Chapter 161
Chapter 161
#1
6.1 <The Black Flame Dragon Who Quells Chaos (6)>
“The streets are quiet.” (Jin Soun)
Dang Hyukjae nodded at my words.
“They’re all being cautious. Out of fear.” (Dang Hyukjae)
Yueyang was quiet.
If the previous silence had been out of fear of weapons, now it was the calm before a storm.
Vendors of snacks and rice cakes had disappeared, and merchants who used to hawk goods were only watching their surroundings anxiously, leaving their stalls out but standing guard.
“I heard rumors that assassins are roaming around. Was that your doing?” (Jin Soun)
“……Why call it a rumor?” (Dang Hyukjae)
“Because it spread faster than physically possible. Even gossipers have limits. Do you think it’ll work?” (Jin Soun)
A clever person is not easily fooled by such simple tactics.
“Someone like the branch chief can discern truth from falsehood, but those others cannot.” (Jin Soun)
The Black Path sects’ halt in movement was evidence enough.
All of them had brought guards to their quarters and fortified their positions.
Expanding influence is fine, but if one dies like the Mukhyul Gang’s hall master, their subordinates benefit instead.
For a moment, Yueyang maintained a ceasefire.
Of course, a few White Path sects, unable to endure the anxiety, packed up and left.
Future events in Yueyang were unpredictable.
“Then may I pack my things again?” (Jin Soun)
“Why ask that?” (Dang Hyukjae)
“If you die, would the Taeul Sect still invest in me?” (Jin Soun)
Why bring that up so unluckily?
“I take it even if you survive, you’d want to revoke the investment.” (Jin Soun)
Dang Hyukjae’s expression turned incredulous.
“Isn’t that true? If you die, what would I even do at Taeul Sect?” (Jin Soun)
“Who dies just like that?” (Dang Hyukjae)
“The Mukhyul Gang will definitely send out Sword Evil. He is said to rival the Three Evils of Fierce Body.” (Jin Soun)
The Three Evils hold three seats among the Eight Evils: Dragon Evil, Blood Evil, and Tao Evil.
These three were considered one tier more dangerous than the others and were under close watch of the Martial Alliance.
“I know well.” (Dang Hyukjae)
Moreover, Sword Evil bore deep resentment over the hall master’s death and what I had done.
Even if other Eight Evils appeared, he would insist on facing me.
No chance to evade.
I shook off these worrisome thoughts and changed the topic.
“What about what I asked you to do?” (Jin Soun)
“I heard they departed from the trade route. They should arrive the day after tomorrow.” (Dang Hyukjae)
“The day after tomorrow? Isn’t that late?” (Jin Soun)
“Distance is a physical limit.” (Dang Hyukjae)
“Then why, when you were responsible for the Yueyang branch, didn’t you open a branch for the Dang family here?” (Jin Soun)
“Who would think I just left it unattended?” (Dang Hyukjae)
He pouted.
“Do you want to see your investor die?” (Dang Hyukjae)
“……I told them to come as quickly as possible. They should arrive on time, barely.” (Jin Soun)
Dang Hyukjae’s gaze was filled with worry.
“Please don’t die.” (Dang Hyukjae)
I wondered about his true concern.
“Is it purely worry for me? Or fear for the investor’s life?” (Jin Soun)
His eyes flickered briefly.
“…….” (Dang Hyukjae)
“Enough. I won’t ask further.” (Jin Soun)
Sword Evil, too… what is with these people treating others like objects?
Inside Yujang Sect, passing the martial hall, I stopped at a peculiar sight.
‘What is he doing?’
Sect Leader Jang Sagyeong was walking leisurely, inspecting Yujang Sect’s facilities.
For someone who would face life-and-death combat in two days, he seemed remarkably relaxed.
‘Does he fully trust his hidden ace?’
Usually, one would spare no time and train before such a battle, yet he remained carefree.
“Ah? Jin Soyeop!” (Jang Sagyeong)
Seeing me, he smiled warmly. I slowly formed my fists in salute.
“Were you here all along?” (Jin Soun)
“I was checking how badly Yujang Sect’s facilities were damaged.” (Jang Sagyeong)
Jang Sagyeong seemed confident in Yujang Sect’s eventual victory.
Otherwise, why prepare so far in advance?
