Chapter 498

Chapter 498
## Chapter 498. The Beginning of the Night (3)

—

Following a lengthy and draining period of anticipation, the directive was finally delivered.

“It has arrived!!!”

“What took you so long?”

“Gather your things at once. We will run out of time if we intend to depart alongside the inquiry team.”

“I refuse to participate.”

What was the meaning of this abrupt change of heart?

“The tasks during the **Yongbong-jihoe** were far too grueling.”

“Our destination is the Sword Tomb; are you truly going to sit this out?”

“*Mmm*? Are we searching for hidden riches?”

To be completely accurate, it wasn’t exactly a hunt for riches, but…

“In that case, count me in.”

**Dang Seo-hee** abruptly leaped to her feet and began darting frantically around the rooms of the **Yoseong-dang**. She started cramming various treats resting on top of cabinets and ledges into her garments without a second thought.

“……What exactly are you doing right now?”

“I am merely securing the essential baggage ahead of time.”

This is driving me completely insane.

I exited the **Yoseong-dang** with the plan to check in with the commander of the inquiry team before heading out to purchase provisions. Upon reaching the makeshift encampment of the Murim Alliance’s second inquiry team to present myself, the commander cast a highly skeptical glance in my direction.

“The **Yoseong-dang**? Does such a division even exist?”

“This is the first I have ever heard of it.”

“Ah, ah, they must be referring to the provisional squad formed as an immediate offshoot under the **Man-tong-bu**.”

The inquiry team commander, the second-in-command, and the grand hall master spoke one after another. The second-in-command and the grand hall master frantically flipped through their logs.

“However, no authorization has reached us indicating that your group is supposed to accompany us?”

“Excuse me?”

What sort of nonsense was this? The inquiry team was scheduled to leave by tomorrow morning.

“That simply cannot be. A directive was absolutely delivered.”

The inquiry team commander took my document, studied it intently for an extended period, and then shoved it back into my hands.

“This… there is no phrasing here about attaching yourself to the inquiry team, is there?”

“What?”

I pulled the document back and scrutinized the text once more. Indeed, just as he pointed out, there was no passage regarding joining the main body. But wasn’t that the obvious implication? Once this second inquiry team left, there was no telling when a third wave would be deployed.

“Verify the details once more.”

“If you could just integrate us first—”

“No, I am telling you to sort this out and return afterward.”

And so, I had no choice but to be turned away from the inquiry team’s quarters.

“Just when are we going to start looking for the riches?”

“……Let us make our way to the **Man-tong-bu** first.”

Guiding **Dang Seo-hee**, whose massive pack stuffed entirely with treats hung from her back like a tortoise shell, I marched back toward the **Man-tong-bu**.

“Hey! What is the meaning of this!”

When I seized **Eun-ho** and shook him violently by his robes, the guy wobbled back and forth like a stuffed plaything. Why did this fool possess so little physical resistance? Why did his gaze resemble that of a rotting fish? I could even swear a foul odor was emanating from him.

“What are you getting so worked up about?”

“What else but the directive to accompany the inquiry team. I was turned away by them because they claim to have received no paperwork.”

“Naturally. Because that was never an instruction to integrate with the inquiry team.”

“What kind of absolute bull—”

“The operations of the **Yoseong-dang** are entirely separate from the path of the inquiry team.”

“Huh?”

What kind of ridiculous trick was being played on me while I wasn’t looking?

“It is an explicit mandate for the **Yoseong-dang** to reconnoiter the Sword Tomb on its own terms.”

“What kind of insane talk is that? We possess a single active member. Even counting myself as the leader, we total a mere two people.”

“Which is precisely why the instructions state to temporarily conscript members for the journey. It was specified that the total headcount must not exceed four.”

*Shi-bal*, what on earth is this mess supposed to be?

“The **Jeong-do-hoe** and the **Baek-do-hoe** are pouring an immense amount of resources into the Sword Tomb. The vast majority of the inquiry team slots have been claimed by individuals from those factions. They have no desire to see an independent unit tied directly to the **Man-tong-bu** tagging along.”

The reality of the situation became clear through **Eun-ho**’s disjointed clarification. It was a warning not to step on the toes of the **Jeong-do-hoe** and the **Baek-do-hoe**.

“At any rate, the moment you formally request the personnel, a provisional deployment warrant will be granted.”

Given that I was being offered total freedom of movement, I couldn’t decide whether to rejoice or to despair over entering such a perilous zone with a skeleton crew. Still, I suppose things could be worse.

“Am I permitted to enlist absolutely anyone for this crew?”

“Of course it cannot be just anyone. You must negotiate with the branch masters or the grand hall masters of those factions to pick individuals who are currently unassigned to any ongoing duties.”

Was he seriously telling me to complete this assignment with both my hands tied behind my back?

“As it happens, a highly capable individual from the **Man-tong-bu** has just wrapped up a major assignment. What do you think about bringing him along?”

Well, what choice did I have? First and foremost, gaining entry to the Sword Tomb was the main objective. No, looking at it under a different light, since I had complete independence, it meant I actually had greater room to maneuver.

