Chapter 452

Chapter 452
## Chapter 452. The Definition of Justice (7)

—

*Kung—*

The very bedrock of the world trembled.

*Kung—*

It felt as though the entire heavens and earth were collapsing inward.

*Kung—*

The ground beneath and the sky above shuddered simultaneously.

“…….”

This terrifying vibration communicated a single, undeniable reality.

“Has the onslaught already commenced?”

The territory belonging to the Mosan Sect was structured as one immense, comprehensive grand formation. Every building, wall, and defensive array was organically bound together. It was precisely because of this design that they were renowned alongside the Zhuge Clan as the undisputed masters of formation techniques. Yet at this moment, that very same magnificent grand formation was sending waves of absolute dread through the people trapped within its borders.

“Master……”

“*Sa-suk*, what is going to happen to us?”

“Why…… for what reason must we perish?”

Terror inherently breeds uncertainty, and that uncertainty inevitably gives way to desperate inquiries.

“…….”

Yet, no comforting or logical explanation could be offered to soothe those pleas. The elders themselves were entirely in the dark, plagued by those very same agonizing doubts. Their minds were a chaotic mess of identical panic and suspicion, but they forced themselves to mask their inner torment, attempting to pacify the younger generation.

“Be at peace. Everything is going to be alright.”

To do so was the fundamental obligation of an elder. They comforted the youths while suppressing the agony of blood flowing deep within their hearts over the sudden demise of their comrades. Afterward, they turned their gazes toward me, as though awaiting a final sentence.

“…….”

Having refolded the correspondence, I spoke up.

“How much time does the defensive array have left before it fails?”

None of the Pavilion Masters or the Hall Masters who had narrowly escaped the slaughter could give me an answer. Even the Sect Leader could do nothing but shake his head in despair. It was Yu Ji-ryang who finally spoke.

“Two days. We can endure for two days at most.”

Having personally interwoven the Infinite Indestructible Soul-Destroying Formation with the pre-existing defensive barriers, he possessed the clearest understanding of the array’s current durability.

‘That is far too short…….’

If the reinforcements from Nanjing sprinted with every ounce of their strength, they might just barely make it in time. However, if that faction had already fallen under the manipulation of the Black Coffins, we would be forced to hold out until the forces from Suzhou could arrive.

“What will happen if the barrier is shattered by brute force from the exterior?”

Yu Ji-ryang showed clear reluctance.

“I cannot say for certain.”

“…….”

“An event of that nature has never occurred before.”

The moment the Mosan Sect’s defensive array is shifted into an active killing matrix, it morphs into an absolute, invincible grand formation. During the historic Great War between Justice and Evil, this very sect was the legendary battlefield where hundreds of formidable Jiangshi were rendered utterly useless. Consequently, the danger of a volatile collapse redirecting the residual destructive energy inward toward the survivors was incredibly high. That catastrophic backlash was undoubtedly what they feared. At this rate, staying put meant doing nothing but waiting for execution.

“For the time being, I intend to go out and attempt a dialogue with them.”

Upon hearing my declaration, the gathered leaders showed immediate hesitation. A few among them began to shudder uncontrollably as a fresh wave of panic overcame them.

“Y-You are leaving……”

The departure of the solitary figure offering them any semblance of aid seemed to only magnify their profound terror. In that tense moment, Gu Song-baek stepped forward to bridge the gap.

“We place our trust in your hands, *Jin So-hyeop*.”

Though his spoken words carried an intense aura of determination, the hands he raised to form a respectful martial salute were trembling uncontrollably.

*Kung— kung—*

The sky and the earth continued their relentless shaking.

“The rest of you will wait here.”

“What did you say?”

Having repositioned myself alongside Yu Ji-ryang, I delivered the instruction to my *Sa-je*.

“If our entire group emerges together, it will only incite greater panic among the disciples of the Mosan Sect.”

“But…… our adversaries are the notorious Black Coffins. We have no way of verifying if the missive from Namgung Dae-hyeop isn’t merely a forged trap concocted by the Black Coffins.”

Because I was deeply familiar with Namgung San’s specific script from my previous existence, I possessed absolute certainty, though I chose not to voice that particular detail aloud.

“Regardless, slipping away by myself is far simpler than trying to escape with all of you dragging behind me, so put your minds at ease.”

The moment I offered that slight bit of dark humor, Eun-ho snapped back in frustration.

“That exact mindset is why we are terrified!! You are entirely capable of abandoning us to escape on your own!”

Yu Ji-ryang, who had been quietly observing our back-and-forth, offered a brief, respectful martial salute.

“I am deeply humbled and at a loss for words regarding *Jin So-hyeop*’s profound selflessness.”

