Chapter 401

Chapter 401
## Chapter 401. The Reason for the Struggle (1)

—

The Maengho Unit of the Wudang Sect, which had set out a little after the Taehwa Unit of the Jeomchang Sect, received constant updates from the Gaebang throughout their journey. After traveling past Mt. Horyeong and reaching Yeongsan, they crossed paths with Hyeon-yeong, who had gone ahead in pursuit of Dam-ak.

“What have you discovered?”

Myeong-jin, who led the Maengho Unit as its Captain, directed his question to Hyeon-yeong, who promptly offered an update.

“The Gaebang is currently trailing the Tae-eul Sect’s carriage as it travels toward Hwangmae. Meanwhile, word has arrived that Jeomchang lost track of the Tae-eul Sect’s vehicle in the vicinity of Maseong.”

“The Taehwa Unit lost them?”

Myeong-jin knit his brows in disbelief. It was understandable for the Gaebang to fall short, considering their tracking parties lacked elite martial artists capable of forcing a confrontation, but it made little sense that Jeomchang’s Taehwa Unit had failed to contain the Tae-eul Sect.

The subsequent details proved to be even more astounding.

“Out of thirty capable fighters, fifteen were completely stripped of their fighting capacity. Ultimately, they were unable to verify who was inside the carriage.”

“Incompetent fools.”

To a degree, he could rationalize the failure. They were not engaged in an open, declared conflict, and since the Tae-eul Sect belonged to the prestigious One Hundred and Eight Peaks, they were considered staunch allies of the Murim Alliance. Such political ties meant they could not simply slaughter them without hesitation. Even so, allowing half of the Taehwa Unit to be neutralized by a group like the Tae-eul Sect was a reality he found incredibly difficult to swallow.

“They ought to have exercised greater vigilance if they knew the White-Handed Heavenly Maiden was traveling with the fleeing party.”

Unwilling to believe that the Tae-eul Sect could decimate the Taehwa Unit through sheer martial prowess alone, Myeong-jin rationalized the outcome in a manner that satisfied his own assumptions.

“Should we redirect our path toward Hong-an immediately?”

The vehicle traveling toward Hwangmae was undoubtedly a diversion. Their trajectory was nowhere near the Saheuk-ryeon to begin with, and even if Dam-ak were hiding within, they would eventually be forced to loop back toward Maseong. In doing so, they would walk straight into the Gaebang’s web. The entire maneuver was a simple decoy designed to spread the pursuers thin.

It was highly probable that Dam-ak was embedded within the primary contingent of the Tae-eul Sect. If they moved past Maseong and navigated through Namjang, Jagwi, and Eunhyeon, they would immediately cross into Anhui Province.

“I believe it would be wiser for us to remain stationary.”

“What?”

Myeong-jin, who had been ready to hunt down the primary group, shatter the Tae-eul Sect’s defenses, and search the vehicle by force, froze in his tracks.

“What are you implying by that?”

“If we give chase to the carriage near Maseong right now, we will be entirely exposed if Dam-ak surfaces along a different route.”

Once a traveler entered the regions of Namjang and Eunhyeon, retreating was no longer an option due to the massive mountain ranges flanking both sides of the path. Consequently, this public highway served as the primary thoroughfare for anyone heading to Anhui Province. Conversely, if they allowed the gap between them to widen too much, catching up would become nearly impossible.

“Are you suggesting Dam-ak isn’t hidden in the Tae-eul Sect carriage bound for Namjang?”

“The fighters from Jeomchang noted that none of the individuals defending that vehicle utilized military-style martial arts.”

“……!”

The realization struck him forcefully. He had been so blinded by the sudden failure of the Taehwa Unit that he had overlooked the obvious.

“They must have transferred him away in secret beforehand!”

“Furthermore, we are dealing with a convoy guided by Jin So-un and the White-Handed Heavenly Maiden. Despite having the strength to overwhelm their trackers at any moment, they only exerted their full power on a single occasion.”

Hyeon-yeong’s analysis allowed Myeong-jin to piece together the details he had previously missed. The figures who had deliberately drawn the trackers along had broken contact at a specific junction. Following that, they intentionally let it be known they were using a Tae-eul Sect carriage and abandoned any attempts to hide from a direct clash. For an organization that had gone to the trouble of sending a decoy disciple toward Hwangmae, such blatant behavior was entirely contradictory.

