Chapter 191
Chapter 191
1
9
1. <A Messenger from the Past>
Step, step.The two highest-ranking figures of the Martial Alliance were leaving the academy and heading toward the alliance.
Their unseen guards secretly emitted dark force, making people avoid on their own the street where the two were walking.
Thanks to that, the two could walk comfortably without interruption.
“How was he?” (Jegal Somyeong)
Jegal Somyeong asked.
Was Hyeok Mugang not the one who had kept chattering away with questions whenever Jin Sowoon’s name came up?
“Hmm…….” (Hyeok Mugang)
Hyeok Mugang walked several more steps without answering the question, then slowly opened his mouth.
“He was an interesting child.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“Interesting?” (Jegal Somyeong)
Hyeok Mugang, who had been sunk in deep thought, smiled gently as he looked at Jegal Somyeong.
“Since until now I had only heard of him through Chief Strategist’s words, I could not truly feel it……. But after seeing him in person, there is one thing I know for certain.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“What is that?” (Jegal Somyeong)
“That Chief Strategist worked very hard so I would not take Jin Sowoon from you.” (Hyeok Mugang)
Jegal Somyeong’s face crumpled like a sheet of paper.
“That is already a finished matter, is it not!” (Jegal Somyeong)
Hyeok Mugang laughed emptily and stroked his beard.
“It was a joke. A joke.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“…….” (Jegal Somyeong)
“In any case, setting that aside, he was certainly a child with many fascinating parts. I especially…….” (Hyeok Mugang)
Hyeok Mugang looked at Jegal Somyeong and smiled meaningfully.
“Found it very impressive how he could act so brazenly before the Martial Alliance Leader and the Chief Strategist.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“…….” (Jegal Somyeong)
As expected, the Alliance Leader knew.
When it came to the schemes and stratagems of the murky political world, was he not a step above himself?
Hyeok Mugang raised his eyebrows as if he were truly surprised.
“Still, if it had not been this kind of situation, I really might have been fooled.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“He is a very audacious fellow.” (Jegal Somyeong)
At the Chief Strategist’s agreement, Hyeok Mugang closed his eyes as if drawing something.
“And so I truly, truly…… look forward to it.” (Hyeok Mugang)
Then, soon, the corners of his suddenly opened eyes curved like crescent moons.
“The appearance of the Martial Alliance that the rising new stars and that child will lead.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“…….” (Jegal Somyeong)
At Hyeok Mugang’s words, the character for stream was drawn between Jegal Somyeong’s brows.
Why had he spoken as if separating the new stars and Jin Sowoon?
If one spoke of the present new stars, there was the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering including Yong Soa, as well as the Seven Stars above them.
But compared to any of them, one could not say Jin Sowoon’s talent was outstanding.
“Are you…… not becoming too emotionally invested in Jin Sowoon?” (Jegal Somyeong)
At the reasonable doubt, Hyeok Mugang nodded.
“Perhaps it could look that way.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“That is not particularly good for Jin Sowoon either.” (Jegal Somyeong)
Hyeok Mugang pondered for a moment, then asked Jegal Somyeong.
“Hmm…… Chief Strategist, how far do you think Jin Sowoon will go?” (Hyeok Mugang)
At the strange counterquestion that suddenly came in, Jegal Somyeong’s words caught in his throat.
It was not because he failed to understand the question.
It was merely because he had never truly drawn a proper picture of it.
“Well. I had thought of entrusting Shimhyeon Pavilion to him.” (Jegal Somyeong)
“Not the Mantong Department?” (Hyeok Mugang)
“As you saw, he is a fellow with deep eyes for seeing the schemes of people. There would be no better playground than Shimhyeon Pavilion for him to run wild.” (Jegal Somyeong)
Hyeok Mugang, who was nodding, continued the question.
“Do you think that child will stop at that position?” (Hyeok Mugang)
“…….” (Jegal Somyeong)
He could not answer the question that followed again.
When he had first seen him at Iron Sword Sect, he had judged him as an employee useful for the Mantong Department, and when he saw him pass the regular exam, he thought he could entrust him with either Shimhyeon Pavilion or the Mantong Department.
