Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Muk-gaek felt as if his breath had stopped.
‘Why is the Hao Sect Leader here…?’
During his childhood, he had briefly stayed in the Hao Sect.
She was the Hao Sect Leader he had seen only once from afar.
As Muk-gaek stood with a tense face, she spoke.
“Your face looks familiar. Have we met somewhere before?”
Muk-gaek observed her expression and tone of voice. It was to discern whether she was simply probing him or truly did not know.
However, he soon gave up. If the Hao Sect Leader resolved to deceive him, how could he possibly notice?
She was the woman called Wild Flower. Alongside the Beggars’ Sect’s Dragon Head Sect Leader, she was the woman most well-informed in the world.
Soon, Muk-gaek shook his head.
“…I do not know. This is my first time seeing you.”
“Ah, really? It is a rather common face, after all.”
“…”
It was an indifferent reaction.
Even while the conversation between Muk-gaek and her continued, Cheon Woo-jin, who had been watching Gu Jin-seok, let out a chuckle and moved his feet.
‘Why is he laughing like that? Did he notice something?’
Cheon Woo-jin’s strange smile only made Gu Jin-seok’s mind more complicated.
* * *
Returning to the residence with Gu Jin-seok, Muk-gaek chased out the other rising stars and spread a qi barrier across the entire room.
Thud.
Soon, Muk-gaek fell to his knees.
Lowering his head, Muk-gaek spoke in a low voice.
“…It seems we have been discovered.”
“What?”
“The woman who came with Cheon Woo-jin. She is the Hao Sect Leader. She is a woman famous for never forgetting anything she sees even once, so there is no way she forgot my face. She deliberately feigned ignorance.”
In other words, it meant that Wild Flower had begun to suspect Muk-gaek. Now that she had bitten into him, being exposed was only a matter of time.
Crash!
Gu Jin-seok violently struck the wall.
Soon, a ferocious aura rose from his overwhelming physique. It was an aura completely unimaginable for a rising star of the Righteous Path.
Muk-gaek flinched.
It was not that he feared Gu Jin-seok. It was merely because the terrifying image of the Gu Clan Head was projected onto him.
Even Muk-gaek, who had lived through all kinds of hardships to the point of having once belonged to the Hao Sect, feared the Gu Clan Head.
Originally, the Gu Clan had lingered between the orthodox and unorthodox paths for a long time before completely becoming part of the Righteous Path in recent years.
However, the ties exchanged with the Unorthodox Path over several hundred years did not disappear in an instant.
The Gu Clan Head’s influence over the Unorthodox Path was still heavy. Rumors even circulated that he was close friends with the Black Overlord Castle Lord, the supreme master of the Unorthodox Path…
Muk-gaek slammed his forehead against the floor.
“…Please kill me.”
“It was only moments ago that you boasted there was no way we would ever be caught!”
“I shall atone with my death.”
“Crazy bastard. If you die, who is supposed to take the blame!”
“…”
Lowering his head, Muk-gaek let out a deep sigh. If Gu Jin-seok were imprisoned in the dungeon over this matter, he, as his escort, would be as good as dead at the hands of the Clan Head.
“Young Clan Head, let us rather do this.”
At Muk-gaek’s resolute voice, Gu Jin-seok glared at him with strange eyes.
Soon, Muk-gaek’s words continued.
“Report me to the Martial Alliance.”
“Wh-What?”
Gu Jin-seok was dumbfounded. When hiding the matter would barely suffice, to tell him to report it himself. However, at Muk-gaek’s subsequent words, the corners of Gu Jin-seok’s mouth subtly curled upward.
“You will be reporting me.”
“Oho.”
In other words, it meant cutting off the tail.
Naturally, there would be circumstantial suspicions toward Gu Jin-seok, but since everything had been carried out under Muk-gaek’s name, even if evidence emerged, the Alliance would not be able to do anything to him.
* * *
The Hao Sect Leader also skillfully unfolded a qi barrier as soon as she entered the room. Cheon Woo-jin, Song Yi-yeon, and the Hao Sect Leader sat around a tea table between them.
The Hao Sect Leader spoke.
“No matter how the Western Sky Society operates, they will have a ledger.”
“The Shura Demon Lord said it would not be easy to find.”
The Hao Sect Leader nodded her head.
“Of course he would. But the things those bastards of the Unorthodox Path do are obvious. It is likely kept in a small merchant shop they trade with, or a place where avoiding suspicion is easy, like a Daoist sect or a Buddhist temple.”