This group had already proven their resourcefulness by slipping out of Wuhan right under the noses of the Jeongdo-hoe. By synthesizing the facts, Hyeon-yeong had arrived at a flawlessly logical deduction. Myeong-jin was reminded that despite often being eclipsed by Yong So-ah, Hyeon-yeong possessed an exceptionally sharp intellect.

“Your reasoning is sound.”

“Holding our ground in Maseong and monitoring for any unusual figures seems to be the most prudent course of action.”

Myeong-jin expressed his full agreement with a sharp nod.

“I concur completely!”

“It would also be advantageous to concentrate our remaining special task units here in Maseong.”

“For what purpose?”

“The Tae-eul Sect has a finite number of operatives present in Wuhan. When you subtract the personnel assigned to the vehicles bound for Hwangmae and Namjang, the odds of them staffing any other transport drop drastically. Would it not be more efficient to assemble our forces and eliminate them all simultaneously?”

“An excellent strategy. I will personally draft and dispatch the orders.”

Rather than showing any sign of arrogance at receiving such high praise from a superior, Hyeon-yeong stepped back into formation with total composure. This display of humility only heightened Myeong-jin’s respect for him. This was precisely the caliber of character that defined the true essence of Wudang.

Turning his gaze away from Hyeon-yeong, Myeong-jin addressed the gathered members of the Maengho Unit.

“The individual named Dam-ak is the mastermind who forged the massive coalition known as the Saheuk-ryeon from absolute obscurity. Should he manage to reach the Saheuk-ryeon unharmed, an immense number of our allies will perish in the impending conflict against the Murim Alliance. Therefore, regardless of his lack of personal martial prowess, you must show absolutely no leniency.”

A member of the unit raised a hand to speak.

“Reports indicate the Tae-eul Sect is actively facilitating Dam-ak’s flight. How are we to handle them?”

“If Jin So-un has resorted to a final gambit, he is likely traveling with a minimal escort, completely detached from the primary Tae-eul Sect forces.”

Jin So-un of the Tae-eul Sect had been nurtured under the auspices of the Murim Alliance and reaped the fruits of its education. A man of integrity would have placed himself at the vanguard of the Orthodox factions, sacrificing everything to uphold righteousness. Instead, he chose to aid a wicked figure for personal gain. Could such an individual truly be regarded as a brother of the Murim Alliance?

Myeong-jin’s lifetime of experience provided a definitive answer: absolutely not.

“Under those conditions, we have no reason to stay our hands.”

“!”
“!”

Though the surrounding warriors widened their eyes in surprise, none raised an objection.

“He commands the forces of the Black Way Murim. Under no circumstances can we permit his return to the Saheuk-ryeon. His life ends on this very ground! Is that understood?!”

Ignited by his fervor, the warriors bellowed back with fierce resolve.

“““Understood!”””

Dam-ak regained consciousness roughly half a day after they had abandoned the carriages in favor of horses. Even though the unfolding circumstances deviated sharply from his intentions, his expression remained entirely unbothered.

“The moment I realized we failed to clear Yeongsan on schedule, I knew it. This strategy was doomed to fail from that point onward.”

“We have yet to reach the conclusion, so why speak with such pessimism?”

“I am merely being realistic. Had the plan succeeded, we would have reached Eunhyeon by now.”

Seated behind me on the horse, Dam-ak surveyed the terrain.

“Judging by the rugged peaks bordering Maseong, this must be Mt. Juk-ho. Attempting to reach Anhui via this route…… will easily triple our travel time.”

“Do not fret. Managing unexpected complications happens to be my finest attribute.”

Honestly, it was exasperating how this individual constantly chose to dampen our morale at every turn……

*Grip—*

Suddenly, Dam-ak gripped my clothing with surprising force, compelling me to turn around and look at him.

“What is the meaning of this……”

“My journey must conclude with my death right here.”

His voice was perfectly steady, yet unyielding. With that same detached demeanor, he uttered a horrifying statement as though it were a casual observation.

“I need to meet a brutal end on this path.”

“……What sort of nonsense are you spouting?”