He thought Jin Sowoon himself would be sufficiently satisfied with that much for his own sake, and further, for his sect’s sake.
The symbolic meaning held by the Mantong Department and Shimhyeon Pavilion was no different from the highest position desired by the countless martial artists scattered throughout the martial world.
But now, if asked whether Jin Sowoon would truly be satisfied with that…….
“As expected, you cannot answer.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“…….” (Jegal Somyeong)
It was just as Hyeok Mugang said.
He truly could not gauge it.
“Then, Alliance Leader, how far do you think that fellow will go?” (Jegal Somyeong)
Hyeok Mugang lifted the bundle in his hand and brought it level with his gaze.
“Well. I do not know clearly either, but…….” (Hyeok Mugang)
Screeech──At the cry of a hawk ringing in the sky, Hyeok Mugang lifted his head.
Was it coincidence that a hawk appeared at such an appropriate time?
“He did not look like a bird that would enter a cage.” (Hyeok Mugang)
At Hyeok Mugang’s words, Jegal Somyeong nodded without realizing it.
“And above all, that child looks down on power very much. As though it were merely a tool.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“What does that…….” (Jegal Somyeong)
Suddenly, Hyeok Mugang chuckled and said,
“Taoist Myeonghyeon, you see…….” (Hyeok Mugang)
“Why bring him up all of a sudden……?” (Jegal Somyeong)
“They say he was severely beaten by Jin Sowoon.” (Hyeok Mugang)
In an instant, Jegal Somyeong’s brow twisted.
“Pardon? What is that…….” (Jegal Somyeong)
“Unlike the other elders, only Taoist Myeonghyeon is in seclusion, is he not? They say it is because the bruises have not yet fully disappeared from his face.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“……
That crazy bastard…….” (Jegal Somyeong)
No matter how much he disliked the fellow, and no matter how satisfying it felt the moment he heard the story, to think he had beaten an elder of the Council of Elders.
While Jegal Somyeong was so shocked that he wore a blank expression, Hyeok Mugang continued speaking.
“The fact that he acted before me just now as well…… means power is not an object that child admires and wants to seize.” (Hyeok Mugang)
Jegal Somyeong tilted his head.
“Is he not simply a madman?” (Jegal Somyeong)
Hyeok Mugang shook his head and smiled calmly.
“Is it not truly interesting? He looks down on power, yet he absolutely does not let go of the power he possesses.” (Hyeok Mugang)
For an instant, his eyes shone clearly.
“In the end, it means power is merely a tool that satisfies something that child wants to do.” (Hyeok Mugang)
Because Jegal Somyeong had never tried to read a person’s schemes in that way, he pondered Hyeok Mugang’s words carefully.
Hyeok Mugang looked at the Chief Strategist, who had fallen into anguish, and murmured.
“And what that child does with the power he protects like that is, in the end, saving someone…….” (Hyeok Mugang)
Hyeok Mugang stopped speaking for a moment, and for some reason expectation appeared on his face.
“Is he not truly a fascinating child?” (Hyeok Mugang)
“……
Alliance Leader, you are leaping far too much.” (Jegal Somyeong)
Jegal Somyeong, too, thought it was somewhat reasonable, but it did not easily touch his heart.
Was it because he had seen so many crazy things Jin Sowoon did?
Hyeok Mugang’s firm voice continued.
“That is why I thought Jin Sowoon should be seen separately from the other new stars. And personally, I am also a little curious.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“Curious about what?” (Jegal Somyeong)
“What kind of leader that child will become when sufficient strength and power are given to him.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“…….” (Jegal Somyeong)
Jegal Somyeong pressed his lips shut as though he could not answer.
If the people of the alliance knew that such words had come from the Alliance Leader’s mouth, they would never sit still.
“…….” (Hyeok Mugang)
Hyeok Mugang also nodded as if he understood.
Then he soon changed the topic to something else.
“By the way, he rendered a far greater merit than expected, so I do not know what to do about it. The Young Cult Leader of the Blood Cult, of all things…….” (Hyeok Mugang)
“What can be done? But how did such a clever fellow end up mentioning his greatest achievement only at the end?” (Jegal Somyeong)
“As expected, Chief Strategist is not honest.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“Wh-What are you talking about?” (Jegal Somyeong)
“Are your lips not twitching?” (Hyeok Mugang)
Jegal Somyeong shook his head and let out a long sigh.
