Chapter 98

Chapter 98
## Chapter 98. The ‘Third’ Assessment of the Hell Regular Exam

“We demand the absolute truth regarding the events on the Puyang Plain.”

The Nine Sects and One Gang, alongside the Five Great Clans, maintained localized outposts in every single province. The Shaolin Temple established shrines, while Wudang and Mount Hua set up Daoist monasteries.

It was publicly claimed that these Daoist monasteries existed for believers unable to journey to the distant main peaks, but in reality, they oversaw the management of local Lay-Affiliated Martial Sects and regional commercial enterprises. Essentially, they functioned much like the satellite offices of the Murim Alliance.

The critical distinction lay in their internal dynamics: while the Murim Alliance branches suffered from fractured unity due to intricate political friction, the outposts of the Nine Sects operated with absolute obedience to the mandates of their respective main mountains.

“What sort of truth do you expect to hear?”

The two figures before us introduced themselves as the Daoist Monastery Masters representing Wudang and Mount Hua.

“A clash involving a thousand combatants occurred on the Puyang Plain, leaving nearly five hundred dead. Is it not a matter of basic justice that the reality of this event be brought to light?”

As the Mount Hua Zhengzhou Daoist Monastery Master spoke, the cluster of older men arranged behind him signaled their agreement in unison.

Judging by the variance in their attire, this gathering comprised not only members of the Mount Hua Sect and the Wudang Sect, but also senior representatives from the various factions whose disciples had perished on the Puyang Plain.

“To state the facts accurately, it was not an equal clash of a thousand men. It was a thousand men launching an assault against a group of eighty.”

Stepping alongside his counterpart from Mount Hua, the Wudang Zhengzhou Daoist Monastery Master intervened.

“That is precisely the issue at hand. How does a force of one thousand engage a mere eighty, only for your side to walk away with a scant twenty casualties?”

Upon hearing the Wudang Daoist Monastery Master’s words, the expressions of Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran visibly darkened.

“Are you suggesting…… that every last one of us should have perished there?”

“If one follows the logical course of martial conflicts, would that not be the expected outcome?”

“!”

“!”

Flushes of intense anger rose on the faces of Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran.

Under ordinary circumstances, they would have stepped forward to bared steel immediately, but the prestigious status of these Daoist Monastery Masters from Wudang and Mount Hua forced them to restrain their volatile emotions.

“Elders, the young mistresses of the Namgung Clan and the Iron Sword Sect stand before you. Mind your rhetoric.”

Even with the esteemed Namgung Clan present, their demeanor remained thoroughly dismissive, completely ignoring the weight of the Iron Sword Sect as well.

The Zhengzhou Daoist Monastery Master of Wudang cast a brief look toward Namgung Seon-hwa before continuing.

“……Any secondary disputes can be addressed at a later date. For now, the matter of paramount importance must take precedence.”

Recognizing the futility of engaging in this cyclical argument, I directed my steps toward the entrance of the Murim Alliance’s Nanyue Branch.

If we lingered any longer in this pointless confrontation, the advantage of our early morning arrival would be entirely squandered.

However, things would not proceed so smoothly.

“You shall not cross this threshold until the entirety of the incident is disclosed.”

They ordered their martial artists to form a physical barrier across the doorway.

A weary sigh escaped my lips.

Information regarding the secretive operations of the Demonic Cult needed to be funneled through legitimate, institutional channels first.

If broadcasted to an unvetted crowd, the revelation would breed nothing but confusion and deeper skepticism.

“Lady Namgung has already compiled detailed documentation to present formally to the Murim Alliance. You may review the comprehensive narrative from the Alliance in due time.”

“My position remains unchanged. Entrance is barred until you lay bare the full account!”

“…….”

The warmth drained from my veins.

Losing martial brothers and sisters who shared the bonds of family was an undeniable tragedy, but such lethal risks were an accepted reality when entering the Murim Regular Exam.

Despite this, these individuals were attempting to impose an irrational ultimatum based solely on their institutional authority.

It was the typical arrogance of individuals convinced that their social standing elevated them above standard protocols.