“Is it not a basic duty to provide mutual aid during times of extreme crisis?”

“Even if you say so……”

“At this moment, the survival of Mosan takes precedence over any concerns for my safety.”

I gave his slumped, disheartened shoulders a reassuring pat.

“I shall return shortly.”

Following the exact sequence of the Gate of Life that Yu Ji-ryang had detailed for me, I stepped firmly into the active formation array.

To my amazement, the moment my foot touched the boundary, the surrounding environment altered entirely. I found myself traversing a distinct path, at the conclusion of which gleamed a warm, radiant illumination. Before long, the trail fractured into numerous diverging routes; several options plunged into darkness, while others were choked with a heavy, depressing miasma. For any normal traveler, the instinctive choice would be to pursue the path bathed in welcoming light.

*Busureok— busureok—*

Just as I was sinking into contemplation, a wild deer poked its snout through the thick undergrowth. It immediately trotted down the brightly lit path, almost as if it were intentionally guiding my steps. Under normal circumstances, following that specific route to its conclusion would allow a traveler to safely exit the boundary.

However, the Mosan Sect’s defensive array was currently fractured. Yu Ji-ryang had explicitly cautioned me that blindly adhering to the obvious path would cause me to plunge directly into the forcefully integrated Infinite Indestructible Soul-Destroying Formation. Keeping his stern counsel in mind, I advanced by precisely executing the rhythmic footwork pattern he had instructed me to use.

The moment I crossed into the obscured, shadowed path, all illumination vanished, replaced by an unsettling, malevolent pressure. The glowing yellow and crimson eyes of predatory beasts flashed erratically throughout the dense thicket. I could feel those intense stares pressing against my bare skin like a suffocating, viscous film.

*Keu-reu-reung—*

A menacing growl echoed through the trees, signaling a predator tracking its target. When I paid it no heed and kept moving forward, the surrounding woods instantly became choked with a suffocating aura of absolute killing intent. At last,

*Eu-reu-reu-reung—*

A massive tiger, boasting the proportions of an entire estate building, emerged from the shadows and fiercely displayed its razor-sharp teeth.

*Kung—*

Simultaneously, a massive shockwave that vibrated through the heavens and earth reverberated around us. The gargantuan tiger maintained its lock on me, showing absolutely no sign of disturbance from the tremor.

‘Just as I suspected…….’

The mere fact that the beast remained utterly unaffected by that earth-shaking vibration proved beyond a doubt that this entire display was an elaborate illusion. In truth, the Mosan Sect’s defensive array is an absolute grand formation that stands superior to almost any other, laced with profound illusionary arts capable of making even a phantom tiger strike with genuine, lethal physical force.

Even so, the leaders of the Mosan Sect, believing they could never successfully vindicate themselves to the Martial Alliance if they continued to utilize the power of the otherworldly entities they commanded alongside unorthodox cultivation methods, had chosen to seal away their own foundational arts as a secondary precaution. Predictably, this self-imposed restriction caused the overall defensive strength of the Mosan Sect to plummet drastically. The sequence of catastrophic events currently plaguing the sect was the direct consequence of that choice.

*A-heung—*

The house-sized tiger lunged directly at me with terrifying realism. Yet, the beast passed completely through my physical form, merely smacking its jaws together upon landing. Had this illusion been fully empowered—had they deployed their authentic, unsealed arts alongside these masterfully crafted illusions—the encroaching fiends would likely have been overwhelmed by the phantom predator’s assault, ultimately marching straight into the Gate of Death by their own volition.

For a sect like Mosan, which commanded such awe-inspiring mystical arts—

‘I will absolutely…… prevent history from repeating itself.’

I refuse to entertain the notion of surrender.

The moment I transitioned out of the illusionary barrier, the surrounding wilderness was blanketed in an absolute, heavy silence. The fact that the forces of the Black Coffins, who were undoubtedly enveloping the entire Mosan Sect perimeter, chose not to show themselves confirmed they were well aware of the pre-arranged rendezvous between Namgung San and myself.

“Young Master So-un.”

Right on cue, Namgung San materialized from the surrounding gloom, his expression reflecting genuine relief.

“Are you bearing up alright physically?”

“I managed to keep my life solely because of your intervention.”

The instant he reached my side, he began checking over my physical state with frantic urgency. To be fair, I had been covered in a horrific number of lacerations following my brutal confrontation with Yong So-ah. Although a significant portion of those injuries had already mended themselves, I had deliberately wrapped myself in sloppy bandages to prevent this unnerving regenerative capability from being discovered. Seeing this, Namgung San’s features twisted with profound worry.

“……Seon-hwa is going to completely lose her mind if she catches wind of this.”