“My demise will act as the catalyst required to ignite the forge that is the Saheuk-ryeon.”

There was not a single flicker of hesitation in his gaze, even as he discussed his own termination.

“Once the forge of the Saheuk-ryeon is fully ablaze, it will consume the Murim Alliance as fuel to sustain its fire for generations.”

“……The texts you were recording so frantically within the carriage weren’t contingency plans for survival, were they?”

The manuscripts he had been working on so relentlessly were not standard military doctrines. They were blueprints designed for the revitalization of the Saheuk-ryeon, predicated entirely upon his own martyrdom. From the very beginning, the concept of dying held no terror for him. To a mind like his, even mortality was just another chess piece to be utilized in a grand design.

It was incomprehensible to me. The urge to survive is an inherent instinct shared by all living things. The dread of passing is an emotion that even the most enlightened Taoists and accomplished monks struggle to conquer. Yet, why was Dam-ak, a man who had spent his existence as an ordinary academic, completely devoid of any desire to cling to life?

“……What exactly does the Saheuk-ryeon signify to you that you would throw your life away for it?”

“……It is simply the duty that has been dropped upon my shoulders.”

He attempted to sound resolute, but his words rang hollow. His emptiness made it even harder for me to tolerate his attitude. In my previous existence, Dam-ak was a man who faithfully executed his designated role, only to be utterly destroyed by it. I refused to let that identical tragedy play out a second time.

“Cease this ridiculous talk and focus on holding on.”

“From this point forward, our pursuers will abandon all restraint. When that happens, even Jin-gong-ja’s survival will hang in the balance.”

“Rather than fretting over my survival, you would be better served focusing on your own well-being.”

“……I retain the ability to dismount right now and strike out on my own.”

With your crippled limbs, where exactly do you think you can run?

“I possess mastery over one of the most elite movement styles in existence, and my Flying Dragon Claws are forged from Thousand-Silk Thread, rendering them entirely indestructible. Do not force me to bind Counselor Dam like a captive just to transport him.”

Whether intimidated by my words or utilizing his massive intellect to formulate an alternate escape plan, Dam-ak fell silent. He made no further attempts to cast himself from the horse. What sort of dark destiny had he mapped out within his mind?

“What do you envision for the Saheuk-ryeon once Counselor Dam is no longer around? Do you truly believe they stand a chance against the Demonic Cult?”

“The Murim Alliance will crumble into ruin, ensuring that the Saheuk-ryeon can at least preserve its core existence.”

“Preserving its existence implies that the vast majority of your people will be slaughtered. Is that an outcome you find acceptable?”

“…….”

Regardless of the grim timeline he foresaw, I had absolutely no intention of letting it manifest. Why should I permit a valuable asset to perish in this wasteland? I had endured more than enough of these miserable scenarios in my prior life.

“We will endure this trial together. Regardless of the schemes concocted by those in power, the ultimate catastrophe has yet to arrive. If we wish to be ready for what is to come, we cannot afford to waste our lives on something so meaningless right now.”

An immense number of formidable figures would be required to stand against the horrific entities of the Demonic Cult.

“……Haha.”

A strained, complex chuckle escaped Dam-ak’s lips, as if he found the situation irony-laden.

“Is it not Jin-gong-ja who is risking everything for something entirely meaningless?”

“There is nothing meaningless about it.”

*Because you, Dam-ak, are required by my side for the battles ahead. I cannot shoulder the weight of the future entirely on my own.*

As our party entered the rugged highlands, the trail contracted significantly, ultimately becoming impassable for our mounts. We were forced to dismount and proceed on foot. The escorting martial artists took turns hoisting Dam-ak onto their shoulders to maintain their pace.

The further we penetrated into the wilderness, the denser the surrounding woodland became. Aside from occasional remnants of primitive slash-and-burn farming plots, the region was entirely devoid of human presence, and sleeping woodland creatures scattered in panic at our sudden intrusion.

Navigating through the thick undergrowth at the front of the line, I paused to check on our rear and raised a hand to signal the group.

“We will pause here to recuperate.”

“We are still capable of pushing forward.”

The guards voiced their readiness to continue, but I firmly declined.

“Counselor Dam’s physical state has deteriorated significantly.”