“……Are you intentionally sabotaging the execution of the Murim Regular Exam?”

“We are merely attempting to rectify a profound anomaly.”

“The governing regulations explicitly forbid any form of hostility within the vicinity of the third assessment. A violation of this decree penalizes not just the individual, but their entire home sect. Surely scholars of your stature are cognizant of this rule?”

“Hmph! It is precisely that constraint which brought us here to confront you directly. Had that rule not been in place, you would not have walked into this courtyard unharmed.”

“Reason is entirely lost on you people.”

Shaking my head in resignation, I gripped the hilt of my weapon and drew it clear.

“What madness do you intend?”

“I harbor no concern for your groundless doubts, but I refuse to let the Namgung Clan and the Iron Sword Sect bear the consequences of accusations leveled at me. My martial brothers and I will gladly abandon our standing in this examination to ensure these two young mistresses safely enter the facility.”

“Young Master Jin!”

The eyes of Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran widened in sheer astonishment.

“Do you truly possess the audacity to challenge us?”

A look of complete incredulity washed over the Daoist Monastery Masters of Wudang and Mount Hua, as well as the various sect representatives flanking them.

The loose robes of the two Daoist Monastery Masters began to expand visibly.

As they began circulating their inner energy, a palpable, prickling pressure radiated into the immediate surroundings, brushing against my skin.

In response, I summoned my own internal strength to its absolute peak, anchoring my stance without a single inch of retreat.

“How peculiar. We are the very individuals who decimated five hundred foes with only eighty swords. Do you truly possess the courage to stand in our path?”

“…….”

tyranny.
“…….”

The Gold, Silver, and Bronze brothers instantly transitioned into a coordinated Sword Formation, drawing their blades in perfect unison.

The entourage accompanying the Daoist Monastery Masters evidently had not anticipated the confrontation escalating to the brink of bloodshed, and their expressions betrayed a sudden wave of uncertainty.

*Clang! Clang!*

Even Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran, despite their elegant and immaculate attire, drew their weapons without a moment’s hesitation.

“The two of you must stay out of this. Involving yourselves in this chaotic dispute could permanently jeopardize your participation in the Regular Exam.”

“Do you honestly expect us to stand idly by under these circumstances?”

“The insult thrown today does not merely target the Taeul Sect. They have openly defamed the honor of the great Namgung Clan. If I choose cowardice for the sake of an examination, my grandfather would disown me without hesitation.”

The moment the two young mistresses took their stand, the entire contingent of private guards accompanying them bared their steel as well.

“Y-You insolent wretch……”

The Mount Hua Daoist Monastery Master’s countenance burned a furious, deep crimson.

The forces aligned against them were far too prominent to be intimidated by the mere titles of Mount Hua and Wudang.

With rumors of the Azure Emperor Divine Sword already circulating, a physical clash here would spark a massive geopolitical feud involving Mount Hua, Wudang, and the Namgung Clan.

When the dust settled and the hierarchy demanded accountability, the burden of blame would inevitably crush the Daoist Monastery Masters present.

I permitted a visible layer of Sword Qi to coat the edge of the Black Dragon Sword. From this second onward, it was purely a battle of psychological resolve.

The individual with nothing left to lose always holds the advantage.

As I shifted my weight into a deliberate forward stride, the Daoist Monastery Masters of Mount Hua and Wudang involuntarily tensed and pulled back slightly.

“Hold your hands!”

Breaking the tension, a mature man emerged from the interior doors of the Murim Alliance’s Nanyue Branch, flanked by an armed escort.

“That is the Branch Chief overseeing the Murim Alliance’s Nanyue Branch. All parties, lower your weapons immediately.”

“What is the meaning of this public disorder?”

“…….”

“…….”

The newly arrived Branch Chief stepped toward the gathering, maintaining a sharp, knowing gaze with the Daoist Monastery Masters.

As if adhering to a pre-arranged consensus, the Daoist Monastery Masters quietly inclined their heads and softened their postures.

“Disperse at once. The third phase of the Murim Regular Exam must commence immediately.”