“**Dae-sa-hyeong**? **Jin**-**sa-hyeong**? Can you even hear me? Hey! **Jin So-un**!!!”

I needed to get moving without wasting another second.

“**Sunbae Dang**, let’s move out.”

“……Did you not hear your **Sa-je** screaming for you?”

“That is hardly the priority at this moment.”

The initial location I visited was the **Maeng-ju-jeon** (Alliance Leader’s Pavilion). There was no one alive more suited for an affair like this than **Dong-ryong**. And yet,

“I deepy regret it. I am unable to accompany you. My workload is overwhelming, and I am required to train every single evening.”

“Training?”

“Ah! A-Ah, no. In any case, it is impossible for me to go.”

What was the meaning of this? Has our youngest, **Dong-ryong**, actually started keeping things hidden from his own **Sa-hyeong**? Consequently, I lost my prime candidate right out of the gate and had to entirely restructure the roster. I couldn’t exactly recruit a standard, high-tier combatant regardless. Even if they joined, there was no guarantee they would defer to my leadership.

*‘In that case, I should focus on choosing individuals who sync well with one another.’*

Syncing well did not merely mean finding people who got along socially. It referred to a structural blend where, even if the baseline martial capabilities were modest, each possessed a highly refined specialty that could cover for another’s flaws to generate greater combat efficacy.

*‘Given that our destination is a cavern, I will omit **Moyong Jae-hwa**.’*

With that logic, I put forward the names of **Geum Pyo**, **Nam Hwa-seong**, and **Ya-yul-geuk**. And yet,

“Monk… no, **Il-gak**, what brings you here?”

“Would I have shown up if I hadn’t been handed an official assignment?”

**Il-gak** held up the directive he had received for me to see. Positioned right beside the names of **Geum Pyo**, **Nam Hwa-seong**, and **Ya-yul-geuk**, the name ‘**Il-gak**’ was inscribed clearly in **Eun-ho**’s distinct script. What kind of absurd trick was this?

“**Il-gak**, seeing as how circumstances dictate that you cannot remain with our unit, I expect you to return to the **Baek-rang-gak**.”

“Do you truly believe that is a viable option?”

“……”

Why was absolutely nothing progressing smoothly? If **Il-gak** accompanied us, executing reckless plans (?) would become exceedingly complicated.

“……Very well. I will be broad-minded and permit you to join.”

“I have already informed you that the deployment order has been validated.”

I briefly contemplated trying to dismiss **Il-gak**, but ultimately abandoned the thought. He would undoubtedly place frustrating boundaries on us, but it would be utterly foolish to reject a capable fighter when he was actively available.

“Has everyone finished assembling their belongings?”

**Nam Hwa-seong** questioned, his expression dripping with skepticism.

“Are we truly setting foot inside the Sword Tomb?”

“Listen here, **Nam Hwa-seong**. You are a Pro-vi-sion-al Crew Mem-ber. Do you know who I am?”

“……*Shi-bal*.”

His face flushing crimson, **Nam Hwa-seong** spat back while scowling deeply.

“Leader, so are we actually penetrating the Sword Tomb?”

“We are.”

“*Ho-oh*.”

**Nam Hwa-seong** was entirely unable to suppress his delight. The reaction was identical for **Geum Pyo**. Even **Il-gak**’s lips twitched slightly, revealing his buried anticipation. In stark contrast, only **Ya-yul-geuk**, positioned in the far corner, glare at me with locked arms and a razor-sharp gaze.

“Why on earth should I be forced to travel there!”

“If I command you to move, you move. You complain far too much.”

“I refuse to stir!”

**Ya-yul-geuk** dropped himself heavily onto the ground. This—this brat, seriously. It was a destination that others were practically begging to enter.

I felt the urge to prepare for a physical altercation but actively managed my irritation. If I resorted to violence for every minor dispute, my authority as a Leader would be utterly degraded.

“Vice Leader.”

“……”

I gave a gentle nudge to **Dang Seo-hee**’s shoulder.

“**Dang** Vice Leader.”

“……Were you addressing me?”

“Since **Sunbae Dang** was the original member, wouldn’t it be entirely natural for you to assume the role of Vice Leader?”

“*Oh-oh*!”

**Dang Seo-hee**’s eyes rounded into perfect globes.

“That provisional crew member over there seems to be harboring an excess of complaints, so please handle the matter.”

“Understood.”

“Ah, and just to be clear, we absolutely require him to accompany us, so keep it within reasonable limits… you understand?”

“*Hmm*… I comprehend that as well.”

As **Dang Seo-hee** moved to stand directly over him, **Ya-yul-geuk**, paying no heed to her identity, continued to hurl his frustration.

“Who do you think you are?! Step away!”

“You and I need to have a private conversation.”

“*Ack*! Unhand me this instant!”

I released a deep, weary breath as I observed **Ya-yul-geuk** being dragged away forcefully by **Dang Seo-hee**’s grip. I will exhaust all my energy before our journey even begins in earnest. Truly.

Though it was far from flawless, I managed to pull the preparations together roughly. In all honesty, there would be no end to it if I attempted to perfect everything, but to arrive at the Sword Tomb even a fraction faster, sorting out minor details while on the road after setting out early was the superior method to conserve precious hours. I was prepared to leave immediately after delivering my concluding status update.