Turning their attention to Dam-ak, the guards paled with alarm upon witnessing his ghastly appearance. Even though he had been carried throughout the journey, the constant jostling had taken a severe toll. Furthermore, because it was impossible to maintain the Grass-Skimming Flight continuously, his body was reaching its limit.

“Ugh—.”

Collapsing onto the earth, Dam-ak violently purged the meager portions of dried meat and ration pellets he had managed to consume.

“To think a leader of the Black Way would cut such a pathetic figure.”

It was only after taking several long draughts from a water flask that a semblance of color returned to his gaunt face. As we rested, one of the guards suddenly leaped to his feet, alert.

“Footsteps approaching our position.”

Amid the dense chorus of cicadas echoing through the midday canopy, the distinct rustle of a approaching party reached our ears.

“Hey, Kang, do you have any spare rations put away?”

“What do you mean, spare…… we cleared out everything we had. There’s a small patch of barley up ahead, so either harvest that or starve for all I care.”

“I can’t stomach another potato.”

Upon identifying the faint movements and casual dialogue, the escorting warriors relaxed their grips on their hilts. Just then, four rustic farmers emerging from the thicket spotted our group, freezing instantly in terror. The guards let out sighs of relief, and Dam-ak offered a gentle remark to ease their panic.

“Be at ease, we pose no threa——.”

Before he could finish his sentence, I activated the Arrow-and-Bullet Phantom Shadow technique, blurring across the clearing. In a single fluid motion, I struck the pressure points of all four individuals, freezing them instantly.

*Tak, tak, tak, tak.*

Both the escorts and Dam-ak stared at me in absolute bewilderment.

“What is the meaning of this?!”

What am I doing? Is it not the most logical response to react when a lethal threat manifests directly before you? Ignoring Dam-ak’s outburst, I looked down at the four paralyzed figures.

“You lot belong to the Gaebang, correct?”

The individuals counterfeited expressions of pure terror.

“……W-what are you implying?”

“We are merely simple woodsmen who survive by farming these clearings.”

The group shuddered violently, projecting an aura of helplessness. Stepping between us, Dam-ak inspected the men closely.

“Jin-gong-ja. Are they not merely helpless civilians?”

Civilians? I gestured toward the charcoal residue hastily smeared across their complexions.

“Examine their features. Natural grime accumulated from a lack of hygiene does not leave distinct, deliberate streaks like that.”

Furthermore, there was a far more telling detail.

“Why is there no foul odor emanating from individuals who claim to live in such squalor?”

The most effective method for differentiating a true Gaebang operative from a genuine vagrant lies in their wardrobe and their distinct ‘scent.’

“Do you detect the rancid, long-standing stench of neglect on any of these men?”

“!”

The instant Dam-ak turned his head in sudden comprehension.

*Tuk— tutuk—*

Two of the individuals positioned at our rear overrode their paralyzed states and sprang into motion.

*Sswwaeeek—*

A volley of six concealed blades streaked directly toward Dam-ak’s exposed neck and spine. Reacting instantly, I swept my blade through the air to intercept the projectiles.

*Sseugeok—*

In a flash, the Small Heaven Sword Technique cut through the space, severing the lifelines of the Gaebang operatives.

*Ching-ching-ching—*

While one infiltrator dropped dead instantly, the remaining three raised their limbs and ironware to deflect the lethal arc of the Small Heaven Sword Technique. Immediately after, another wave of daggers was unleashed, relentlessly targeting Dam-ak. Realizing the gravity of the deception, the escorts joined the fray with expressions of sheer horror.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the operative positioned furthest back reaching into his robes for a signaling device.

“!”

Leaving the two remaining Gaebang spies to the care of our guards, I unleashed the Extreme Speed of the White Moon Ascending Heaven Third Style, closing the distance to the rear scout in an instant.

*Sswwaaeeeek—*

A brilliant flash of sword light erupted, cleanly severing both the man’s wrist and his throat.

*Pshhh—*

As a torrent of crimson confirmed his demise, the signaling device that had slipped from his severed fingers ignited and shot skyward.

*Peeng—*

A resonant detonation and a column of vapor tore through the bright daylight. And then,

*Pop.*

The brilliant crimson flare burst against the sky, signaling the commencement of a relentless, deadly manhunt.