“We refuse to withdraw!”

“Hundreds of our disciples were slaughtered on the Puyang Plain!”

“We demand a full revelation of the facts surrounding that butchery!”

As the crowd raised an angry, collective outcry, the Branch Chief breathed a heavy sigh.

“I am well aware of the tragedy that transpired on the Puyang Plain. A formal brief has already been submitted to the main halls of the Murim Alliance, and a specialized tribunal will be assembled and deployed to investigate.”

“Absolutely not, that process introduces unacceptable delays! Delays! What value does an inquiry hold once the physical landscape has been cleansed of all clues?”

“The individuals directly involved stand before us this very second. Why should we sit idle waiting for an Alliance tribunal to mobilize?”

Condemnation targeted the Branch Chief from every corner of the plaza.

“Silence.”

The Branch Chief channeled his profound inner reserves into his voice, projecting it outward with immense authority. The chaotic shouting across the grounds evaporated into absolute silence in a heartbeat.

“The Murim Regular Exam is established to guarantee an unblemished, equitable path for all aspirants. If you choose to disrupt these proceedings for personal grievances, severe institutional sanctions will fall upon your respective sects. Are you prepared to invite such ruin?”

“…….”

“…….”

“Therefore, stand down. If legitimate discrepancies exist, the Alliance will thoroughly unravel them.”

Just as the volatile situation appeared to stabilize, the Daoist Monastery Master of Mount Hua stepped forward once more.

“The nature of our suspicion is far too severe to be deferred.”

A flicker of profound irritation passed through the Branch Chief’s expression.

He had offered them an honorable exit to preserve their dignity, yet the Daoist Monastery Master insisted on pushing boundaries.

However, the next declaration from the Daoist Monastery Master sent a fresh wave of shock through the assembled crowd.

“There are credible indications that forbidden Witchcraft was unleashed upon the Puyang Plain.”

“…….”

The Branch Chief’s gaze wavered with sudden unease.

“Puhah!”

Seong Mo-ran suddenly broke the silence with a burst of mocking laughter.

Every eye in the courtyard snapped toward her, but her amusement showed no signs of abating.

“What do you find so comical about this situation, Lady Seong Mo-ran?”

To the surprise of many, the Branch Chief recognized her identity.

“How could I restrain my laughter when these supposed masters have so eagerly constructed their own gallows?”

“Explain your meaning……”

“The next sequence in your accusation is to ask, ‘Is the Taeul Sect not inherently tied to the practice of Witchcraft?’ Is that not the script you are following?”

“…….”

“…….”

As Seong Mo-ran leveled her finger directly at the Daoist Monastery Masters of Mount Hua and Wudang, the faces of both men darkened with an intense, suffocating embarrassment.

“An individual within our own Iron Sword Sect once uttered a similarly idiotic accusation. As a direct consequence of that stupidity, we forfeited ownership of our Grand Patriarch’s Ninefold Sword, an heirloom held by our lineage for generations. I doubt there is a soul present who remains ignorant of that historical event.”

“Hmph! Given that you choose to align yourself with such an individual, it appears your sense of propriety has vanished entirely.”

“The Iron Sword Sect and the Namgung Clan stood shoulder-to-shoulder on that very field across the Puyang Plain. Do you dare to assert with absolute certainty that sorcery was employed by our ranks?”

“…….”

While the Mount Hua Daoist Monastery Master chose a sullen silence, the Wudang Daoist Monastery Master stepped into the breach this time.

“I have never leveled such accusations against the honorable Iron Sword Sect or the Namgung Clan. However, the anomaly regarding the Taeul Sect’s combat prowess—which manifests with a devastating force completely alien to their recorded historical doctrines—must be explicitly clarified.”

Fixing my gaze directly on the Wudang Daoist Monastery Master, I posed a quiet question.

“Are you prepared to bear the absolute weight of the words you just uttered?”

I completely unfettered my killing intent, letting it flood the courtyard without restraint.

“Hup.”

“Khuh.”

“What manner of monstrous malice is this?”

