Chapter 488

Chapter 488
Chapter 488. The Setting Sun’s Shadow (1)

—

“Your efforts are greatly appreciated.”

The representatives from the Inspection Bureau had made their arrival. Leading them was **Ak Byeong-bi**, the same official who had previously traveled to the **Mount Mosan Sect**. Although he had been on his way back to the **Murim Alliance**, he swiftly altered his course toward **Hwapoong Manor** upon receiving the urgent news, given its proximity.

“The crazed demon **Bokma-gwangin**… I understand dealing with such a menace was no simple feat. Preventing any further loss of life is commendable. You did remarkably well.”

Though **Ak Byeong-bi** offered these words of praise, the members of the **Yongbong-jihoe** offered no reply. Detecting the heavy, unusual atmosphere from their silence, **Ak Byeong-bi** spoke once more.

“The high-ranking leaders at the **Murim Alliance** are continuously lauding your accomplishments. Once you conclude the remaining procedures here properly, a magnificent compensation will be waiting for you.”

“……”

Noticing how the **Yongbong-jihoe** remained tight-lipped with deeply furrowed brows, **Ak Byeong-bi** inclined his head in confusion.

“Is there perhaps something that dissatisfies you?”

“…Is it absolutely vital that the thorough examination be carried out with such severity?”

“Pardon?”

**Ak Byeong-bi** followed the direction **Gwak Su-san** was gesturing toward. The operatives of the Inspection Bureau were meticulously stripping the estate, hauling out every item linked to **Hwapoong Manor** to compile them in a single clearing, while systematically segregating and organizing the inhabitants.

“Does this present an issue?”

Given that an entity as dangerous as a **Bokma-gwangin** had manifested, this aggressive protocol was merely the standard operation for the Inspection Bureau. There was nothing abnormal about it.

“No… it is nothing of importance.”

**Gwak Su-san** dismissed his own thought with a shake of his head, choosing to fall silent.

“Where is **Jin So-un**? I do not see him among you.”

“He departed ahead of us, mentioning he needed to be elsewhere.”

“Oh? …Are you certain nothing is amiss?”

“Everything is fine.”

Leaving the perplexed **Ak Byeong-bi** behind with those brief replies, the **Yongbong-jihoe** retreated from **Hwapoong Manor** almost as if they were fleeing a crime scene. It felt incredibly agonizing for the **Yongbong-jihoe** to realize that the more their glorious victory was celebrated, the greater the misery inflicted upon the residents of **Hwapoong Manor**.

They ran away from the discomfort, knowing they still had other factions left to audit. The sole silver lining was that their arduous journey was finally nearing its end.

Several shifts occurred in the wake of the tragedy at **Hwapoong Manor**. For one, **Yong So-ah** began to travel alongside them permanently, which only caused the **Yongbong-jihoe** to sink deeper into a quiet, somber mood. Even when they arrived at various settlements, they rarely donned their official attire, choosing instead to pull out and wear their long-kept robes only when stepping inside a particular sect’s grounds.

However, the most drastic transformation occurred within **Jin So-un** himself.

“Is it truly wise to let him continue in this manner?”

Prompted by **Dan-mok Gyo-ryeon**’s remark, **Gwak Su-san** cast his gaze toward **Jin So-un**. The young man was relentlessly consuming alcohol without uttering a single word.

“……”

This had been his unchanging state ever since they left **Hwapoong Manor**. He isolated himself during their travels, refused to attend formal receptions to greet the sect leaders, and remained concealed in the shadows to drink during active audits. On one occasion, unable to bear watching him waste away, they had tried to pull him into their tasks by force.

“**Dan-ju**, your assistance is required for this inquiry. Things look highly questionable.”

**Jin So-un** had merely responded with heavy eyelids, heavily intoxicated.

“Go consult that magnificent **Yong So-ah** over there. After all, he is an all-knowing entity who possesses every answer and can untangle any predicament.”

“……”

While they fretted over whether **Jin So-un** would completely destroy himself before the inspections concluded—

“A talented martial artist is turning into a total wreck.”