“Pardon?”

“Think nothing of it. In any case, how on earth did matters degenerate to this catastrophic state……”

“The accusations claiming that the Mosan Sect has been investigating heretical and prohibited sorcery are entirely fabricated.”

“I hold the same view. The idea that Mosan would engage in such depraved practices is absurd……”

“What is worse, this entire operation is something both the Alliance Leader and the Chief Strategist have been kept completely ignorant of.”

“…….”

Namgung San’s expression instantly turned stone-cold.

“The entire situation is veering drastically off course. I rushed here precisely to put a halt to this madness.”

“When it comes to matters involving prohibited sorcery, the Inspection Hall possesses an autonomous mandate for immediate execution. That protocol was established specifically to prevent political meddling from obstructing justice.”

“Sect members who have done no wrong are actively being slaughtered. Waiting to hand out retribution to the instigators after the fact is an exercise in futility.”

dishonesty.

“…….”

I found it impossible to conceal my mounting bewilderment. Why was Namgung San acting as an observer when he was fully aware of the sheer injustice of this crusade? He furrowed his brow deeply, seemingly weighing his words with extreme care before he finally spoke.

“Would you be amenable to a face-to-face discussion with the person in charge?”

“If you are referring to the Black Coffins, I have already encountered them……”

“No, I do not mean the Black Coffins. To be frank, that insufferable wretch Heo Gwan-jung has completely vanished, having slipped away to God knows where……. I am talking about someone else entirely.”

Could there possibly be another complicating factor at play here?

“I am referring to Yong So-ah.”

“……Are you telling me that the commander overseeing the Execution Squad at this very moment is Yong So-ah?”

Namgung San gave a solemn nod. The strategic decision to have the Black Coffins and the Execution Squad operate in tandem was a calculated mechanism designed to ensure each faction kept the other’s conduct in check.

“Is he aware of the true nature of this plot?”

“That is something I cannot verify.”

“…….”

“Even so, his determination to proceed is absolute.”

Given that severe irregularities had already come to light regarding the conduct of the Black Coffins, it defied logic that the Execution Squad was relentlessly pressing forward with their assault. Furthermore, it made no sense why a man like Yong So-ah, who lived entirely by unwavering principles and rigid codes, would participate in such a slaughter.

“Are you prepared to speak with him?”

Because of those glaring contradictions, a confrontation was mandatory.

“Very well.”

I needed to see exactly what reality he thought he was facing. I needed to know the true extent of his vision.

Adhering closely to Namgung San’s lead, I pressed forward into the dark. Simultaneously, I pushed my sensory awareness outward to its absolute limits, scanning the environment. It was exactly as I suspected. I could detect presences honed to a razor’s edge concealed within every shadow of the darkness. There was not a single unguarded pocket of space surrounding the Mosan Sect. The perimeter was suffused with an unyielding intent that meant to ensure not a single living soul would be permitted to escape alive.

Gradually, the dense gloom ahead began to give way to flickering light. Massive fire pits had been kindled across the terrain, and the Black Coffins were no longer making any effort to conceal their overwhelming numbers. Hundreds upon hundreds of Black Coffins, clad in uniform attire, fixed their cold gazes directly upon my approach. Off to one side, squads of them were systematically taking turns unleashing heavy, destructive strikes against the grand formation.

*Kung— kung—*

The malevolent, concussive waves generated by their assaults reverberated clearly even at this distance.

“Yong So-ah.”

At the sound of Namgung San’s voice, Yong So-ah, whose gaze had been locked onto the active Black Coffins, shifted his attention toward us. Even after processing the presence of Namgung San and taking note of my appearance, his expression remained entirely detached as he spoke.

“Have you finally come to terms with the reality of the situation?”

Staring directly at his gratingly composed face, the fury that had been smoldering within me erupted with renewed intensity. He continued speaking without a hint of emotion.

“Remove yourself from this theater. This conflict involves matters far beyond what you and your *Sa-je* are capable of navigating.”

Beyond our capability to navigate……. I found myself wondering who exactly was responsible for birthing a catastrophe so massive that no one would be able to contain it.

“Yong So-ah, did you not explicitly state that you witnessed the lingering corruption left behind in the Silent Forest?”

“…….”

“Even after personally laying eyes on the foul demonic energy they unleashed, can you honestly stand there and claim that wiping out the Mosan Sect is the correct course of action?”

The Anti-Demon True Word Incantation is not a discipline engineered to actively combat the dark arts and demonic sorcery. Cleansing malice and exorcising spirits are, at their core, arts designed for localized preservation and defense. To wage war against authentic practitioners of dark sorcery, a master of the mystical arts is absolutely vital.

