. Eventually, unable to withstand the overwhelming pressure, the dark vapors erupted violently, discharging a massive shockwave across the entire vicinity.

*U-r-r-r-r.*
*Pe-be-be-be-beok.*

The mechanical array composed of dark fog surrounding the annex dissolved entirely.

“…!”

The plot of land where the annex building once stood was now completely cratered, the structure itself thoroughly obliterated into splintered debris as if subjected to a heavy siege bombardment. Had anyone been inside during the assault, they would have been pulverized into nothingness without leaving a single trace.

“Search the area.”

Following Jegal So-myeong’s order, the Cheon-mok-gak operatives and the Execution Hall Unit Commanders standing along the perimeter attempted to advance, but—

“None of you move so much as a single finger.”

“….”

Ignoring the frozen onlookers, the Jeok-ryong-gak Pavilion Master stepped closer to Jegal So-myeong and bowed respectfully.

“What specific target are we searching for?”

Staring down at the pulverized earth with eyes brimming with absolute frost, Jegal So-myeong murmured under his breath.

“The remains of Dam-ak, the Great Military Counselor representing the Sa-heuk-ryeon.”

Without wasting another breath, the Jeok-ryong-gak Pavilion Master signaled his men with a glance, and his subordinates kindled torches to thoroughly inspect the ruined excavation site. Approximately fifteen minutes trickled by.

“I have located one! However, this individual is not part of the foreign delegation.”

“Another body discovered here! Similarly, this person shows no ties to the Sa-heuk-ryeon.”

A grand total of four corpses were unearthed from the wreckage. One body was identified as the guard warrior assigned to protect Dam-ak. The remaining three possessed identities and affiliations that could not be determined at all. Nowhere within the debris lay the remains of Dam-ak or any other officials belonging to the diplomatic envoy.

“….”

Jegal So-myeong found himself entirely speechless. To be precise, a profound fury gripped his soul at a spectacle that laid bare the horrific, corrupt machinations of the Murim Alliance—which had clearly rotted straight through to its foundation. He let out a freezing, mocking chuckle and pivoted around. The identity and profile of the true mastermind were already forming vividly within his mind.

As Jegal So-myeong turned to depart, the Cheon-mok-gak Pavilion Master, whose face had drained of all color, hurriedly dropped to his knees. Stopping dead in his tracks directly in front of the trembling man, Jegal So-myeong spoke with an icy, lethal delivery.

“Prepare yourself. I will ensure you answer fully for the absolute treason you have orchestrated here.”