Chapter 469

Chapter 469
## Chapter 469. The Anxiety of Goodness (6)

—

Confidence is comparable to the sheet of ice covering a waterway, shifting as the climate does; there are times it grows so solid that no amount of sprinting will disturb it, yet at other moments, it degrades into something so precarious that a single careless pace will shatter the delicate layer. The current bond with the Tang-hyeon Sect mirrored that precisely.

The Murim Alliance had carried out a covert review and attempted an execution, though they ultimately met with failure. Because they called off the review due to a massive blunder, they were in no position to execute a formal, public review now. Even so, the suspects were engineering misdeeds far too severe to abandon the review unfinished.

The rationale behind the Murim Alliance withholding the registry from the Inspection Bureau instead of passing it straight to the Yong-bong Association was a tactical maneuver designed to broaden the scope of their targets. This ensured that observers would view the Yong-bong Association’s arrival as something other than an audit. If the Murim Alliance, acting as their partner, openly labeled them as practitioners of forbidden disciplines and researchers of occult arts, how immense would the public backlash be?

The factions hosting the Yong-bong Association were surely conscious of this reality. For that very reason, they would display calculated smiles to demonstrate their virtue, acting entirely unbothered by such a scrutiny.

‘It is incredibly tangled.’

The Yong-bong Association was forced to probe the Tang-hyeon Sect amidst this intricate, baffling, and fragile landscape that demanded absolute precision. Following extensive reflection, they shifted the entire weight of the task onto their commander, Gwak Su-san. Gwak Su-san, who once commanded one of the four units of the Sa-hwal-dan and stood as the junior member of the Jong-nam collective, was required to navigate this labyrinthine and subtle affair without tipping off the adversary.

The sharp-witted Gwak Su-san, cultivated as a top talent of Jong-nam, addressed the host.

“I would care to observe the grounds of the Tang-hyeon Sect.”

“Oh?”

“Well, it simply strikes me as remarkably grand for some reason.”

Mak Hyo-wol’s attention turned toward the structures.

“…?”

The facades of the quarters were neither remarkably ornate nor particularly massive.

“…!”

Even so, Mak Hyo-wol was an astute individual. Recognizing Gwak Su-san’s hidden motive, he granted his consent.

“Do not feel constrained; please observe whatever you like.”

Upon obtaining Mak Hyo-wol’s consent, Gwak Su-san squeezed his fist tightly where only we could observe it, prompting Danmok Gyo-ryeon and Deung Hyang-hyang to promptly jab his ribs.

“Ouch!”

The task of escorting us through the Tang-hyeon Sect fell to Sang Ja-yang, who introduced himself as the General Manager. It was rather unusual that someone who appeared to be in his mid-thirties at most occupied the post of General Manager, controlling the entire livelihood of the Tang-hyeon Sect.

“Haha, my earlier days were actually spent studying for the state administrative trials.”

Furthermore, he possessed actual experience sitting for those assessments. In response to our praise regarding his mastery of both scholarship and martial prowess, he waved his hand with humility.

“Am I not merely a lackluster example of pursuing both letters and martial skills? I turned out rather ordinary, excelling at neither.”

Within any faction, the individual managing the finances—be it the General Manager or the Inner Hall Master—typically exhibits a highly abrasive demeanor, yet no such trait could be detected in him. He gave off the impression of a cheerful wanderer instead.

What struck me while strolling alongside him was his deep rapport with the members of the Tang-hyeon Sect. It presented a starkly contrasting picture to my own father, who enforced fiscal restraint by constantly bickering with our sect members day in and day out. When I pointed this out, Sang Ja-yang chuckled warmly and countered.

“If one allocates funds where necessity dictates and economizes where it does not, there is little reason to behave like a miser.”

What is this? Is he subtly mocking my father?

“It must be quite a burden to provide for such an extensive household.”

“The Tang-hyeon Sect numbers four hundred and eighty-eight souls in total, standing as the grandest faction within the boundaries of Ak-seo. Fortunately, we face no rivals, so sustaining ourselves presents no immense struggle.”

Sang Ja-yang went on.

“Moreover, we possess expansive agricultural lands and plots inherited across generations, meaning we face no urgent pressure to make distinct arrangements for the cold season, which is an incredible benefit.”

Without any sign of reservation, Sang Ja-yang disclosed matters that alternative General Managers would normally hesitate to share. Perhaps drawn to his easygoing nature, the Yong-bong Association spoke with equal ease.

“Throughout our journey here, there was not a single settlement that failed to offer praise for the Tang-hyeon Sect.”

Hearing Gwak Su-san’s remark, Sang Ja-yang rubbed the back of his neck, appearing self-conscious for the first time.

“In truth, that is entirely the doing of our Sect Leader.”

“What makes you say that?”