“If that is the reasoning, could it not rather be in a corrupt clan of the Righteous Path or a government office?”
At Song Yi-yeon’s question, the Hao Sect Leader shook her head.
“You know nothing. The ledger is a weakness of the Western Sky Society by its very existence, so would they entrust it to a place stronger than themselves? It will certainly be in a place they can thoroughly control.”
“Aha.”
“In any case, finding the ledger is only a matter of time, so what will you do after finding it?”
She asked Cheon Woo-jin, but Song Yi-yeon answered.
“We must immediately deliver it to the Martial Alliance to expose the culprit, and if it is someone who participated in the selection examination, they must be punished accordingly!”
The Hao Sect Leader chuckled.
It was an idea extremely fitting of a rising star of the Righteous Path. However, to her, Cheon Woo-jin was not just an ordinary rising star of the Righteous Path.
The Hao Sect Leader looked at Cheon Woo-jin and spoke.
“Really? The disciple of Black Elder is such a soft man?”
Calmly meeting the Hao Sect Leader’s gaze filled with curiosity, Cheon Woo-jin asked.
“Just what is your relationship with Master? You have been speaking as if you know him well since earlier.”
“Before he vanished from the Jianghu, we were in a relationship where we helped each other. And he was even closer friends with my master.”
Having spoken so, the Hao Sect Leader formed a peculiar smile, as if reminiscing about pleasant memories.
Cheon Woo-jin quietly gazed at that sight.
‘Just how old is she?’
On the surface, she appeared not much different from Zhuge Rin and Song Yi-yeon. However, considering her skill in unfolding qi barriers or her relationship with Master Black Elder, she had to be close to forty at the very least.
She might have possessed a naturally youthful face, or learned a special martial art that prevented aging, or her realm itself might have been exceptionally high.
The Hao Sect Leader subtly raised the corner of her reddish lips.
“You seem curious about my age?”
“…Well, somewhat.”
Cheon Woo-jin was honest about everything.
To the Hao Sect Leader, that appearance pleasantly reminded her of Black Elder instead.
“My age is naturally a secret. But may I ask just one question?”
“Feel free.”
“Are you stepping out into the martial world in earnest?”
After thinking for a moment, Cheon Woo-jin spoke.
“Well, it turned out that way.”
“Then you will have many occasions to use our services?”
The corners of the Hao Sect Leader’s eyes curved narrowly.
Watching that sight, Song Yi-yeon thought her appearance was quite dangerous.
Of course, Cheon Woo-jin was an inherently dull man in such matters, so he answered calmly.
“Most likely.”
“Heheh, then I shall handle this matter free of charge. It is a minor task, and this is our monumental first transaction, after all.”
The Hao Sect Leader wore a pleasant smile. The reason she was favorable toward Cheon Woo-jin was clear.
It was because Black Elder had been an overwhelming customer of the Hao Sect and the person who protected the Hao Sect, which lacked martial power relative to its scale.
She was anticipating that Cheon Woo-jin would take over that role.
* * *
Cheon Woo-jin was not the only one who returned to the Martial Alliance.
Zhuge Rin entered the Black Tortoise Squad Leader’s office hesitantly, then let out a sigh of relief upon seeing that no one was there.
“…Phew, there will definitely be an uproar.”
“An uproar has already broken out.”
The door behind her rattled open.
In an instant, goosebumps ran down Zhuge Rin’s spine.
Soon, Black Tortoise Squad Leader Cheol Ji-ak, who entered the office, glared at Zhuge Rin before speaking.
“Well now, you were alive. I ran around everywhere like a mad dog for several days and nights thinking you were dead.”
“Hehe, I am sorry…”
“You laugh?”
When Cheol Ji-ak glared with a stern face, Zhuge Rin wiped away her smile and stood awkwardly. The pleasant, mischievous Black Tortoise Squad Leader was nowhere to be found. Sitting on the edge of the office desk with a heavy expression, Cheol Ji-ak spoke.
“There is a certain vice squad leader who went off alone to subjugate the ruler of the Unorthodox Path in a region, a place where a second-grade public enemy of the martial world resides, no less.”
Zhuge Rin furrowed her brows and nodded.
“That truly is an out-of-their-mind person.”
“Except that happens to be my subordinate.”
“That is also regrettable. But strictly speaking, I was not alone. Since I was with Young Hero Cheon.”