“…Yet, it is not as if he is completely neglecting his duties, is it?”

Their thoughts drifted back to when they were on the verge of wrapping up their audit of the **Uiwang Gate**, preparing to issue a clean verdict of total innocence. Suddenly, **Jin So-un** had barged into the premises with a liquor flask gripped in his hand. Brushing aside the defending disciples of the **Uiwang Gate** with a casual sweep of his palm, he tracked down a concealed chamber containing a secret manual of the **Blood Cult**. He tossed the damning evidence directly to the **Yongbong-jihoe** before retreating back into hiding to drown himself in alcohol once more.

Because of incidents like that, they could hardly criticize him. At the end of the day, **Jin So-un** was single-handedly resolving the overwhelming tasks that the **Yongbong-jihoe** found too difficult to manage on their own.

“Well, since no major trouble has arisen, perhaps we should leave him to his own devices?”

Unable to contain his frustration any longer, **Dan-mok Gyo-ryeon** glared ahead with narrowed eyes.

“Do you truly look at that right now and call it ‘no major trouble’?”

**Jin So-un** was currently provoking a group of **Huk-do** scoundrels who bore remarkably fierce expressions.

“Hey, what are your eyes fixed on?”

“What did you say?”

“I asked why you’re staring at me like that. Do you have a death wish?”

The confrontation had ignited just moments prior when his unsteady footsteps caused him to stumble into the table of the **Huk-do** group, flipping over their drinks.

“……”

**Gwak Su-san** massaged his temples in sheer exhaustion. This was his daily reality now. Ever since departing from **Hwapoong Manor**, **Jin So-un** spent his days starting conflicts with random thugs whenever the alcohol took hold.

“Quickly, someone go restrain him!”

“Who, me?”

Before **Gwak Su-san** could even process the question, the brawl erupted violently.

*Crash! Boom! Thump! Snap Adjustment!*

Within a mere instant, the six **Huk-do** ruffians were rendered unconscious, left with fractured limbs, or struck with severe internal trauma as they coughed up crimson pools. It was a terrifying display of martial prowess, utterly unfathomable for a man who could barely walk straight due to heavy drinking.

“If you cannot pull him away, at least go cover his mouth!”

The true issue lay in what came out of his mouth next.

“You miserable dogs, how dare you challenge a representative of the **Murim Alliance**, an organization as absolute as the heavens themselves! Do you wish to be dragged to headquarters and rot away in a dark dungeon without ever catching a glimpse of daylight again?”

“……”

“I am none other than **Jin So-un** of the **Murim Alliance**! A top-tier elite who graduated at the absolute peak of the **Murim Academy**! You worthless fools!”

He was weaponizing the name of the **Murim Alliance** to justify his own unruly behavior. While this grandstanding managed to keep the situation from escalating into a full-scale war, the **Yongbong-jihoe** were filled with overwhelming dread that their secret operational identities would be exposed to the public. The thought of the esteemed **Yongbong-jihoe** roaming the lands as a band of drunken brawlers was horrifying; if such a rumor gained traction, they would be too ashamed to face the **Murim Alliance** or their own respective clans.

**Il-gak** looked entirely unwilling to intervene at this point. Desperate, they sought assistance from the solitary figure capable of matching **Jin So-un**.

“What seems to be the issue?”

“Right now, he is loudly proclaiming his affiliation with the **Murim Alliance**…”

“**Jin So-un** did graduate at the top of the **Murim Academy** and he holds an official rank within the **Murim Alliance**. Hence, referencing himself as an ‘elite of the **Murim Alliance**,’ a phrase ordinary people frequently use, is factually accurate. He has spoken nothing but the truth.”

Instead of helping, **Yong So-ah** merely tilted his head, regarding **Gwak Su-san** as though he were the one behaving irrationally. Even so, they could not simply drop the matter, knowing that if **Jin So-un** took center stage personally, the entire group would suffer immense public embarrassment by the time they reached their next destination.