The Daoist Monastery Masters of Wudang and Mount Hua, along with the older martial artists backing them, winced simultaneously under the oppressive atmosphere.

“I shall give you one final opportunity to answer. Do you claim full accountability for that statement?”

“Insolent child! Do you truly fail to comprehend who stands before you, to display such impudence?”

“I have never permitted those who slander my lineage and my martial brothers to walk away unscathed.”

That principle governed my actions in the days of old, it anchored me in the present, and it would remain unyielding across all tomorrows.

If the Jegal Cheon-gi of my former existence could witness my current actions, he would undoubtedly berate me for failing to discard the emotional anchors of my heart, calling this an exercise in futility.

It mattered not.

Regardless of the trials it brought, regardless of the physical toll it exacted upon my flesh, I was no longer the fragile soul who faltered in that previous life.

Without a moment’s pause, I closed the distance toward the Wudang Daoist Monastery Master. The Daoist priests under his command immediately formed a defensive wall, drawing their steel to shield their leader.

“Th-That unbridled lunatic!”

The Wudang Daoist Monastery Master gestured toward me, his face twisted in absolute fury.

The Gold, Silver, and Bronze brothers advanced in perfect alignment with my stride, their hands steady on their hilts, prepared to strike at a moment’s notice.

I saturated my voice with the entirety of my inner vitality, projecting it like a physical blow.

“State your position clearly!! Does the Wudang Sect formally accuse the Taeul Sect of utilizing forbidden Witchcraft!!!”

“Y-You absolute rascal!”

The question reverberated like a clap of thunder through every corridor of the Murim Alliance’s Nanyue Branch.

Even ordinary citizens traveling along the outer thoroughfare stopped in their tracks, turning their attention toward the gates.

The features of the Wudang Daoist Monastery Master contorted like crumpled parchment.

Seeing his continued hesitation, I prepared to unleash the full devastating sequence of the Twin Heaven Sword Formula.

“The esteemed Hero Jin So-un of the Taeul Sect is entirely innocent of employing Witchcraft.”

An unfamiliar voice pierced the stifling silence.

Every individual on the grounds turned simultaneously toward the source.

From the inner pathways, several dozen martial artists approached, their bodies wrapped in fresh bandages over severe, recently treated wounds.

Relief visible on his features, the Branch Chief inquired.

“Wh-Who stands to speak?”

The man leading the wounded contingent addressed the crowd.

“I am Muk Jeong-ho, a disciple of the Kunwu Sect. I am an active candidate in this Regular Exam, and I am one of the very combatants who engaged the Taeul Sect upon the Puyang Plain.”

“A vital witness. If you stood upon that battlefield, you must possess an accurate perspective of the events.”

“I remain unaware of what false narratives have reached your ears, but I can verify with absolute certainty that practitioners of foul Witchcraft were indeed active on that plain.”

“……Do you hear? The Taeul Sect is clearly——”

“However! The honorable Hero Jin So-un of the Taeul Sect is the very savior who shielded our lives from the monstrosities wielding that dark sorcery.”

“What did you say?!”

As he drew nearer, I recognized his features; he was the very examinee who had previously vented his frustration, deeply humiliated by the reality that I had preserved his life.

“During our engagement with the Taeul Sect, a hostile force ambushed us under the veil of night, possessing forms that were entirely un-human. This matter absolutely demands the full investigative scrutiny of the Murim Alliance. Yet, there exists no basis whatsoever to cast suspicion upon Hero Jin So-un.”

“How can a mere participant verify such an assertion with certainty……”

“You ought to burn with deep humiliation!”

“What?”

“Hero Jin So-un chose to preserve the lives of the very men who had marched to take his head, defending us from nameless horrors. He did so solely out of reverence for our shared heritage within the Orthodox Path.”

Pointing directly at the elders clustered behind the Daoist Monastery Masters, Muk Jeong-ho pressed his indictment.

“Furthermore, while the mercenaries retained to protect the offspring of the families gathered here were being slaughtered, he stood on the frontline and personally administered life-saving medicine to the survivors. Do those who financed that expedition now stand in this sacred courtyard to defame a righteous warrior! If this is your conduct, how do any of you dare claim to represent the foundation of the Orthodox Path!!!!”