“That is even more of a problem. You, who should take responsibility for the applicants, went along instead of stopping him?”
“Thanks to that, the Shura Demon Lord was slain. Of course, not by me, but by Young Hero Cheon.”
Cheol Ji-ak let out a deep sigh.
“…Sure, that was a good deed, but do you know how much of the Martial Alliance’s forces were deployed to find you and that brat Cheon Woo-jin? Everyone from the Black Tortoise Squad, not to mention the White Dragon Squad, was dispatched.”
Zhuge Rin quietly gazed at Cheol Ji-ak’s face.
His originally rough skin had deteriorated further. His eyes were bloodshot, and his lips were parched.
For he had wandered all over the Central Plains for days and nights to search for Zhuge Rin and Cheon Woo-jin.
“I am sorry, Squad Leader.”
“Phew, as long as you understand.”
“But to uncover the truth, there was no choice…”
As Zhuge Rin attempted to utter her own excuse, Cheol Ji-ak roared in anger.
“Shut up and get out this instant! You are suspended for three months, so keep that in mind.”
“Pardon?”
Zhuge Rin opened her eyes wide like a startled rabbit.
For her, who had been half-abandoned by her clan, nothing was as enjoyable as the work of the Martial Alliance.
Cheol Ji-ak spoke coldly.
“It is a decision from the higher-ups. It is fortunate enough that it was not a dismissal, so do not talk back unnecessarily and get out.”
“…Yes.”
Zhuge Rin, who was about to bow her head and leave, suddenly turned around.
“By the way, Squad Leader.”
“What.”
At that blunt reply, Zhuge Rin asked cautiously.
“By any chance, do you know of Black Elder?”
“Why Black Elder?”
Cheol Ji-ak’s eyes narrowed.
“No, I was just curious. They said he was a disciple of the Dark Emperor, just like the Shura Demon Lord who died this time. With a vice squad leader’s authority, I cannot access information related to Black Elder, so I wondered if it might be possible at the level of a squad leader.”
“Black Elder…”
Cheol Ji-ak’s eyes staring into empty air looked somewhat sorrowful for some reason.
“I know him. But why? Did they say that bastard appeared again?”
Zhuge Rin hesitated for a moment before opening her mouth.
“No, it is not Black Elder, but…”
The disciple of Black Elder had appeared, and it was Young Hero Cheon who had killed the Shura Demon Lord. Such words rose right to the tip of her throat, but soon Zhuge Rin shook her head.
“It is nothing. I just asked out of curiosity.”
Cheol Ji-ak sat back down with a disappointed expression.
“I understand, so go on out.”
“Yes, but my salary does not come out during the suspension period, does it?”
“You crazy brat…!”
“I am sorry! Please rest! Thank you for worrying about me!”
Zhuge Rin poured out her words in a rapid flurry and fled in haste.
Left alone in his seat, Cheol Ji-ak let out a long sigh.
“Why bring up Black Elder all of a sudden? Anyway, she said that brat Cheon Woo-jin killed the Shura Demon Lord.”
Even amidst the chaos, it was an immensely astonishing matter. For a young man who looked to be twenty at most had killed none other than a disciple of the Dark Emperor.
“Cheon Woo-jin, Cheon Woo-jin… It is definitely a name I am hearing for the first time.”
Resting his chin on the desk, Cheol Ji-ak repeated the name while recalling Cheon Woo-jin.
* * *
Several days passed while the Martial Alliance’s examination remained halted.
Song Yi-yeon looked at the book placed between Cheon Woo-jin and himself and asked cautiously.
“Young Hero Cheon, what will you do now?”
“Who knows.”
“I have not known you for long, but I know that you are subtly someone who leaves no way out. That is why I am saying this out of concern…”
Song Yi-yeon pointlessly surveyed the empty room before lowering his voice to continue speaking.
“The Gu Clan is quite a large family. They have a lot of money, tremendous connections, and quite deep traditions… In any case, it is not a place that can be touched easily.”
“Is that so?”
When Cheon Woo-jin casually asked back, Song Yi-yeon, who felt even more anxious for some reason, spoke.
“Instead of ‘is that so,’ your eyes right now look precisely like you are poised to take that iron staff, go find Gu Jin-seok, and smash his head completely. I am scared to death, truly.”
“Oh, that is quite a good idea.”
Cheon Woo-jin abruptly stood up.
Greatly alarmed, Song Yi-yeon grabbed his arm and clung to him.