“Such unbridled conduct severely damages the reputation of the **Murim Alliance** and risks compromising our ongoing mission. We are obligated to put an end to this.”

“……”

**Yong So-ah** shifted his gaze toward **Jin So-un**. He watched as a martial artist, driven past his breaking point by **Jin So-un**’s nauseating mockery, launched an assault only to be violently smashed into the ground. Turning back to **Gwak Su-san**, **Yong So-ah** remarked,

“Has **Jin So-un**’s demeanor ever been truly distinct from that of the **Huk-do** outlaws from the very start?”

“…!??”

“He behaved in this exact manner throughout his evaluations and his enrollment at the academy. Why should his actions suddenly present a dilemma now?”

*Thump!*

Suddenly, a body came hurtling directly toward **Yong So-ah**’s flank.

“Watch out! Be-behind you…!”

Sweeping his palm out in a precise, elegant curvature, **Yong So-ah** manifested a subtle ripple of **Tae-geuk** energy in midair. The flying combatant was instantly snared by the redirecting force and smoothly guided to crash against the tavern wall.

“Furthermore, has **Jin So-un** not been the most productive asset regarding the operations of the **Yongbong-jihoe**? I fail to comprehend the core of your grievance.”

“……”

For a brief second, **Gwak Su-san** caught himself thinking, *Could he be right?* but he forcefully jerked his head to clear his mind. If he lost his grounding here, there was no telling how disastrously out of control the situation would spiral.

“Sigh…”

Recomposing his thoughts, **Gwak Su-san** turned to leave, prompting **Yong So-ah** to speak.

“Do you truly intend to step in?”

“If I do not intervene, an even greater catastrophe might unfold.”

“How utterly short-sighted. You fail to weigh your own limitations against the prowess of your adversary.”

“…It is often said that a martial artist must occasionally take a stand, even when defeat is absolute.”

“Who uttered such an absurd notion?”

**Gwak Su-san**’s eyes drifted toward **Jin So-un**. **Yong So-ah** observed with a perfectly flat tone.

“To emulate and implement the philosophy of a man you deem a lawless ruffian—do you not perceive the blatant hypocrisy in your own actions?”

“……”

Without another word, **Gwak Su-san** dashed toward **Jin So-un**. It wasn’t because he lacked a retort, but rather because he sensed that a truly massive disaster was imminent if he didn’t act immediately.

“**Dan-ju**! Please, halt this—”

“And who the hell are you supposed to be!”

*Boom!*

Naturally, his intervention did nothing to halt the chaos. Before he could even raise his hands, he was struck squarely and sent flying across the room.

“Ugh, this is driving me mad.”

Throughout my previous existence, my consumption of alcohol was staggering. Once **Gye Cheol-yeong** gained admission to the **Murim Academy**, a profound apathy settled over my life, prompting me to turn to the bottle. During my compulsory term at the **Murim Alliance**, drinking became my sole shield against the relentless torment inflicted by **Gye Cheol-yeong**. Of course, those quantities were a mere drop in the bucket compared to the ocean of liquor I consumed during the devastating **War of Righteousness and Demons**.

Throughout that bloody conflict, alcohol was my constant companion. In truth, I swallowed concoctions that barely qualified as proper spirits. Since authentic liquor was exceedingly scarce amidst the chaos of the battlefields, I would seize any medicinal tinctures I could find and dilute them with water. The sole reason I forced down those vile, bitter medicinal blends at every opportunity was survival; it was impossible to endure the horrific, vivid memories of yesterday’s casualties and the overwhelming dread of tomorrow with a clear, sober mind.

Yet, looking back, that brutal period of my past life felt far more merciful than my current reality. At the very least, I possessed the ability to lose myself in intoxication back then.

“I am truly bound to lose my mind at this rate.”

The solace of drunkenness was entirely denied to me now. No matter how much volume I consumed, true intoxication remained out of reach. A fleeting sensation of warmth might begin to surface, but the moment it crossed a specific threshold, my dantian would instinctively stir to cleanse the toxins. Even when I deliberately suppressed my core, the latent inner strength resting within my body’s vast network of energy vessels would flare up to shatter the fog of alcohol. No matter how many jars I emptied, sobriety stubbornly reclaimed me.

