Chapter 497

Chapter 497
## Chapter 497. The Beginning of the Night (2)

—

Because the true nature of the Sword Tomb remained shrouded in secrecy, the Murim Alliance issued a strict advisory against acting independently. This measure was designed to stop various sects from recklessly rushing into the site and meeting a disastrous end.

To placate the frustrated public, who resented these restrictive policies from the Murim Alliance, they went so far as to administer tests, tighten qualification requirements, and permit a selected few to join the exploration team.情 Nevertheless—

Even if they were not quite as lawless as the **Huk-do**, martial artists who were used to a free-spirited lifestyle were never going to simply ignore the allure of the Sword Tomb. Furthermore, the prominent clans, convinced that the ‘peril’ warned of by the Murim Alliance applied only to mediocre practitioners, put forth their absolute best efforts to assemble proper exploration forces.

In contrast to their initial half-hearted preparations, the discovery of the **Paewang-talhon-do** prompted them to initiate the expedition in full earnest. Upon hearing accounts that the inner chambers of the Sword Tomb were far more vast than initially presumed, they packed comprehensive provisions and set off toward the Great Snow Mountain.

Though their objectives differed from those of rival factions, the Moyong Clan, possessing their own distinct motives to access the Sword Tomb, counted themselves among these moving forces.

“……”

Observing the immense gathering that resembled a bustling marketplace in Chang’an sprawling across every ridge of the Great Snow Mountain, **Moyong Seol** felt a sense of wrongness. While she couldn’t pinpoint the exact source of her unease, she was unable to shake off a profoundly unnatural impression.

As her gaze drifted over the sprawling multitude, one particular figure caught **Moyong Seol**’s eye. It was a man who stood out strikingly, distinct even within such a massive sea of people.

“**Yong So-ah**.”

Hearing his name spoken, the man paused his inspection of his minor gear and shifted his gaze.

“It is **Moyong Seol**.”

His response was entirely detached, bearing no warmth that would suggest a reunion with a companion from their shared days in the **Yongbong-jihoe**.

“It has been quite a while.”

“Indeed.”

She had attempted to greet him with genuine warmth, yet she received only a completely dispassionate reply.

“Have you journeyed here to seek out what the **Sword Zenith** left behind?”

“No. My objective is to recover the mortal remains. My great-grandfather endured immense grief during his lifetime because of the sudden disappearance of the **Sword Zenith**.”

“Understood.”

With that, as if losing all curiosity, he turned his attention right back to the task before him.

“Still, does this not strike you as unusual?”

“What does?”

“Word is that a considerable period has passed since the Sword Tomb was unsealed. Why has not a single person emerged?”

**Moyong Seol**, who had been watching the mouth of the Sword Tomb where crowds jockeyed for entry, sensed someone watching her and looked over. **Yong So-ah** was observing her intently with that characteristically expressionless stare.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something odd about my appearance?”

It seemed as though he were tracing the lines of a memory or some hidden current written upon her features. After maintaining a protracted silence, he spoke without a trace of emotion.

“Is it absolutely imperative that you set foot inside the Sword Tomb?”

“Pardon? What are you implying…”

“Should the remains of the **>Sword Zenith** rest alongside his inheritance, someone else will eventually bring them out. If that is the case, you have no specific reason to venture inside yourself.”

**Moyong Seol** gave a firm shake of her head. If the matter could be resolved so effortlessly, the Moyong Clan would never have mobilised their own forces to begin with.

“If the practitioners of the **Huk-do** discover them first, there is no telling how they might desecrate those remains.”

“In any event, those remains will not be recovered.”

“……”

She was well aware that **Yong So-ah** frequently spoke without considering the feelings of his conversational partner. Because she knew this trait of his, she pushed down the surge of irritation that rose within her. Even so, she could not fully conceal her annoyance. After all, she too was a proud martial artist.

“Whether they are recovered or not is a matter we shall determine through our own actions.”

**Moyong Seol**, whose desire to voice her initial doubts had completely evaporated, turned on her heel and walked back to the members of her own family. **Namgung San**, returning after delivering his official brief, watched **Moyong Seol**’s departing figure and directed a question to **Yong So-ah**.

“Was that not **Moyong Seol**?”

“She stated that her purpose here is to recover the remains of the **Sword Zenith**.”