“Shall we walk together for a bit?” (Jang Sagyeong)
“Yes.” (Jin Soun)
He slowly walked through the hall, showing me places he had grown up in: the barn he used to hide in, the room he held his wedding, Jang Woojae’s birth room.
Having lived his whole life in Yujang Sect, he had countless stories.
“Forgive me.” (Jang Sagyeong)
His sudden apology puzzled me.
“For what?” (Jin Soun)
“Do you know that Woojae admires you? Actually… it’s more accurate to say he looks up to you.” (Jang Sagyeong)
“Huh?” (Jin Soun)
“Since going to the Martial Academy, more than half the letters he sent were about you. How admirable, grand, and generous you are.” (Jang Sagyeong)
“……” (Jin Soun)
“He wanted to become like you and act alongside you.” (Jang Sagyeong)
“Is that so?” (Jin Soun)
“So I warned him. Your path is too hard and painful. Take an easier road.” (Jang Sagyeong)
Any parent would not want their child to walk a thorny path.
“I understand. That is natural.” (Jin Soun)
“That makes it more shameful. He took the easy path, yet still had to rely on your help.” (Jang Sagyeong)
He bowed deeply, seemingly unconcerned by nearby Yujang Sect disciples.
I hurried to help him up.
“People might be watching. Please rise.” (Jin Soun)
His eyes, lifted, were full of complex emotions.
“You are truly admirable. I understand why Woojae looks up to you.” (Jang Sagyeong)
“Flattery, sir.” (Jin Soun)
“How regretful… Why did I always avoid the naturally painful parts of life?” (Jang Sagyeong)
We walked in silence.
As we returned, Jang Woojae appeared—not alone.
Receiving a neck guard from a Martial Alliance supporter, he seemed slightly awkward yet smiled.
There was something significant.
“What is that?” (Jin Soun)
“Huh? What do you mean?” (Jang Woojae)
“The item you exchanged with him.” (Jin Soun)
“……Ah, nothing special. Just a cheap elixir to help in the duel.” (Jang Woojae)
“May I see it?” (Jin Soun)
“……Truly nothing. If you need it, I can get something better.” (Jang Woojae)
“No, I just want to see this.” (Jin Soun)
I reached out and took the neck guard from Jang Woojae.
“Ah! R-Representative!” (Jang Woojae)
He seemed familiar with this. I set him aside, opening the guard to reveal dark reddish pellets.
“……” (Jin Soun)
I looked at Jang Sagyeong, who appeared equally surprised.
I barely swallowed a sigh.
“Do you know what the Bloodburst Pills are, to touch them recklessly?” (Jin Soun)
“…….” (Jang Sagyeong)
“If you’re not confident in victory, just send someone else.” (Jin Soun)
“No! I can win. I prepared this to ensure certain victory.” (Jang Woojae)
I understood his resolve.
He would do everything for his sect.
Yet today’s situation wasn’t desperate enough for self-destructive action.
Crash.
I crushed the pills with the neck guard, and Jang Woojae could not hide his shock.
I looked at him directly.
“None at Yujang Sect would wish for this.” (Jin Soun)
Then I turned to Jang Sagyeong.
“This is certainly not a sight you wanted to witness.” (Jin Soun)
Jang Sagyeong’s face was stone as he watched Jang Woojae.
“……” (Jang Woojae)
He could not raise his head. Jang Sagyeong said solemnly:
“Follow me!” (Jang Sagyeong)
Watching them leave silently, I reflected on the shame of showing one’s willingness to die to a parent.
Jang Woojae remained with head bowed for a long while.
Finally, Jang Sagyeong’s heavy voice spoke:
“Do you know what your mistake is?” (Jang Sagyeong)
“……Honoring body, hair, and skin from your parents, not daring to harm them—this is the beginning of filial piety. I have violated its most basic form.” (Jang Woojae)
Jang Sagyeong burst out:
“No!” (Jang Sagyeong)
“……!” (Jang Woojae)
“Do you truly not understand? You attempted to shirk responsibility!” (Jang Sagyeong)
“……What?” (Jang Woojae)
“What is your responsibility? As Yujang Sect’s heir, to protect your people and preserve their lives!” (Jang Sagyeong)
“……” (Jang Woojae)
“Only the Sect Leader may face death for Yujang Sect. Are you already acting as its leader?” (Jang Sagyeong)
“You choose death to avoid difficult burdens? Is this what you learned from admiring Jin Soyeop?” (Jang Sagyeong)
“Father……” (Jang Woojae)
Having observed Jin Soyeop, he should have learned more.