“The Chief Strategist requests your immediate presence.”

“No, for what reason!!!”

“……”

*Ah*, I forgot this was the **Man-tong-bu**.

“Where can he be found? Naturally, it is far better to deliver a report face-to-face.”

Guided by an operative of the **Man-tong-bu** in a scenario where neither **Cheol Sun-jik** nor **Eun-ho** was anywhere to be found, I stepped into **Jegal So-myeong**’s private chamber. He remained completely buried beneath a mountain of paperwork.

“Your assembly was far swifter than I anticipated. Are you not rushing your departure too aggressively?”

He maintained the conversation without so much as casting a glance toward my face.

“I reasoned that ironed out the logistics while traveling would ultimately save us time.”

包装“……”

And it remained consistent that he only deigned to look at a person when a topic captured his genuine interest.

“You possess immense faith in your own foresight.”

“Are you not authorizing my departure precisely because you, Chief Strategist, share that exact belief?”

“……And what if I harbor no such belief?”

There are distinct moments when an intuition hits me. The undeniable impression that the individual before me is uttering a falsehood. Even if the person in question is a seasoned politician well-versed in deception, the glaring inconsistencies between past and present actions, coupled with decisions that veer wildly from their typical conduct, betray the lie.

“If that were truly the case, you would never have permitted me to go.”

“……”

He lowered his papers to the surface. Restings his palms heavily upon the desk, he tilted his neck from side to side before pinning me with a piercing, intense stare.

“You transcribed these words within your account. You stated, ‘The Sword Tomb shall transform into a living purgatory.’ If that location is destined to become a living purgatory, why do you actively demand to be deployed there?”

“The truth is, I utterly despise those individuals.”

“ Mercifully……”

“It is because I can discern precisely how deeply they look down upon the entire Jianghu in every solitary action they take.”

**Jegal So-myeong**’s eyes contracted sharply, and his posture jerked backward in surprise.

“I simply could not stand idly by and witness their scheme to plunge the denizens of the Jianghu into absolute chaos by exploiting the legacies of the **Sword Zenith** and the **Black King**.”

If those individuals fancy a grand conspiracy by deploying every underhanded tactic available, I will counter them by staking everything I possess. Even if I face defeat, I will disrupt them repeatedly without end.

“I harbored the belief that only sacrifice of flesh and blood could purchase time… but could there be an alternative?”

**Jegal So-myeong** mumbled cryptic phrases to himself before retrieving a fresh parchment from a side compartment and setting his ink stone in motion. That… could it possibly be an open-ended bank draft?

Moments later, the finalized draft was transferred from **Jegal So-myeong**’s fingers into my own grasp, and inscribed upon the parchment was a sum that defied all logic for a solitary endeavor—one thousand pieces of gold.

“The constraint placed upon your headcount was meant to avoid drawing the scrutiny of the **Jeong-do-hoe** and the **Baek-do-hoe**, but simultaneously, it serves as an injunction to avoid overly perilous risks.”

“……Would it be permissible for me to put forward a single inquiry?”

“Inquire.”

“This… is it acceptable to exhaust the entirety of this fund over the course of the operation?”

To be perfectly candid, I was well aware that it was an inquiry better left unsaid. The Chief Strategist’s expression instantly shifted into one reserved for looking at absolute refuse. Even so, my curiosity won out.

“It is of no consequence if you deplete it completely.”

“Is that the absolute truth?!”

“Inherent to that, you are required to produce a detailed ledger explaining every single expense.”

“Ah……”

My jubilation vanished in an instant. Regardless, just as I secured the draft and prepared to take my leave, **Jegal So-myeong** called out.

“The primary objective of your deployment is to safeguard your own existence and return safely. Is that perfectly understood?”

For reasons unknown, both of his eyes were trembling with intense emotion. I brought my hands together in a formal salute and lowered my upper body.

“We shall execute your instructions to the letter!”

“Is everyone fully prepared?”

I swept my gaze across the foundational members of the **Yoseong-dang** and our provisional additions. **Ya-yul-geuk**, who had previously been sprawling across the floor declaring his refusal to move, was now properly equipped with his traveling pack. I stepped up to the youth and questioned him.

“Are you still harboring resentment about our departure?”

“O-o-o-of co-co-co-urse. I-I w-will e-end you.”

What was the meaning of this? Why was the boy in such a battered state? I directed my attention toward the individual most likely responsible.

“……”

**Dang Seo-hee** was contentedly chewing on sugar plums and remarked with total serenity.

“He experiences absolutely no impediment regarding his ability to walk.”

“N-n-no im-im-pe—”

“You are making too much noise.”

“*Hic, hic*……”

“**Sunbae Dang**, is this truly acceptable……”

Well, a speech impediment has no bearing on physical locomotion.

“……Well, his pace is perfectly fine.”

I dropped an additional sugar plum into the palm of the exemplary **Yoseong-dang** operative, **Dang Seo-hee**. In truth, this marked a highly promising start—

“We march!”

Just you wait, you wretched unholy fiends.