“Young Hero Cheon, are you serious?”
“He is a bastard who tried to kill me, so what reason is there to let him live?”
“That is true, but let us think about this for a moment. You said that the woman who found this ledger is such an incredible person. How about asking her for a favor? No, let us rather speak to my father. It feels a bit awkward saying it with my own mouth, but our clan also carries some weight in the Martial Alliance…”
Song Yi-yeon was restless, almost like a puppy that needed to defecate. Watching that appearance, Cheon Woo-jin chuckled.
“Is the Gu Clan such an incredible place that even the scion of a clan that carries weight in the Martial Alliance fears it?”
“Ahem! Well, it is not that I fear them, but that it is rather uncomfortable. I told you that the Gu Clan Head is close friends with the Black Overlord Castle Lord, the supreme master of the Unorthodox Path.”
Cheon Woo-jin’s eyes widened. At that sight, Song Yi-yeon inwardly thought his persuasion had worked, but…
“That person is the supreme master of the Unorthodox Path?”
“…”
It was a delusion. Song Yi-yeon squeezed his eyes shut. His dangerous friend held an attitude as if he did not care about the Gu Clan in the slightest.
“I say this again, but the Gu Clan is truly dangerous.”
“It is not the Black Overlord Castle Lord himself, so why should I fear the Gu Clan that merely trades on his name?”
Having spoken so, Cheon Woo-jin gripped the Crescent Moon Staff and left the room.
Now that he had secured the ledger containing Muk-gaek’s name, there was no need to unnecessarily delay the matter.
* * *
Cheon Woo-jin’s steps were unhesitating.
Passing through the long corridor, he stopped directly before a room’s door. After spreading his qi perception to grasp the people inside, he yanked the door open.
Those inside were startled, but Cheon Woo-jin calmly walked into the room.
There were Gu Jin-seok, Muk-gaek, and several rising stars reading the room from a corner.
“Everyone except Gu Jin-seok, get out.”
It was a relatively polite tone, but those who met his gaze panicked and scrambled out in a fluster. In an instant, only three people remained in the room.
Cheon Woo-jin quietly gazed at Muk-gaek.
“You get out as well. I have something to say to this bastard.”
“I cannot do that. For I am this person’s escort.”
Muk-gaek looked at the Crescent Moon Staff pointed at Gu Jin-seok and Cheon Woo-jin before replying. Cheon Woo-jin chuckled.
“One is an escort only if one can protect.”
“…”
A faint killing intent rose from Muk-gaek’s entire body.
He too was a bladesman who had earned the trust of the Gu Clan Head.
At that chilling presence, even Gu Jin-seok, who was standing beside him, flinched involuntarily. Muk-gaek’s martial prowess was among the very best even within the Gu Clan.
‘Father did not attach him to me for nothing.’
Muk-gaek had nothing more to hold him back. The Young Clan Head had delivered an accusation reporting him to the Martial Alliance. Soon, the Alliance members would swarm in to arrest him.
In a situation where he was going to take the blame for all the crimes anyway.
Muk-gaek intended to teach the arrogant rising star bastard before his eyes a lesson, even if that process proved to be somewhat rough.
Of course, had he known that the arrogant rising star had returned after completely annihilating the Western Sky Society where the Shura Demon Lord resided, it was a choice he would not have made.
At that moment, Cheon Woo-jin curled up the corner of his mouth. Because it seemed like a mocking smile of contempt, Muk-gaek’s expression contorted violently.
Suddenly, energy flared from Cheon Woo-jin’s entire body.
Boom!
With a brief tremor, Muk-gaek’s energy was washed away.
Cheon Woo-jin’s presence thoroughly dominated the room.
At the same time that he felt the hairs all over his body stand on end, Muk-gaek instinctively placed his hand on the hilt of his saber.
His supreme technique was a quick-draw saber art that swiftly drew his dark long saber to sever the opponent’s neck in a single stroke.
Seeing this, Cheon Woo-jin looked into Muk-gaek’s eyes and spoke.
“Draw it, then.”
To Muk-gaek, it felt as though the words ‘if you want to die’ had been omitted before it.
Muk-gaek, who was in conflict, looked at Gu Jin-seok. In his mind, the Gu Clan Head, who closely resembled Gu Jin-seok, naturally surfaced.
Muk-gaek’s eyes settled calmly.
Soon, strength naturally flowed into his hand gripping the saber hilt.