“Let us commend his merit together after the matter in Sichuan is over.” (Jegal Somyeong)
“Is that all?” (Hyeok Mugang)
It seemed the Alliance Leader had become firmly taken with Jin Sowoon.
In the end, Jegal Somyeong spoke concretely about what he had been thinking.
“……
I intend to direct the purchasing sources of the branches in Anhui Province toward Taeul Sect’s Great Heavenly Commerce. That much should be a great help in allowing the merchant group to establish itself.” (Jegal Somyeong)
Only then did Hyeok Mugang nod as if satisfied.
“That is quite good. If any complaints happen to flow out, send them to me.” (Hyeok Mugang)
“That will not be necessary. Do you think I cannot handle even that much?” (Jegal Somyeong)
Looking at the grumbling Jegal Somyeong, Hyeok Mugang grinned.
Like an old couple worried about the future of their grandson, the two walked side by side.#After leaving the principal’s office, I was returning to the dormitory when I turned my steps.
It was not that I had any particular destination.
I simply did not want to return to the dormitory right away.
As I slowly walked along the path that wrapped around the entire outside of the academy, the scent of thick greenery filled my lungs.
I gathered back all the sensory perception that I normally kept spread wide at all times and relaxed the tension in my body.
After continuing that walk for a while, I slowly felt as though I had returned to everyday life.
The cries of nameless mountain birds could be heard here and there, and small wild animals that popped out from unexpected places ran between the trees.
This place was peaceful enough that it was hard to believe we had carried out a blood-drying chase and battle only a few days ago.
From people walking along the path while exchanging affectionate words, to those discussing sword theory in an empty lot.
The academy students were enjoying ordinary daily life.
The fact that the incident in Sichuan did not affect them was proof that the incident in Sichuan had not spread into a “bloodshed” as it had in my previous life.
For some reason, my chest tickled.‘I really changed it…….’ (Jin Sowoon)
Of course, I had changed many things before.
But most of them were things related to myself, or going further, to those around me and to my sect.
This was the first time I had actually prevented something that would have spread into a brutal war.
Until now, I had changed and prepared many things in my own way in preparation for the Great War of Righteousness and Demons, but I had thought those efforts might not properly shine.
As had been the case with countless events in history, one person’s actions could not stop the flow of the vast Yangtze River.
Even though I had held a skeptical gaze toward myself, I had continued trying to change something.
Because I thought that alone was the only way to erase the guilt-filled nightmares I had experienced in my previous life.
And the thing I had done, heading blindly to Sichuan like that, had changed history for the first time.‘The history called the “Sichuan Bloodshed” will now be erased from the world.’ (Jin Sowoon)
As always, it would probably be recorded that one of the Martial Alliance’s many political enemies appeared and then disappeared.
Because of that, no one would know about the “Sichuan Bloodshed.”
Because it would not be recorded how many people were saved, or how many sacrifices were prevented.
No one would praise me for what I had done.
Even so…….‘It does not feel bad.’ (Jin Sowoon)
The corners of my mouth quietly rose without my realizing it.
Because of this, innocent civilians would continue their peaceful lives, and a little less of the blood of martial artists would flow in Sichuan.
Furthermore, like the Sojeong Squad, the meaningless deaths of those who fought enemies with nothing but numbers would also be reduced a little.‘If only that happens, I have nothing more to wish for.’ (Jin Sowoon)
During the Great War of Righteousness and Demons in my previous life.
After losing two Sojeong Squad members to the Blood Demon Corps’ storm-like barrage of attacks and unable to shake off a hollow feeling, I asked the Sojeong Squad members why we were fighting.[The peace of the murim? What bullshit! I just want to fool around like before and collect my monthly stipend!] (Sojeong Squad Member)
[Ah, because I want to see Jeonghyang of Hongwol Pavilion. She says she likes that I’m a Martial Alliance member.] (Sojeong Squad Member)
[This bastard owes me money. But this bastard says he’ll pay me back when we return to the Martial Alliance.] (Sojeong Squad Member)
As expected of absolute bastards, every answer that came back was vulgar beyond words.