“His words speak the absolute truth!”

“You wretched hypocrites should hang your heads!”

The martial artists marching alongside Muk Jeong-ho were the exact individuals I had stabilized on the bloodied soil of the Puyang Plain. Not a single one of them held back from shouting curses at the patrons who had employed them.

“Have you no sense of honor!”

The Kunwu Sect held a legendary reputation, recognized as the Tenth Peak among the illustrious One Hundred Eight Peaks. Given the immense political shadow cast by Mount Hua and Wudang, such a public denunciation was almost unthinkable, yet Muk Jeong-ho showed zero hesitation in voicing his outrage.

“I, Muk Jeong-ho of the Kunwu Sect, pledge my honor as guarantee that Hero Jin So-un of the Taeul Sect is entirely divorced from any foul Witchcraft.”

“I stand by that testament as well!”

“And I!”

As the chorus of support from the grizzled warriors swelled in volume, the expressions of the Daoist Monastery Masters of Mount Hua and Wudang deteriorated into an ashen, dark complexion.

At that critical juncture, an Alliance officer leaned in to murmur a private update into the Branch Chief’s ear. Turning his attention to Namgung Seon-hwa, the Branch Chief spoke.

“Lady Namgung Seon-hwa. It has come to my attention that you possess a documented report intended for the leadership of the Murim Alliance.”

Namgung Seon-hwa retrieved a neatly rolled parchment from the folds of her silken robes and presented it.

“…….”

The Branch Chief scanned the contents of the document with a tightening brow before shifting his gaze to me.

“The text indicates that you successfully retrieved a physical fragment of the assailant’s remains. Is this a verified fact?”

“It is.”

“Are you prepared to present it for official verification?”

With a brief nod toward Geum-pyo, my martial brother retrieved an object wrapped securely in thick cloth—the severed forearm of the operative from the Dark Soul-Severing Unit.

“Hiiik!”

“What manner of abomination is that!”

“Is that a razor-sharp blade growing directly out of the palm?”

“Is that structure composed entirely of calcified bone?”

Only upon examining the physical evidence did the Branch Chief’s expression turn profoundly grim.

“For what reason did you withhold this evidence until now? Had you produced this at the onset, this entire dispute would have reached a swift conclusion.”

In response to the Branch Chief’s critical tone, I simply shook my head.

“Branch Chief, even your office failed to offer us an impartial defense from the beginning. Do you truly believe their institutional bias would have been dispelled by the mere presentation of a single corpse?”

“……Ahem, your words carry a sharp truth.”

The Branch Chief turned his focus back to the silent Daoist Monastery Masters.

“Given this material proof, there is no longer any ground for anyone to allege that the Taeul Sect engaged in forbidden arts.”

“…….”

tyranny.
“…….”

I advanced directly until I stood before the Wudang Daoist Monastery Master. Though the Wudang disciples instinctively raised their weapons to block my approach, I deliberately returned my blade to its scabbard and demanded:

“Do you maintain your assertion that the Taeul Sect utilized Witchcraft?”

“…….”

“Speak your answer.”

tyranny.
“…….”

“Give me your answer!!”

“No…….”

“Then offer your apology.”

“What did you say!”

“I demanded a formal apology.”

“……Do you fail to realize the status of the man you are addressing……”

“Should you withhold your apology, I shall initiate a comprehensive, formal grievance through the highest channels of the Murim Alliance regarding this defamation.”

Following a lengthy, agonizing silence, the Wudang Daoist Monastery Master released a profound sigh. He bent his spine into a deep bow, bringing his hands together in a respectful martial salute.

“……I, Song of the Wudang Sect, offer my sincere apologies to the honorable Taeul Sect.”

Muffled murmurs of disbelief rippled through the surrounding onlookers.

It was a spectacle that defied imagination, even as it unfolded before their very eyes.

“You should count yourself incredibly fortunate to wear the robes of Wudang. Had a disciple of the Taeul Sect leveled a baseless charge of sorcery against your main peak, this matter would never have been settled by a mere lowering of the head.”