**Yong So-ah** kept his gaze fixed on **Moyong Seol**’s back. Before his mind’s eye, the trajectory of her fate began to manifest.

“Is that so? In that case, you two could simply travel together. Would you like me to suggest it to her?”

**Yong So-ah** shook his head in refusal. He harbored no desire to take such a step.

“There is no cause to alter predestined occurrences. Be it a matter of life or death.”

“Huh? What brings on such a strange comment so suddenly?”

For **Yong So-ah** was a man who never failed to retain the knowledge he had acquired.

“By the way, where did you come across those confections?”

Noticing the sweets that **Yong So-ah** was retrieving from his garments with an incredibly earnest demeanor, **Namgung San** inquired.

“Replenish your strength. For the path ahead will be arduous from the very beginning.”

**Yong So-ah** continued to speak in a manner that only he could fully comprehend.

When the illusions cloaking human power are stripped away, nothing remains of authority except for ruthless decisions. These severe choices corrode the human spirit so deeply that they naturally make a person wish to abandon many of the privileges that power provides. Consequently, **Jegal So-myeong** found himself unable to easily relinquish the authority he held. It is an exceedingly difficult undertaking to discover an individual willing to shoulder the accountability for such ruthless decisions.

The moment one disregards the ‘ruthless decisions’ that must inherently accompany authority and seeks only to indulge in its privileges, as centuries of history demonstrate, it precipitates the decay and ultimate downfall of that institution. He was realizing once more that bearing the burden of these ‘ruthless decisions’ was an excruciating ordeal, one that felt as though his very soul were being torn asunder.

And by what means? Specifically, through the **Paewang-talhon-do**.

*‘What sort of troublesome relic is that anyway. Disgraceful.’*

From the instant he received word that the treasure maps of the Sword Tomb, which had been floating around the markets like worthless kindling, were confirmed to be genuine, and that the **Paewang-talhon-do** unearthed within that very Sword Tomb had come into the possession of the Murim Alliance, the severe headache **Jegal So-myeong** believed had vanished long ago returned in full force.

Had that been the extent of it, he might have attempted to turn a blind eye to the reality before him. But it was not.

“I have been informed that the **Cheol-ryeon-bo** has successfully secured the **Bogwang-sinbi-geom**.”

The moment that infamous **Huk-do** faction, the **Cheol-ryeon-bo**, laid hands on the **Bogwang-sinbi-geom**, he could no longer doubt that the hour for a ‘ruthless decision’ had arrived.

The Sword Tomb was a snare. A monumental snare designed to engulf both the Orthodox and Dark factions alike. Yet, precisely because the trap was so colossally vast, ordinary people failed to recognize it as such. The Murim Alliance stood as the collective assembly and core of the Orthodox world. From the moment the inheritance and sacred relic of the **Sword Zenith** surfaced, the Murim Alliance found itself unable to pull back from this snare.

Inevitably, the moment arrived for **Jegal So-myeong** to wield his authority. It was time for a ruthless decision, a moment where he had to determine who would be permitted to perish within the Sword Tomb and who must be preserved within the Murim Alliance.

“What is weighing so heavily on your mind?”

Responding to **Hyuk Mu-gang**’s inquiry, **Jegal So-myeong** spoke in a somber tone.

“I wonder if I will ever be able to expiate the massive karma gathered in this existence during whatever time remains to me.”

“I shall share that burden and clear it alongside you. Should that prove insufficient, I will wager my next existence upon it as well.”

**Hyuk Mu-gang** extended words of solace with a deeply concerned expression, yet such comfort did nothing to dull the agony within his soul.

“The **Maeng-ju** may be forced to shoulder an even greater burden of karma in the days ahead. Allow me to take this specific weight upon myself.”

“…Is the situation truly that dire?”

“I am absolutely certain. Even under the most fortunate circumstances, will even half of the forces who ventured inside manage to come back alive?”

“What makes you so positive?”

“The **Sword Zenith** and the **Black King**.”

The origins of this crisis, and the names that act like a lethal pit, dragging everyone down into the depths.

“Did they not orchestrate this elaborate trap from the very instant those two legendary figures vanished?”

