Chapter 476

Chapter 476
Chapter 476. Finding Evidence (6)

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A missive from the Murim Alliance finally reached us. The text explained that they had launched an official inquiry into the Tang-hyeon Sect to expose their transgressions completely, while offering commendations for our efforts and promising full backing… and other standard platitudes. However, the true motive for the correspondence was tucked away at the very bottom.

The message noted that instability within the *Kangho* was escalating with every passing day, and because the internal turmoil surrounding the Black Official affair had caused widespread anxiety, we needed to exercise extreme caution during our audits while concluding our duties without delay… essentially demanding that we proceed with meticulous care yet move with utmost speed. To put it bluntly:

[The Murim Alliance is currently in deep trouble; if your group blunders, things are going to get disastrously worse.]

That was the core meaning hidden behind their verbose phrasing. Since wrapping up the scrutiny of just their initial target, the Tang-hyeon Sect, had already proven immensely stressful, Gwak Su-san looked deeply anxious.

“It feels as though our responsibilities have suddenly multiplied,” he muttered.

His apprehension was entirely justified, given the recent intelligence that the Jeom-chang Sect had recalled its representatives from the Murim Alliance. Word on the street claimed that these martial artists were summoned back to their headquarters under the guise of reinforcing the security and administration of their primary stronghold…

‘What utter nonsense.’

When you realize that securing a stronger foothold within the Murim Alliance is actually the premier method for projecting a sect’s power outward, the sheer hypocrisy of their official excuse becomes glaringly obvious.

‘Besides, wasn’t the individual who colluded with Heo Il-sik exposed as a follower of the Jeom-chang Sect?’

Though their public statement painted a different picture, the actual catalyst for the Jeom-chang Sect’s sudden withdrawal was the execution of one of their own disciples, who had been caught operating as a clandestine agent. On top of that, it served as a calculated political move to test their leverage. Even if the correspondence didn’t state this explicitly, the inclusion of so many unnecessary details signaled that the internal dynamics of the Murim Alliance were shifting dangerously.

‘The leaders of Jeom-chang are definitely probing the situation.’

They were taking the initiative to measure the reactions of the martial world, intending to step back into the spotlight later while deflecting blame for their own missteps onto the Murim Alliance. Much like an insect shedding its old skin, they would likely discard the Murim Alliance as a useless husk while declaring their own immaculate rebirth. It was a classic political maneuver.

During my previous existence, a similar pattern unfolded. The Murim Alliance bungled its response to the Sichuan Blood Incident and failed to find common ground because Jegal So-myeong wasn’t there to guide them during the opening phases of the Great War between Justice and Evil, causing the coalition to fracture from within. This led to the formation of the Orthodox Pavilion by the Orthodox Society, followed by the White Way Pavilion under the direction of the White Way Society, and ultimately the belated establishment of the One-Hundred-and-Eight Pavilion. Those three competing factions stood as definitive proof of the alliance’s ultimate ruin.

‘There is no way I am going to sit back and witness that miserable collapse a second time.’

In any case, judging by current developments, those hypocrites are preparing to scapegoat others for the entire string of disasters. What enrages me most is that I am clearly being set up as one of those scapegoats. A failure in the Yong-bong Association’s current assignment would provide them with the perfect pretext. Once Il-gak slips away from the consequences with a remorseful look, shielded by the immense authority of the Shaolin Temple, I will be left abandoned and bound to a post, forced to watch that miserable monk walk away. Truly a despicable bald monk.

When the initial directive arrived commanding me to align with the Yong-bong Association, the underlying motive eluded me, but the trajectory of current events has made it crystal clear. The elite figures occupying positions of absolute authority are playing hazardous political games with the stability of the *Kangho*, acting entirely out of self-interest through deceptive schemes and poisonous rhetoric. To those individuals, it matters very little how many minor organizations are destroyed by fabricated charges or how many factions are branded as heretics for supposedly studying the forbidden arts of the Blood Cult. Their sole concern is securing the dominant share of authority and leverage once this chaotic era concludes. They remain utterly oblivious to the reality that the honed edge of the Heavenly Demon Cult is already pressed against their throats.

“Because of that, we absolutely cannot afford to blunder,” I declared.

“What was that?”

Gwak Su-san, completely blind to the true gravity of the geopolitical landscape, stared back at me with a bewildered look.

“Which destination is next on our list?”

“We are heading toward the Chang-eung-pa next; their expertise lies in breeding and training messenger hawks…”

“I am well aware of their reputation.”

However, there is a crucial detail those scheming politicians have overlooked: I have no intention of letting this investigation fail.

“We can conduct a superficial review and simply move along,” I remarked casually.

“How can you say… we should just do a superficial review?”

“They are an organization that amassed immense wealth purely through avian communication. From the beginning, they have harbored no desire to secure a place among the One Hundred and Eight Peaks.”