But when I thought about it, my own answer was not very different from theirs.
Simply because I wanted to live.
Because I wanted to once again enjoy the old peace that would not return.
That was all.
None of us were promised wealth and glory after the war.
If lucky, one survived until the Great War of Righteousness and Demons ended, and if unlucky, one could die as soon as tomorrow.
Just a damnable life.
The fact that I had prevented it alone was enough meaning for me.‘From now on…… from now on too…… I will have to continue erasing the history that will happen.’ (Jin Sowoon)
I did not know how many times I could erase it.
Blocking the current of the Yangtze River alone would be impossible, after all.
Still, if I thought of it as repaying dearly the debts I owed in my previous life to my sect and those damn bastards, then even if it was impossible, every thought of backing down disappeared completely.
“Hoo…….” (Jin Sowoon)
As I groped through old memories, the faces of the Sojeong Squad members came to mind one by one.
Their origins were all different, and their statuses were all different as well, but they had one thing in common.
They utterly hated those better than us.
They especially hated elites from the Murim Academy until they were sick of them.
To bastards from the bottom who had nowhere to lean, how could the promising prodigies of respectable sects possibly look good?
Moreover, those from the academy basically started from the position of squad captain, so from the Sojeong Squad members’ perspective, no matter how many years they had served, having to bow and scrape to fresh-faced brats was no small source of rage.
“If they saw what I look like now as academy representative, they would all be aghast. Hehe.” (Jin Sowoon)
For some reason, imagining the Sojeong Squad bastards’ expressions as though they had chewed shit made me feel even better.
With my head roughly sorted out, I turned my steps toward the dormitory.
The qi in my qi center had already been filled while I was in Chengdu, but the fatigue that had accumulated layer upon layer in my body while coming and going from Sichuan could only be relieved with rest.
Like that, as I slowly looked around the inside of the academy and headed toward the place where the dormitory was.
Thud, thud, thud, thud.
A rather dull sound was heard.‘What is it?’ (Jin Sowoon)
When I spread the sensory perception I had withdrawn, I sensed the presences of martial artists between the buildings.
I turned my head and looked into the alley, and four or five people who appeared to belong to the Five Great Families were surrounding the area as though keeping watch.
And in the center, two people were tangled together on the ground.
When I looked a little more closely.‘……
They are not tangled together.’ (Jin Sowoon)
It was the sight of one side being beaten one-sidedly.
The small-bodied academy student, whose affiliation I could not tell, tried somehow to counterattack, but the large opponent played with the small-bodied academy student as though toying with him.‘Tsk.’ (Jin Sowoon)
Even if they proclaimed themselves the White Path, since it was a place where hot-blooded martial artists gathered, it was only natural for fights to be part of daily life.
When I first entered the Sojeong Squad, I, too, had clashed and fought with the Sojeong Squad members several times.
Even so, to see such a sight on the day I returned after working myself to the bone saving people in Sichuan…….
This was not exactly pleasant.‘These bastards dare stand out before my eyes?’ (Jin Sowoon)
It was the moment when justice needed to be implemented in order to restore my spoiled mood.
Moreover, they were acting cowardly with many against one in front of me, who could not endure injustice?
Crack, crack.
“Hey, you bastards…….” (Jin Sowoon)
Just as I was about to loosen my fingers and step inside.
Grab.
The small-bodied academy student grabbed the large one’s hand.
Whirl. Whoosh
* Thud!
Did he not throw him onto the hard ground?
“……!” (Jin Sowoon)
I could only open my mouth wide in astonishment.
It was not because I was surprised by the small-bodied academy student’s divine might, but because I could not help being shocked by the martial art he had displayed.‘What is this?’ (Jin Sowoon)
Flowing Cloud Divine Art.
I had learned it from Yar Yuljae of the Sojeong Squad in my previous life and had used it usefully in this life.
The Lotus Flower of that Flowing Cloud Divine Art had just been displayed.‘Why is that coming out here?’ (Jin Sowoon)