At a minimum, a century had passed, and by a broader estimate, it could be as long as two hundred years. The vast amount of time their adversaries had spent preparing could not be easily countered. The only price capable of matching the time they had accumulated was a toll of flesh and blood.

“What if we simply bar them from entering the Sword Tomb altogether?”

**Jegal So-myeong** gave a firm shake of his head.

“That is absolutely, unequivocally impossible.”

For if he were to retreat out of cowardice over the blood destined to be spilled in the Sword Tomb, the Murim Alliance itself would disintegrate. As things stood, the **Jeong-do-hoe** was actively seeking any opportunity to forge a rival alliance centered around the **Jeom-chang** Sect. Should a new coalition emerge, their unified authority would splinter, paving the way for internal conflict. The very moment the Demonic Cult chose to strike would signal the absolute end of the Jianghu.

“Even so, we cannot merely stand by and watch, can we?”

To speak with total candor, part of him wished to do exactly that. Ever since the initial whispers regarding the Sword Tomb began to spread, the **Jeong-do-hoe** and the **Baek-do-hoe** had claimed the Sword Tomb as a grand prize to settle their lingering grievances. They sought to substitute their resentment toward the Murim Alliance with the riches of the Sword Tomb. Consequently, at this very moment, prominent leaders from both the **Jeong-do-hoe** and the **Baek-do-hoe** were inside the Sword Tomb. If these individuals were eliminated all at once and their strength diminished…

**Jegal So-myeong**, lost in these dark calculations, abruptly snapped back to reality and shook his head in self-reproach.

*‘I am losing my mind. Completely losing it.’*

Regardless of how egregious their misdeeds might be, the foundational pillars of the current Murim Alliance and the broader Jianghu remained the **Gu-pa-il-bang** and the **O-dae-se-ga**. Their collapse would inevitably trigger the downfall of the Murim Alliance itself.

“We must ensure the survival of at least thirty percent—no, at least more than half of them.”

He would anchor them firmly to the Murim Alliance utilizing every conceivable justification. If time marched forward amidst their grievances and outcries, he would succeed in preserving at least those who were currently hurling insults.

“What sort of justification do you intend to deploy?”

In truth, the Murim Alliance ought to have intervened long ago to subdue them or manipulate them to prevent their unification, but while they delayed, a person by the name of **Bang Du-chil** managed to unite the **Nok-rim-maeng** of the southern regions, ascending as the Alliance Leader of the **Nam-rim-maeng**.

“The **Nok-rim-tu-wang** **Bang Du-chil** of the **Nam-rim-maeng** has ultimately launched an advance into the north. The northern fortress lords, who had been avoiding the mountain ruler’s conflict until now, are currently establishing the **Buk-rim-maeng** and rallying their forces in opposition. An all-out confrontation is imminent.”

**Hyuk Mu-gang** expressed deep doubt.

“Even if you command them to brace for a conflict over the Sword Tomb, will they truly comply so easily? Moreover, if this is merely an internal dispute within the **Nok-rim-maeng**…”

“Of course they wouldn’t. Nonetheless, we cannot simply sit on our hands, can we?”

The **Sa-huk** Alliance dominating the north, the Sword Tomb looming in the west, and the civil war of the **Nok-rim-maeng** erupting in the east. The Jianghu was plunging into an unprecedented state of utter chaos. The Murim Alliance could not be allowed to fall apart. Because **Hyuk Mu-gang** was acutely conscious of the sheer gravity of their predicament, he found himself unable to offer any further counterarguments.

Even so, the deep apprehension remained etched upon **Hyuk Mu-gang**’s countenance.

“Are you deeply concerned for those who have gone into the Sword Tomb?”

“……”

**Hyuk Mu-gang** kept his lips firmly sealed. Observing his demeanor, one could readily discern how ill-suited he was for the harsh realities of political power. Yet, it was precisely for that reason that he executed his responsibilities as the Chief Strategist, enduring the internal torment.

“Let me be clear: deploying additional forces from the Murim Alliance into the Sword Tomb at this juncture is nothing short of a suicidal endeavor.”

“…I am well aware of that fact.”

“However, there remains an avenue worth exploring.”

“Oh?”

**Hyuk Mu-gang** snapped his head up.

“Take a look at this.”