“From watching him negotiate with the Mukhyul Gang, I understood why you followed him. What did you learn?” (Jang Sagyeong)
“……Courage of a man?” (Jang Woojae)
“No! When Yujang Sect fell, he saved all its people! That is what you should have learned!” (Jang Sagyeong)
“Ah……!” (Jang Woojae)
Seeing this, his eyes widened.
Jang Sagyeong’s tone softened:
“That is why he is called the Black Flame Dragon. Taeul Sect, once invisible, became renowned through his deeds in just a few years. His role was immense.” (Jang Sagyeong)
“……” (Jang Woojae)
Embarrassed, Jang Woojae wished he could hide.
“Do you understand your mistake now?” (Jang Sagyeong)
“……I chose the easiest… and most comfortable path……” (Jang Woojae)
Crawling through his answer, a smile appeared on Jang Sagyeong’s face.
“Yes! Exactly that!” (Jang Sagyeong)
“…….” (Jang Woojae)
“I chose you, not someone else, because you, as Yujang Sect’s heir, have responsibility.” (Jang Sagyeong)
“I will remember.” (Jang Woojae)
“I apologize for instructing you to draw lines in the old sect. Henceforth, always watch Jin Soyeop and learn. Consider how you may help Yujang Sect in the future.” (Jang Sagyeong)
“……” (Jang Woojae)
“That is your duty as the heir.” (Jang Sagyeong)
His words pressed on Jang Woojae’s shoulders heavier than any scolding.
After Jang Sagyeong and Jang Woojae left, I headed to the Sect Leader’s private martial hall.
No one stopped me; permission had been granted beforehand.
My priority was facing Sword Evil.
The issue: Taeul Sect’s techniques were poorly suited for Sword Evil’s uniquely fast and stealthy swordsmanship.
Exerting full force would be reckless, especially considering how the Black Path might respond after Yujang Sect’s victory.
‘Those who struck from behind will not admit defeat easily.’
I had to win the duel while preventing Mukhyul Gang from recklessly intervening.
Thus, I could not throw all my inner strength blindly.
Fortunately, I had a method: the Baiyue Controlling Heaven Three Styles obtained from Sword Demon recently.
The problem: two days was too short to master this difficult martial art.
“Never thought I’d use this.” (Jin Soun)
From past advice by the Divine Sword, I recalled a theory to harmonize the vital energy, using my cursed memory.
I had attained harmony of vital energy at the level of the Five Dragon Peaks, and recently reached the Jade-Gold stage beyond Sun-Moon Confluence.
I could move my body and flow energy freely, achieving rapid skill acquisition.
“Did Bai do it this way?” (Jin Soun)
Bai Haekwang appeared in my mind as I began the Baiyue Controlling Heaven Three Styles.
I recalled his movements, breathing, muscle use, and stride precisely.
It was as if he were before me.
I recited the hand seals while commanding my body to mimic him exactly.
Crack.
Even before fully extending my arms, my muscles tore.
Puff, puff.
As I extended my hands, joints twisted and bones strained.
Thump-thump-thump.
My heart raced violently, likely from excessive motion.
Suddenly, “Aaaah!”
Clang.
I dropped the Black Dragon Sword, unable to endure.
“Haa… haa… haa…”
This was a technique using vital energy harmonization to shorten time.
Only someone with my absolute memory could attempt such madness.
I replicated the opponent’s past training in an instant.
Clutching my aching elbow, I muttered:
“Damn, what kind of training did they do?” (Jin Soun)
A body gradually develops over long training and rest, but in one night I jumped ten years.
The higher the opponent’s level, the more excruciating the pain.
Reaching for the Black Dragon Sword, my arm trembled instinctively.
Yet when limits are met, the path becomes visible.
“Phew, phew, phew. If I let go now, it’s all useless.” (Jin Soun)
I gritted my teeth and reached for the Black Dragon Sword.
“Kyaaaah!” (Mukhyul Gang)