“To be frank, I am not particularly fond of distributing the Tang-hyeon Sect’s internal resources and offering labor to outsiders.”

“Ah…”

“Truly, he may be our Sect Leader, but there are moments I believe he carries it to an extreme.”

Despite his complaints, the sentiment of “Noble Honor” was unmistakably written across Sang Ja-yang’s features.

“The principles our Sect Leader values above all else are the tranquility of the *Kangho* and the order of the common world. Extending aid to as many souls as possible within our means—he maintains that this is the true essence of virtue.”

Sang Ja-yang’s torso expanded with pride.

“The Tang-hyeon Sect likely shelters the highest number of youths from orphanages anywhere in Hubei Province.”

“Incredible…”

Sang Ja-yang possessed every justification for his pride. At that instant, even the Yong-bong Association showed genuine reverence toward the Tang-hyeon Sect, setting aside the standing or scale of their respective factions. A sacrifice of that nature was not an easy undertaking for any group, regardless of its magnitude. Perhaps flustered by our genuine praise, Sang Ja-yang swiftly returned to his primary duty of guiding us.

“Let us proceed along this path. It makes the most sense to inspect the training fields first, does it not?”

He left no stone unturned.

“This area serves as the dining hall for the Tang-hyeon Sect. Would it please you to inspect the culinary quarters as well?”

It was as though he anticipated our exact desires.

“These quarters belong to the disciples of the third generation. The arrangement of housing four to a chamber is intended to ease the youngsters’ restlessness…”

He laid bare locations that required no close scrutiny.

“Since your steps have brought you this far, would it interest you to view the *Geum-ok* (Prison) too? Lately, it is a facility that sees little purpose, given that we transfer captives straight to the Murim Alliance, but…”

As we trailed Sang Ja-yang, Il-gak transmitted a silent thought (*Jeoneum*).

*-Has the individual with a full head of hair detected anything unusual?*

It appeared he still had not moved past his irritation.

*-Good grief, are you truly still brooding over a bit of banter?*

*-I harbor no anger. I am merely inquiring if your brain, adorned with such dense locks, has uncovered any anomalies.*

That petty, counterfeit ascetic…

Setting aside the matter of hair or its absence, and overlooking all else, there was simply no specific area to criticize or treat with skepticism. He displayed storage rooms we had no business inspecting and even stamped forcefully against the floorboards to prove that no subterranean chambers lay hidden beneath.

If I were forced to uncover a reason for doubt, perhaps it lay in his willingness to unveil the repository of their secret techniques? Naturally, the volumes were shielded so their texts remained hidden, but even in a bid to establish innocence, was it not an extreme gesture to expose the sanctuary of a faction’s martial arts? Then again, perhaps he was signaling a muted irritation regarding our unannounced audit.

“We have arrived. Locating the *Geum-ok* within the subterranean levels of the Sol-mae Hall was a tactical choice to counter any attempts at flight by wicked men. It likewise serves to disorient the culprits, rendering them incapable of distinguishing between daytime and evening. No matter how vicious a soul may be, a week spent in this place routinely breaks their resolve and fractures their mind.”

It certainly appeared capable of that. Burrowed deep beneath the Sol-mae Hall, this *Geum-ok* lacked even a solitary window, crafted so that darkness remained unbroken even when sentries came and went. The solitary defiance against the gloom came from the brands mounted upon the stonework, and by Sang Ja-yang’s account, those brands were never permitted to fade. I could only conclude that anyone confined here would gradually waste away, stripped of any concept of morning or night.

“You have now observed the entirety of the Tang-hyeon Sect. I would gladly escort you to the outlying estates and fields under the Tang-hyeon Sect’s banner… yet as the hour grows late, perhaps we might save that inspection for tomorrow?”

The sun retained some height, but traveling to distant locations would undoubtedly see the darkness catch up to us. We chose to agree with Sang Ja-yang’s proposal.

“Let us depart then. Linger here for an extended duration, and one’s spirit begins to suffer.”

As we turned to leave behind Sang Ja-yang, my attention became trapped by one particular holding area.

“You mentioned that a considerable period has passed since the *Geum-ok* was occupied, correct?”

“Mmh? Indeed. What brings that to mind?”

“Ah, it is of no consequence. The bedding material simply struck me as rather aged. Do you confine female captives within these walls as well?”

The straw scattered across the cell floor was so decayed and trampled that it no longer offered any real utility.

“When a transgressor is brought in, we do not make a habit of refreshing the straw. Nor do we separate men from women. Confinement here is intended for penance, not for comfort.”

I offered a nod at his explanation and continued after him. Even so, for some reason, my eyes kept drifting back toward a crimson hair ribbon resting amidst the decayed straw.

“Whew, that task is finally behind us.”