“Is your suffering born from your inability to find escape in wine?”

To make matters worse, staring at a companion who felt as unappetizing as stale tavern snacks caused whatever remaining enjoyment I had to evaporate, leaving a taste like pure bitterness on my tongue.

“Why persist in drinking when you are entirely incapable of becoming drunk?”

“Get out of my sight. You are spoiling the flavor of my drink.”

Lit by the pale moonbeams, **Yong So-ah** looked as thoroughly irritating as ever. Those piercing, clear eyes of his staring into me caused my appreciation for the liquor to plummet instantly.

“Do you genuinely believe this disruptive behavior will inflict any real damage upon the **Murim Alliance**?”

I was well aware of the reality. My erratic outbursts held zero leverage. The petty rebellion I put on achieved absolutely nothing. But even so, was I not permitted to vent a fraction of my boiling rage after watching my expectations shatter into pieces? I had poured an immense amount of dedication into everything up until now.

“How much longer do you intend to cast yourself adrift?”

Regardless, the **Yong So-ah** of my previous life belonged to that timeline, just as I was merely the **Jin So-un** of that past existence.

“Ha! Are you eager to witness exactly how long I can keep up this tantrum?”

Stripped of power, drenched in a suffocating sense of helplessness, capable only of raging against a world I lacked the strength to alter.

“As I have remarked before, my vision does not encompass all things.”

Confronting **Yong So-ah** directly only caused the pathetic reflection of my past self to loom larger and more distinct.

“Be that as it may, it is of no consequence. Gather your belongings, for a specific destination requires our presence.”

“A destination? Where are you taking us?”

“I have already informed the **Yongbong-jihoe** that we have an independent task to execute. By chance, do you harbor suspicion toward any particular sect among those we have yet to review?”

“I have absolutely no desire to travel anywhere in your company.”

And exactly like before, he maintained that condescending, downward gaze, looking at me as if I were beneath him.

“Was this not a simple period of wandering? You ought not to let yourself collapse so effortlessly.”

That patronizing stare only stoked the fires of my anger.

“Damn it—who says I’m collapsing? You want to throw down right now?”

**Yong So-ah** delivered his next words with that familiar, hollow, and utterly detached expression, completely indifferent to my emotional state.

“**Myeo-in Satae** is fated to perish, and the **Jwa-bul-hoe** will be utterly dismantled. We must alter that impending timeline.”

“……”

He brushed past my fury, prioritizing a grander agenda above all else.

“You are welcome to indulge in your despair and drift aimlessly as much as you like along the journey.”

In response to his cold demeanor, I offered him the solitary gesture of defiance left in my arsenal.

“Go screw yourself.”

A flicker of genuine emotion finally breached **Yong So-ah**’s stoic facade.

“Are you truly a man of such meager substance?”

His face contorted with profound disappointment and disdain, alongside a faint trace of rising temper.

“If this outcome was so abhorrent to you, you should have chosen the proper path from the very beginning!”

“A choice?”

“Indeed! Long before you took the life of **So-jeo Song**!”

“Then you…”

“What?”

“……”

**Yong So-ah** lapsed into a heavy silence, locking his eyes onto mine once more.

“Because of the words you just uttered, I have come to experience regret.”

The fleeting wave of complex emotions that had crossed his features a moment ago vanished entirely. He returned once again to his usual state of icy detachment.

“Why did I choose to act as I did?”

“Are you actually remorseful?”

Those twin piercing eyes of his grew profound, holding a depth greater than ever before.

“Yes. I ought to have allowed destiny to unfold precisely as it was meant to.”

With those parting words, **Yong So-ah** rose from his seat.

“In the end, an unpredictable variable remains nothing more than an unpredictable variable.”

He walked away from the clearing, leaving behind a cryptic statement whose true meaning remained entirely hidden.