Chapter 462

Chapter 462
Chapter 462. Uncertain Conviction (4)

—

Although the title of ‘Director of Gusaeng-won’ aligns more naturally with the duties of a healer than a warrior, he seemed like someone who viewed his expertise merely as a means to acquire status and fortune instead of finding purpose in his calling. However, his competence was undeniable. Naturally, without exceptional talent, reaching the rank of Director would have been impossible.

‘Yet, a position like Director cannot be attained solely through technical mastery.’

In any field, reaching the pinnacle means that the capacity to lead others outweighs individual prowess. Ultimately, leadership boils down to navigating the shifts of the world. Reflecting on this, the parting remarks he shared left a persistent, unsettling weight in my mind. It felt as though I was being made to confront a reality I was well aware of but chose to ignore.

For those who have united under the banner of defending Justice (*Jeong-ui*), the boundaries separating Good (*Seon*) and Evil (*Ak*) cease to matter… Just as the Director pointed out, the most significant issue arising from this situation wouldn’t be the blunder committed by the Inspection Hall. Rather, it would be the reality that an outsider obstructed the Inspection Hall and challenged their methods.

That opposition is what would be viewed as the ultimate offense. Ruling elites despise nothing more than a threat to their dominance. Even when conscious of their faults, they refuse to concede, because acknowledging an error diminishes their power. Once diminished, that power turns aggressive and defensive. It takes no effort to foresee exactly whom that retaliatory edge will target.

Debating Good (*Seon*) and Evil (*Ak*) with a weapon pressed against your neck is utter foolishness. Ultimately, survival and validation depend entirely on strength. More than the capacity to deflect a strike, one requires the kind of influence that deters anyone from striking in the first place.

‘A faction.’

Joining the current establishment was out of the question for me. Submitting to them would simply mean bowing to their established order. Ultimately, it meant I needed to forge a completely autonomous organization…

That path was equally daunting. Factions with real influence were already firmly entrenched within the current hierarchy, giving them no incentive to leave such a secure environment. Even if they chose to break away, they would have no motivation to align with the Tae-eul Sect. If I merely cobbled together a few minor, unaligned clans and labeled it a coalition, it would be dismissed as a childish game.

‘Still, a collection of low-tier rabble is entirely unacceptable.’

What I needed was the backing of a school with a deep-rooted presence in the Jianghu—one generally respected and impossible for rival groups to dismiss. Indeed, a group like that—

‘But why on earth would they ever back the Tae-eul Sect?’

I dismissed the notion, realizing how ridiculous it sounded. The Director of Gusaeng-won had clearly planted a toxic seed of doubt in my mind. Perhaps all the concerns I had pushed aside were finally bubbling over. Had my thoughts become too convoluted recently? Dispelling the notions with a brief shake of my head, I scanned my surroundings.

Ever since their arrival, the physicians and medicine women of Gusaeng-won had worked tirelessly to treat the victims. Because of their dedication, the casualties slowly began regaining consciousness. The survivors wept with relief for their own safety, only to cry once more upon learning who had perished.

“Ugh… sob…”

As the collective weeping intensified, the members of the Mosan Sect paradoxically began to regain their composure. It was as though purging the heavy sorrow from their chests allowed them to break free from their paralyzed state, finding the resolve to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

It was around this moment that a fascinating development occurred.

“How could such a tragedy occur!”

Outriders and guests began arriving at the Mosan Sect.

“What on earth is the Martial Alliance doing with their administration!”

These were the very individuals who had ignored the Mosan Sect’s initial pleas for assistance.

“To think they would employ such brutal methods!”

The same people who had feigned ignorance despite being fully aware of the disaster unfolding here.

“My word… I was told the Mosan Sect endured an incredibly unjust plight.”

Even those who had deliberately detoured to avoid getting dragged into the conflict were now appearing. Every single one of them was coming to the Mosan Sect entirely on their own accord.

“…”

The presence and medical aid provided by Gusaeng-won essentially signaled that the Dang Clan was throwing its weight behind the Mosan Sect in this matter. That was the political weight Gusaeng-won carried. It vindicated the Mosan Sect entirely. Consequently, the hypocrites who had previously turned a blind eye came running the instant they grasped the situation.

“…How utterly brazen,” Geum-pyo muttered, though he wasn’t alone in his revulsion. The survivors of the Mosan Sect maintained icy countenances throughout these interactions. The betrayal by those they once trusted had resulted in far too severe a catastrophe. Trust might be an abstract, fragile concept, but its shattering delivers a devastating blow. The emotional damage inflicted upon the Mosan Sect could not be smoothed over with superficial pleasantries.

“Regrettably, our internal matters keep us occupied, so please return at another date.”
“—Ah, I see. Nevertheless, is there truly no assistance we can offer?”
“The moment when we required aid…”

Yu Ji-ryang’s tone was piercingly detached.

“…is long gone.”