Seo Cheon-pung, known as the One Fist of the Green Mountain, collapsed onto the bedding within our quarters, groaning as though on the verge of death. The remaining companions from the Yong-bong Association appeared equally drained.

“Standing on one’s feet for the duration of the day is truly grueling.”

“The thought crossed my mind repeatedly that I would prefer rigorous martial drills.”

Though their physical forms were hardened by intense training, it did not follow that they possessed stamina for monotonous exercises.

“But Brother Jin, how do you remain completely unaffected?”

Seo Cheon-pung inquired with genuine wonder.

“It comes down to a variance in our daily routines.”

“…What?”

In truth, rather than any training, it was because my previous existence had been so saturated with these tedious chores that I had grown thoroughly detached; traversing miles on foot all day was second nature to me. There was no earthly way for Seo Cheon-pung, nurtured like a delicate blossom within a sheltered garden, to comprehend that.

“….”

Reflecting on that reality somehow left a trace of melancholy in my chest. Right then, Il-gak extended his sensory awareness (*Gigam*) outward in every direction.

“…?”

We cut our speech short and focused on him. He was undoubtedly ensuring that no foreign presence lingered within his perimeter.

“Let us address our purpose. Did any among you observe a matter worthy of suspicion while traversing the grounds today?”

“….”
“….”
“….”

Not a single soul within the Yong-bong Association offered a reply.

“To be perfectly frank, rather than sensing anything amiss, I found myself burdened by a wave of remorse.”

Seo Cheon-pung spoke up, rubbing his temples with force.

“In all honesty, it has been an age since I encountered a martial collective radiating such an honorable spirit. To speak plainly, I failed to spot even a solitary idler, the sort you encounter in every other sect.”

Danmok Gyo-ryeon signaled agreement.

“Truthfully, given that we received an abundance of hospitality far exceeding our station… I find myself feeling rather unsettled as well.”

“In matters that might have triggered doubt, they proactively cleared the air before we could even ask.”

Recognizing that the dialogue was veering off course, Il-gak altered his inquiry.

“Then, for the moment, let us focus exclusively on details that could be interpreted as problematic, even if we must stretch our logic to do so.”

Should we persist in this emotional indulgence, we risk overlooking something critical.

“Well, their benevolence was almost excessive.”

“If forced to pinpoint an issue… I would argue the overwhelming hospitality feels unnatural.”

“Compelling every member of the Tang-hyeon Sect to halt their duties and wait upon us also appears somewhat staged.”

Even so, their criticisms were merely forced objections raised against admirable traits; there was nothing that truly justified alarm.

“Benefactor Jin… why do you remain silent?”

Since I had kept my thoughts to myself for some time, the group’s collective focus turned toward me.

“Benefactor Jin?”

My mind returned to the crimson hair ribbon left in the *Geum-ok*, and the youth in the settlement who had tugged at Danmok Gyo-ryeon’s tresses.

“Did Benefactor Jin likewise fail to uncover anything anomalous?”

A crimson hair ribbon is a common trinket discoverable anywhere. It is similarly ordinary to encounter an orphaned youth who has lost their wits to grief. Unleashing suspicions upon the Tang-hyeon Sect over such details was illogical. I dismissed the image of the crimson hair ribbon from my thoughts.

“No.”

Even setting that aside, an anomaly definitely existed.

“There is a detail that warrants suspicion.”

“…What might it be?”

The attention of Il-gak and the rest of the Yong-bong Association locked onto me with greater intensity. Yet, Il-gak’s focus abruptly snapped toward the threshold of the room. A sign that an individual was drawing near. We immediately smoothed the tension from our expressions.

*Thud. Thud.* (The sound of approaching steps)

The figure drawing near with distinct intent was none other than…

“*Ahem*.”

It was the leader of the Tang-hyeon Sect.

“Oh?”

“Ah! Sect Leader!”

We failed to mask our astonishment. He was the last person we anticipated encountering. Even under ordinary circumstances, the master of a house rarely visits a visitor’s private quarters.

“Haha, it appears I have inadvertently broken your peace.”

He spoke as though he recognized that Il-gak had deployed his sensory net.

“No, not at all. We were merely passing the time with some light conversation.”

“Is that so? I am pleased to hear it. Are your accommodations satisfactory?”

“We are resting in absolute comfort, courtesy of your kindness.”

Following a brief exchange of conventional pleasantries, the Tang-hyeon Sect Leader transitioned to his true intent.

“I find myself wishing to share a private word with young champion Jin So-un for a brief spell.”

Me, without warning? Because his request arrived out of nowhere, the entire room looked toward me. I was similarly caught off guard.

“Would you grant me this favor?”

He offered a warm smile, projecting nothing but amiability.

“Ah.”

To discover what game he is playing…

“Naturally, it is no trouble at all.”

I simply need to confront him face-to-face.