“…….”

The Branch Chief intervened once more to steer the proceedings.

“Are you willing to transfer custody of those remains to be included in our official brief to the Murim Alliance?”

To construct a comprehensive profile of the hostile faction, such material evidence was undeniably critical.

The Branch Chief’s hand extended instinctively toward the wrapped limb.

“I must refuse.”

The moment the words left my mouth, Geum-pyo deftly shifted his stance, pulling the bundle well clear of the Branch Chief’s reaching fingers.

“……You deny our request?”

“I do.”

“To permanently dissolve the cloud of suspicion over your name, this specimen is essential……”

“Has the cloud of suspicion not already been thoroughly shattered by the testimony of these warriors?”

“……This pertains to an event of monumental security concern. If there exists an unlisted faction operating from the shadows of our world, it is an emergency that must be managed by the Murim Alliance.”

“While it may indeed be a crisis for the Alliance to navigate, that reality does not grant you an absolute right to our property, does it?”

“What logic is this?”

“According to the long-standing charters, any materials or spoils acquired by an examinee during the course of the trials are recognized as the personal property of that individual. Is that not the explicit law?”

“…….”

“I intend to courier this specimen directly to the elders of my own sect, so that our lineage may conduct a private investigation.”

“……But the resources of the Taeul Sect are……”

The Branch Chief opened his mouth to argue, but abruptly choked back his next words. He had just witnessed the immense reputational toll Wudang suffered for an ill-considered statement.

I pressed the point further.

“However, if the need of your branch is truly absolute, Branch Chief, you are welcome to acquire the specimen from me through standard commerce.”

“What?”

“Hah!”

“Remarkable. One could expect nothing less from a faction completely lacking historical breeding.”

I caught the sound of the Mount Hua Daoist Monastery Master clicking his tongue in disgust, but I chose to entirely disregard his presence.

“Name your valuation.”

“Ten gold taels.”

“Ha!”

Not only the Branch Chief, but even Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran cast startled glances in my direction.

“With those funds, you will oversee proper burial rites for the fallen on the Puyang Plain, and ensure the medical expenses of the injured are fully covered. Upon that agreement, I will relinquish the remains.”

tyranny.
“!”

“!!”

In an instant, their irritation transformed into an even deeper state of shock.

The Daoist Monastery Masters of Wudang and Mount Hua looked as though they had been forced to swallow bitter ash.

“Do you give your word to those terms?”

“Haa……”

Letting loose a lengthy breath, the Branch Chief finally gave his assent.

“If those are your conditions, I accept the transaction.”

“Geum-pyo, pass the item over.”

“Understood! Eldest Senior Brother.”

Departing from his usual casual demeanor, Geum-pyo emphasized the formal title as he transferred the cloth bundle to the guard standing adjacent to the Branch Chief.

Immediately following the transfer, a deafening roar of approval erupted from the gathered martial artists.

“““Waaaaaaah!”””

I turned and offered a formal clasped-hands salute to Muk Jeong-ho.

“My gratitude for your timely intervention. May your path be safe.”

“……Hero Jin, let us ensure our paths cross again in the trials ahead.”

As I walked through the parting crowd toward the inner sanctum of the Nanyue Branch, the voices of the warriors rose in a rhythmic, unified chant behind my back.

“Jin So-un!”

“Jin So-un!”

“Jin So-un!”

“Black Flame Dragon! Jin So-un!”

“Black Flame Dragon! Jin So-un!”

“Black Flame Dragon! Jin So-un!”

For reasons known only to them, Seong Mo-ran and Namgung Seon-hwa carried themselves with squared shoulders and elevated chins, looking for all the world as if they were the recipients of the grand ovation, while the Gold, Silver, and Bronze brothers crowded even closer to my flanks than their typical formation.

“Why are you three pressing so tightly against me? And lower that ridiculous banner this instant.”

“What are you saying, Eldest Senior Brother? I was actually just reflecting on how inadequate the length of this flagpole is. I intend to source a significantly grander one before the day concludes.”