Hearing those freezing words, the colors drained from the visitors’ faces. Shamed by the blunt dismissal, the departing guests began sending waves of provisions. Provisions, garments, and medicinal herbs arrived in abundance, alongside specially constructed coffins—though it remained a mystery when they had managed to calculate the death toll. The Mosan Sect left all these offerings outside. Mountains of goods accumulated before the grand entrance, rivaling the inventory of a massive trading firm, yet not a single member of the clan looked upon them with gratification.

“What possesses them to act like this now, after abandoning us entirely?”

Geum-pyo remarked in confusion, prompting a straightforward reply from me.

“Because we are dealing with the Mosan Sect.”

“…But wouldn’t a disaster like this severely damage their standing?”
“Naturally, it would, if the Mosan Sect were just an ordinary combative school.”

While a typical clan’s standing relies directly on its combat prowess and raw numbers, this particular group derived its influence from a different source entirely. The true foundation of their leverage lay elsewhere.

“Nearly a third of the active formations set up across the Jianghu were designed by the Mosan Sect.”

“Oh, right…!”

A complex formation isn’t a permanent fixture that runs indefinitely on its own. It requires constant upkeep, servicing, and periodic recalibrations to align with a clan’s changing needs over time. Consequently, a vast number of schools transfer enormous sums of *yang* annually to the Mosan Sect solely for the servicing of these matrix systems. It made perfect sense that any organization relying on their technical expertise would be desperate to stay in their good graces.

Geum-pyo nodded in understanding, deeply impressed. I turned to my companion, realizing it had been quite some time since our last proper interaction.

“What exactly have you been up to while everyone is running around?”

Ever since the chaos subsided, he had been completely making himself scarce.

“M-Me? I’ve obviously been lending a hand to the Mosan Sect members.”
“What tasks could you possibly have? Everyone else is already managing fine.”

Following the arrival of Gusaeng-won, the Mosan Sect had brought in a multitude of laborers to restore order to the grounds and provide for our needs. I had protested vigorously, feeling it inappropriate to receive such hospitality during a crisis, but Yu Ji-ryang’s unyielding insistence left us treated as honored guests. Yet Geum-pyo, who was supposed to remain with our group, spent whole days missing, roaming around unknown areas.

“…W-Well, you see, it’s just that there’s an endless amount of chores.”
“Right, but the specific duties assigned to you…”
“Ah! I just remembered an urgent errand. Excuse me!”

Mumbling incoherently, Geum-pyo quickly retreated, practically fleeing the conversation.

With the situation stabilizing, there was no practical reason for the Tae-eul Sect to remain on the premises. We had successfully repelled the Black Coffins and supervised the medical operations until the survivors stabilized. Ultimately, officials from the Martial Alliance would arrive to oversee the aftermath. There was no practical reason for us to linger, yet because Yu Ji-ryang subtly but persistently signaled his desire for our continued presence, we remained. To be fair, walking away wasn’t a simple matter for me either.

Eventually, the delegation from the Inspection Hall of the Martial Alliance made their appearance. To my astonishment, the leading officer was a familiar face.

“…We haven’t spoken in quite some time.”
“Indeed, the reports reached my ears.”

It was Ak Byeong-bi, the man who had persistently doubted my loyalty, viewing me as an agent of the unorthodox path. The intense gaze he leveled at me after our separation felt incredibly ominous.

“To think you would—”

Given that he had previously suggested I enlist in the Inspection Hall, I assumed our rapport had progressed past animosity… Evidently, I had misjudged the situation.

“You stood against the Black Coffins, correct?”
“…”

It felt incredibly unjust to be on the receiving end of such a severe glare. After all, the failure lay entirely with his organization, so why treat me like a criminal?

“Had I remained a bystander, the Mosan Sect would have been entirely wiped out, leaving behind a bitter tragedy.”

“…You misunderstand my point.”

Wait, what did he mean by that?

“Your intervention has caused profound discomfort among numerous high-ranking figures.”

Ak Byeong-bi clicked his tongue in clear frustration, as if an unexpected obstacle had derailed his expectations.

“Weren’t you aware that avoiding powerful adversaries is crucial until you secure a position like Great Hall Master? I assumed a genius of your caliber would navigate these waters more carefully, but here we are.”

Wait, so he wasn’t furious with me?

“…If that’s your concern, I’ve already accumulated plenty of adversaries prior to this.”
“This dynamic is entirely unprecedented.”

He was actually expressing concern, despite his stern, angry expression. His demeanor proved he was tailor-made for the burdens of the Inspection Hall. As these reflections crossed my mind, Ak Byeong-bi spoke up once more.

“…Word reached me regarding the manifestation of unorthodox arts.”

Pausing briefly to weigh his phrasing, he observed my expression intently. He was finally transitioning to the core issue.

“The assessment provided by the Black Coffins was flawed.”
“…”
“It wasn’t some forbidden technique; it was unmistakably demonic energy (*magi*).”
“Good grief…”

Observing my unshakeable conviction, Ak Byeong-bi exhaled heavily.

“Are you absolutely positive?”