My confidence stemmed from the fact that my mind retained perfect recollections not just of every faction dismantled during my previous life, but also of every group that bled on the front lines during the Great War between Justice and Evil. Though certain variables differ in this lifetime, the overarching path of history remains largely consistent. The fundamental flaws of human behavior do not pivot drastically merely because of a minor shift in circumstances.

“Forward!”

“Wait, the members of the Blue Dragon Pavilion requested an audience with us beforehand,” he intervened.

“The Blue Dragon Pavilion?”

“Correct. They reached out to see if we could coordinate our upcoming itineraries…”

It was obvious they were deeply dissatisfied with our decision to transfer custody of the Tang-hyeon Sect to the local authorities.

“I see…”

Nevertheless, initiating contact with the Blue Dragon Pavilion at this moment would be counterproductive. That particular organization operates entirely under the sway of the Orthodox Society, and Yong So-a is a member of their ranks. The primary concern was whether Gwak Su-san, with his rigid adherence to protocol, would possess the resolve to bypass the Blue Dragon Pavilion’s request.

“Do you honestly believe the Blue Dragon Pavilion is seeking a meeting merely to discuss calendar dates?” I questioned.

“What do you mean?”

“They are undoubtedly infuriated by what transpired. To me, it feels highly suspicious that they are proposing a friendly consultation as though everything is perfectly fine.”

“…”

“Particularly when they have every justification to harbor resentment over having their assignment snatched away right from under them.”

Gwak Su-san’s complexion slowly drained until he looked pale as dust. I offered him a gentle, encouraging shove forward.

“Let’s not overthink this; why shouldn’t we manage the situation independently? Ultimately, the accountability rests entirely on the Yong-bong Association, making it absurd for us to take directives or suggestions from the Blue Dragon Pavilion.”

“But…”

Drawing upon the harsh lessons of my prior life, I pressed further.

“Consider this perspective: a leader who constantly falters because they allow themselves to be pulled in every direction is a failure as a commander.”

“Am I… a commander?”

“Of course. As the head of the Yong-bong Association, you hold supreme command over our operations; who else could possibly claim that title?”

A look of profound realization washed over Gwak Su-san’s features, leaving him temporarily speechless.

“I am… in command…”

While I recognized his naturally reserved disposition, I hadn’t realized his self-esteem was quite this fragile. I immediately sought to bolster his spirits.

“Do you honestly suppose I put you in charge of the fourth squad within the Sa-hwal-dan out of pure spite toward the Jong-nam Sect?”

“What? Well… I assumed…”

“Not at all. I selected you precisely because I recognized your innate leadership capabilities.”

“My capabilities… what sort of leadership qualities do you mean?”

“Well, as for the specific nature of those qualities…”

In truth, my decision to assign the youngest member of the Jong-nam Sect to lead that squad stemmed entirely from my irritation at their overarching pride, but there was no tactical benefit in revealing that to him. I firmly placed a reassuring hand on Gwak Su-san’s shoulder.

“Chief. What truly matters at this juncture is showcasing your capability to lead, is it not?”

“Y-Yes, that makes sense.”

“Then make your choice and stand by it!”

I delivered a hearty slap to his back, which surprisingly caused a spark of resolve to ignite within his previously unfocused eyes.

“Alright, my mind is made up. We shall focus solely on the immediate mission before us.”

“Superb! I knew you possessed the resolve of a true leader!”

“Resolve… leader… Yah!”

With newfound determination, Gwak Su-san reined the mounts of the Yong-bong Association directly toward the territory of the Chang-eung-pa.

“…Yet another tragic benefactor has succumbed to the seductive murmurs of wickedness; a pity. Amitabha.”

From the rear, the hairless monk let out a low, disapproving sigh, but our steady advance could not be deterred.

“They bypassed another one?”

Hwang Seo-yul, who held the position of Great Leader within the Blue Dragon Pavilion, scowled intensely. This marked the third instance of such behavior. It was bad enough that they were operating completely independently while shunning the very allies they were supposed to coordinate with, but declaring a verdict of “Exonerated from any ties to heterodox techniques or Blood Cult heresy” without so much as setting foot inside the targeted compounds crossed the line into outright professional misconduct.

And yet,

“Could he genuinely be an incompetent idiot oblivious to the stakes?”

The operational reality of the contemporary Yong-bong Association bore no resemblance to its historical iterations. They possessed the formal mandate for audits, and along with that authority came absolute accountability, regardless of their personal inclinations. Given the gravity of the ongoing crisis, any failure would result in consequences far more severe than a simple blemish on their official records. The sheer weight of the potential fallout made even an outside observer like him feel anxious.

“It is vexing that the current lineup of the Yong-bong Association consists entirely of unfamiliar faces.”