“I have faced their bizarre, twisted demonic arts firsthand. Without the unique capabilities of the Mosan Sect, you stand absolutely no chance against them.”

Yong So-ah offered a chillingly dispassionate retort.

“What sort of apocalyptic catastrophe do you imagine will unfold if the profound illusionary arts of the Mosan Sect become intertwined with that very same demonic energy and dark sorcery?”

His logic was utterly mind-boggling.

“Since when did the Mosan Sect voluntarily lock away the vast majority of their mystical arts, including their illusion techniques……”

“They merely placed them under seal. They did not utterly eradicate (*Myeol*) their existence.”

A suffocating weight pressed down upon my chest, making it feel as though the very air had been stolen from my lungs. For a brief, agonizing interval, a heavy quiet fell over the immediate area.

“Is it truly your burning desire to preserve their lives?”

Yong So-ah directed the inquiry straight at me.

“Without a doubt.”

My response was instantaneous and unwavering.

“If that is the case, command them to consign every single one of their esoteric manuals to the flames under the direct observation of the Black Coffins. Furthermore, I will permit the children who are under fifteen years of age—those who have not yet been initiated into their secret doctrines—to survive, provided they live under the permanent containment of the Black Coffins.”

The moment that sickening compromise left his lips, a bitter string of profanity escaped me.

‘This absolute madman.’

Exactly how many millions of innocent souls managed to survive in my previous life solely because of the sealed mystical arts belonging to the Mosan Sect? And yet, he possesses the audacity to demand their total annihilation?

“They represent Evil. A malignant growth that must be ruthlessly excised before it expands further.”

I shifted my gaze to look at Namgung San. He was standing silently, his features marred by a profound, agonizing frown. It was then that a jarring realization struck me. Why was Namgung San no longer making any attempt to restrain Yong So-ah, despite having personally stepped into the fray earlier? Why was Yong So-ah deliberately blinding himself to the glaring betrayals within his own ranks, focusing his entire destructive might solely on crushing the Mosan Sect?

“Senior Namgung, what is the underlying truth behind all of this?”

“…….”

“Are you privy to some hidden reality as well, Senior?”

Namgung San stubbornly kept his lips sealed, offering no spoken word as he merely signaled with his chin toward Yong So-ah.

“…….”

The singular purpose that had driven me to seek this audience.

“What is the real motivation, Yong So-ah?”

“…….”

“What is forcing you to push things to such a horrific extreme?”

The profound suspicion that had taken root deep within my soul.

“……Because I am determined to prevent further endless slaughter.”

Was this confrontation not meant to unearth the answer to that very question?

“You…… is it a fact that you possess the ability to perceive the future?”

“…….”
“…….”

A heavy, absolute vacuum of sound swallowed the clearing as the echo of my voice faded away. Neither Yong So-ah nor Namgung San offered a verbal confirmation, yet that crushing silence served as all the validation I could ever require. Namgung San was fully aware that Yong So-ah possessed the gift of foresight. That realization immediately birthed the succeeding question.

“If that is true, then just how far ahead does your vision extend?”

“……!”

“You—it is not merely the immediate tactical maneuvers of your opponents that you are seeing, is it?”

Namgung San’s eyes snapped wide with shock. Yong So-ah merely shifted his gaze, his movements so deliberate and silent that he appeared almost bloodless, as his eyes locked directly onto mine.

“How did you come to discover that?”

“Because it is entirely impossible that a man like you would perpetrate such an atrocious slaughter for a meaningless, shallow justification in a scenario as absurd as this.”

Furthermore, it defied all reason why even a man like Namgung San, who recognized the blatant corruption of this crusade, was standing by and compliance in total silence. Ultimately, it proved there existed a profound, hidden understanding shared exclusively between Yong So-ah and Namgung San that I had been excluded from. And that secret was, without a doubt, something that could never be shared with the public. No, it was something normal men would dismiss as pure madness even if it were laid bare before them.

“…….”

A radically different intensity flared within Yong So-ah’s normally deadened eyes. Yet at this moment, I was utterly devoid of any desire to be commended for my deduction.

“Give me an answer, Yong So-ah.”

My solitary craving was to uncover the unvarnished truth.

“Just…… how far ahead into time do you see?”

He did not attempt to deflect with childish claims of secrecy or assert that the truth was beyond my concern. Instead, Yong So-ah, maintaining that thoroughly exasperating expression, spoke clearly.

“The absolute eradication of the Jianghu.”

He spoke with the absolute certainty of a man who had already lived through the horror.

“I have personally borne witness to that ceaseless, infinite demise.”

He delivered the apocalyptic revelation with terrifying indifference.