Unable to disclose knowledge from my previous incarnation, I cited an alternate point of reference.

“The pressure he radiated was identical to the entities I encountered back at the Four Black Lotus Alliance.”

“Blast it!”

Ak Byeong-bi ground his teeth together, visibly enraged by the revelation.

“Did your paths never cross prior to this?”
“Heo Il-sik’s assignments fell outside our domain. Beyond that, the Black Coffins rarely cross paths with the White Coffins directly.”

It appeared that Heo Gwan-jung’s real identity was Heo Il-sik.

“Not a single encounter?”
“We crossed paths on occasion, but there was no discernible trace of malice.”

Naturally, since the power of the Subduing Demon Madman remains suppressed under the seal of the Demonic Spirit Transformation, detecting it before full manifestation is impossible. Unaware of this technical detail, Ak Byeong-bi continued to fume, clearly vexed that an active threat had slipped through his fingers unnoticed.

“How is the leadership at the Martial Alliance reacting?”
“Things are temporarily restrained.”
“Pardon?”
“Their current focus is directed inward, auditing the Inspection Hall.”

It required no foresight to realize that the Martial Alliance, already thrown into chaos by these events, would soon erupt into further turmoil.

“Has the full account of the atrocities inflicted on the Mosan Sect been brought to light?”

Ak Byeong-bi’s expression grew profoundly grim. He looked utterly overwhelmed, like a man confronting an insurmountable crisis. After staring blankly into space for a heartbeat, his gaze locked onto me.

“Could I request a small concession from you?”
“If you’re asking me to accompany you into the inner chambers, my answer is no.”

As the official envoy of the Inspection Hall, Ak Byeong-bi’s immediate destination after getting settled could only be the Sect Leader’s Hall.

“Sigh…”

I had zero desire to serve as a convenient lightning rod to deflect blame from the Inspection Hall’s blunders.

“An audience alongside you would grant us access to the hidden details of this conspiracy.”

I shook my head resolutely.

“My curiosity has limits. No doubt Heo Il-sik and a small circle of accomplices are pulling the strings.”

“I am formally requesting your presence.”

“Your audacity is remarkable, especially coming from someone who constantly branded me an agent of the unorthodox factions.”

A heavy, uncharacteristic sigh escaped Ak Byeong-bi’s lips. Prompted by sudden inquisitiveness, I questioned him.

“On another note, why send a Great Hall Master? Given the severity, shouldn’t the Vice-Director himself be leading this envoy?”

Considering the sheer scale of the crisis, it was the type of disaster where the leader of the Black Coffins, the regional Hall Master, and the Vice-Director themselves ought to be offering formal apologies on bended knee, and even that would scarcely suffice. The devastation far exceeded a mere oversight; the burden of accountability was immense.

“That is precisely the reason I am imploring you,” Ak Byeong-bi admitted, his tone heavy with remorse. “A superficial apology won’t remedy a disaster of this magnitude.”

“Does the Martial Alliance possess the genuine resolve to conduct a thorough inquiry?”
“The process is currently underway, and they will ensure a proper resolution.”

Time would tell if that promise held true.

“Regardless, do not expect me to help the Inspection Hall shirk their accountability, so make no mistake…”

Right then,

*Seuk—*

Ak Byeong-bi extended a wrapped package he had been holding. I had been wondering about the contents of that cloth bundle since his arrival.

“Are you familiar with the **Dragon Scale Treasure Robe**?”

The Dragon Scale Treasure Robe? Wasn’t that the legendary artifact belonging to the infamous “Flower Dragon Witch,” a legendary figure of her era? Rumor had it that the unique properties of that treasure allowed the Flower Dragon Witch to repeatedly slip through the grasp of the Martial Alliance’s forces. Following her cornering and elimination by the Martial Alliance, the prized artifact had vanished from public knowledge. Why bring it up out of nowhere…?

“Your knowledge is accurate,” Ak Byeong-bi remarked, shifting his gaze toward the package. My heart skipped a beat as the realization dawned on me.

“Don’t tell me…”
“I simply stumbled across it during my journey.”

What an utterly ridiculous excuse… It was glaringly obvious that this relic had been concealed deep inside the vaults of the Inspection Hall all this time. To think they kept such a treasure under wraps!

“So… perhaps we could enter the hall as a pair?”

“My dear Great Hall Master.”

Truth be told, a sense of duty had been pressing upon my conscience for some time now.

“Do we not share a unique bond?”

After all, Ak Byeong-bi was a comrade with whom I had faced mortal peril during our operation against the Four Black Lotus Alliance?

“In truth, I was already quite concerned regarding the condition of Sect Leader Gu.”

Indeed, our connection was far from superficial. Even if solely out of respect for the legendary Water-Fire-Immune… ahem, I mean Great Hall Master Ak Byeong-bi, it was only proper that I join him.

‘It’s the Water-Fire-Immune (*Su-hwa-bul-chim*) trait! Absolute protection against elements!!!’