He had previously attempted to initiate contact through a formal message to establish rapport, but his overtures had been met with absolute silence, leaving him hesitant to reach out again. To suffer another slight would not only undermine his authority as Great Leader but would completely destroy his reputation as an elder within the Murim Alliance.

“Come to think of it, that young martial artist Jin So-un is attached to their unit.”

The recollection of their brief interaction following the prior Blood Cult crisis came back to him.

“During that encounter, the youth struck me as remarkably astute.”

“To whom are you referring?”

In response to his subordinate’s inquiry, Hwang Seo-yul dismissed the thought with a slight wave of his hand.

“A minor detail. On another note, didn’t you mention previously that Yong So-a crossed paths with Jin So-un over at Mo-san?”

“That is correct. Following that affair, he aligned himself with our faction.”

“What is Yong So-a’s current location?”

“…Have you forgotten? You deployed him to eliminate the bandits at the mountain stronghold.”

“Right!”

Following a desperate appeal from a community of destitute agricultural laborers near their temporary camp, he had dispatched a small detachment alongside Yong So-a to handle the threat.

空间并且，我也打算亲自评估一下他的武学造诣。
‘Furthermore, I intended to evaluate his martial prowess firsthand.’

It was a perfect opportunity to ascertain whether the individual celebrated as the most gifted prodigy in generational history truly lived up to the title. After all, an effective Great Leader must thoroughly comprehend the capabilities of their forces to implement viable strategies.

“Do you anticipate their return in roughly three days?”

“Three days? Be realistic. How could a mere ten combatants dismantle a fortification holding five hundred foes without external reinforcements and return within three days? The logistical preparations alone require at least a week.”

“True enough. Had I anticipated this timeline, I ought to have assigned a larger force.”

He urgently needed to devise a strategy regarding the Yong-bong Association, but due to his own miscalculation, he was stuck waiting. Just then, an uproar erupted beyond the walls of the tent.

“What is the source of that commotion?”

Stepping out into the open air, he observed the stationed forces of the Blue Dragon Pavilion, who had been resting, staring intently in a single direction. Then,

“What?”

Right at the focal point of everyone’s attention,

“How is this…”

Yong So-a, accompanied by the detachment that was supposed to be actively besieging the remote mountain fortress, was striding into the encampment.

“The objective has been fulfilled,” he announced calmly.

“Pardon?”

Hwang Seo-yul reflexively examined the accompanying martial artists. Despite being regular subordinates, these individuals possessed sufficient combat experience and refinement to command their own units. Yet, here they were, trailing behind Yong So-a with expressions of utter physical and mental depletion. Though he had intentionally selected seasoned veterans to temper Yong So-a’s immense arrogance, the outcome indicated that the veterans themselves had been thoroughly humbled.

“The bandit stronghold you designated has been entirely eradicated.”

“…”

The realization of what it truly meant to face the most peerless prodigy of the age struck him with immense force. Though he had not witnessed the skirmish with his own eyes, the profound sense of defeat radiating from his veterans—evident in their defeated postures and drooping shoulders—offered a clear indication of the insurmountable obstacle they had run into.

“Are there any further instructions?”

That completely flat, detached delivery remained unsettling to him, but he quickly cleared his thoughts and composed his demeanor. Regardless of how imposing the youth appeared or the lingering sensation that a single misstep could prove fatal, he retained his position as the commanding officer. Maintaining an authoritative and unshakable presence was a fundamental requirement of leadership.

“The Yong-bong Association continues to disregard our presence and operate completely on their own. Their commanding officer seems entirely volatile and impossible to forecast.”

Yong So-a replied with an air of complete certainty.

“The current course of action does not originate from their chief. It stems entirely from the machinations of the individual traveling alongside him.”

His declaration was so definitive it was as if he had personally witnessed their private councils. While the statement seemed unusual, Hwang Seo-yul chose not to dwell on it; after all, compared to the youth’s unnervingly rigid and cold demeanor, a strange comment was minor.

“When you refer to his companion, do you mean Jin So-un?”

He was well aware that Il-gak lacked the scheming disposition required for such maneuvers.

“Are you implying that Jin So-un is purposely keeping his distance from us?”

“That individual has always operated under his own rules, and he will persist in executing plans according to his personal whims.”

“Sigh… Am I supposed to simply tolerate this insubordination?”

“In due time, his actions will result in a misstep.”

“What?”

Adjusting to Yong So-a’s peculiar manner of conversation remained a challenge. Even so, he decided to overlook the eccentricity, rationalizing that individuals who endure prolonged periods of solitary martial training often suffer a decline in interpersonal communication—very much resembling the distinct speech patterns of the Poison King.

“And that particular misstep will precipitate an absolute catastrophe.”

Yet, despite the unusual cadence and structure of the delivery, the underlying message remained sharp and unambiguous. Deep down, Hwang Seo-yul could not shake the feeling that Yong So-a’s ominous warning carried profound weight.