**Hyuk Mu-gang** perused the document that **Jegal So-myeong** extended to him. It appeared to be a thoroughly unremarkable brief, chronologically documenting the events that had unfolded up to the present. Yet, if there was a distinctly peculiar element, it lay in the tense of the writing. Incidents that ought to have been recorded in the past tense were instead framed in the future tense.

“What exactly is this?”

“Observe the date of composition.”

“Pardon?”

Looking closely at the document once more, the timestamp indicated it had been drafted precisely when the Sword Tomb was first unburied and people were just beginning to gather. In other words, it was written well before the **Paewang-talhon-do** had ever been unearthed.

“What could this mean… could the date recorded here be an error?”

Within the text, it predicted that alongside the suspicious rumors surrounding the treasure maps, the ancient relics of legendary masters from previous eras would be uncovered within the Sword Tomb. Consequently, the site would gain immense authenticity, transforming into a profound snare that would draw people even deeper into its depths.

“The date is entirely precise. This is a document that has already undergone verification and was sent up directly from the **Man-tong-bu**.”

The document meticulously detailed the events destined to occur, and as he absorbed them one by one, the bleak prognosis that far exceeded his worst fears caused him to furrow his brow in deep concern.

“I desperately hope the predictions in this document do not come to pass. If such a dark future awaits… I have no desire to witness it.”

“I share your sentiment entirely.”

**Jegal So-myeong** had been utterly astounded when he first reviewed the report at a later time. Furthermore, had his shock not been intensified by the fact that the events described in the text aligned almost perfectly with his own strategic projections?

“Just… who is the author of this brief? Could it be Department Head **Maeng Ju-won**?”

“No. It was penned by **Jin So-un**.”

“What?”

**Jegal So-myeong** let out a dry, disbelieving chuckle before clarifying.

“That outrageous fellow is the one who drafted it.”

**Hyuk Mu-gang** looked back and forth between the text and the expression on **Jegal So-myeong**’s face.

“What reason did he provide for compiling such a report?”

“He requested to be dispatched to the Sword Tomb.”

“……”

It defied all logic. To lay out a catastrophic future awaiting within the Sword Tomb, only to demand an assignment to that very place.

“The man contends that a courageous, proactive intervention—rather than a cautious, defensive stance—is the sole method to uncover the true nature of the Sword Tomb and rescue those inside.”

dishonesty “……”

“Candidly speaking, I am hesitant to agree, and it is a move that neither the **Jeong-do-hoe** nor the **Baek-do-hoe** would view favorably. Yet, as a strategic countermeasure for their sake, would this not suffice?”

**Hyuk Mu-gang** tilted his head in thought. Had **Jegal So-myeong** not valued **Jin So-un** immensely, even to the point of neglecting his own kin for the young man’s benefit? To think he would willingly send such a treasured individual into the jaws of death.

“Do you not harbor any anxiety for his safety?”

“That fellow has consistently endured against all odds within the Murim Alliance and has successfully executed every single assignment given to him. I refuse to believe those outcomes were mere luck.”

That was pure, unshakeable confidence.

“If he foresees these events to such an extent, and yet still insists on venturing there, would it not be wisest to place our faith in his capacity for the unexpected once again?”

“…In truth, you continue to pile immense burdens upon that young friend.”

“Hah, what nonsense. It is merely the duty of a commander to assign tasks to his subordinates.”

**Hyuk Mu-gang** detected a profound sense of remorse hiding behind the words **Jegal So-myeong** uttered. Because he too was advanced in years, and because his spirit was thoroughly exhausted, he likely could not bear the agony of his conscience completely on his own. Despite being acutely aware of his own physical decline, he forced his posture straight in the face of his massive obligations. As though casting a spell on himself, he leaned upon the youth’s strength while constantly reminding himself that he remained capable. If he did not do so, he might shatter at any moment.

Recognizing this reality, **Hyuk Mu-gang** averted his eyes, feigning ignorance. He hoped the man could temporarily forget his aging body and shoulder just a fraction more of the burden.

“You will not be able to provide him with many companions; will he be fine?”

“That fellow will undoubtedly prize gold and material backing far more than additional men.”

“……”

“Are you not well aware of what a unique character he is?”

“…Please ensure he receives abundant resources, and explicitly command him to value his own life above all else.”

The deployment of **Jin So-un** was officially sanctioned.