The tightly shut gate of the Sokryeong Sect opened.
“Welcome! I am Ak Gyeong-cheol, the leader of the Sokryeong Sect.”
“I am Kang Chumo-ru, leading the Jeokgwi Daebyeol.”
Ak Gyeong-cheol looked at Kang Chumo-ru with a beaming smile.
Unexpected interference from the Imperial Army!
But upon reflection, it made sense.
People often said that the Martial World was immiscible with the outside world, but that was only because martial artists kept themselves in check and didn’t cause significant harm to the world beyond.
If a fight broke out between sects or martial artists, and neither the victims nor the perpetrators wanted the authorities to intervene, the situation became complicated and it was difficult for the authorities to step in.
Martial artists would resolve their disputes among themselves!
The idea of the Martial World being untouchable by the authorities was ultimately an unspoken rule born from such customs.
However, what had recently occurred in the Okgyo was not a conflict between martial artists.
It was a blatant and repetitive attack on merchants’ stores and goods by martial artists.
If it had happened in Ho Cheon-an’s original world, it would have easily been labeled as “indiscriminate terrorism,” making it impossible for the authorities to turn a blind eye.
“My knowledge may be limited, but I haven’t heard of a force called Jeokgwi Daebyeol. To subdue the chaos here in Okgyo so decisively is indeed impressive!”
Ak Gyeong-cheol spoke with a mix of sincerity and pretense.
Based on martial artists, Kang Chumo-ru’s well-trained physique, and the physical strength of the Jeokgwi Daebyeol members, Ak Gyeong-cheol, an expert martial artist, could clearly see the stark evidence of rapid physical transformation.
“While your martial prowess isn’t particularly high, what’s noteworthy is the Imperial Army’s secret techniques that allowed for such a solid physique in a short time. If this secret technique could nurture soldiers…”
There was another aspect for Ak Gyeong-cheol to marvel at.
“How strange their gazes seem, as if they had just swum through the lava of hell.”
While it’s expected for a leader to have spirit, even the ordinary soldiers showed no sign of wavering despite being in the heart of the infamous Outcast Faction.
“Please come inside and let’s talk.”
“Alright. Jeokgwi Daebyeol! Stand by!”
“Understood!”
With a booming voice as if in their own backyard, Ak Gyeong-cheol shook his head while sitting down with Kang Chumo-ru.
“So, what brings you to the Sokryeong Sect?”
“Do you happen to know what activities our headquarters is currently conducting in Okgyo?”
“Yes, I’ve heard that they are capturing those who caused the chaos in Okgyo.”
“Right. However… when we captured them for interrogation, strange stories started surfacing, which is why I came to visit the Sokryeong Sect.”
“…Strange stories, you say?”
“Odokmun, Black Serpent Sect, Trench Faction, Dark Dragon Sect… they claim to have been instigated by those sects to carry out acts of destruction.”
Ak Gyeong-cheol’s eyes widened.
“They’ve confessed!”
It was entirely plausible. If things continued as they were, they could easily be branded as rebels, so some had come forward admitting they took orders from other sects to act.
“Ha ha, unlike our Sokryeong Sect, which has been quietly focused on martial arts, these are notorious sects. We had encountered difficulties after trying to guide the martial artists disturbing Yunnan, and now these ravenous wolves are prowling for a feast!”
Ak Gyeong-cheol smiled with satisfaction while condemning the other sects of the Sadoryeon.
Why was the Sokryeong Sect still keeping quiet despite knowing about the machinations of the other sects? Because raising such suspicions without solid evidence would lead to a muddy fight.
No matter how much the Sokryeong Sect raised their voice, without evidence, others would merely perceive it as infighting among the Outcast factions. But what if the Imperial Army’s investigations revealed the truth?
Authority!
Even if the allegations were the same, unsubstantiated claims made by the Outcast factions would hold less weight compared to the Imperial Army’s conclusions.
“The tables have turned! Those fools!”
Ak Gyeong-cheol clenched his fists as he recalled the sects of Sadoryeon. The sects wouldn’t be foolish enough not to use every method possible to distance themselves from the captured martial artists and deny their guilt.
While they might evade legal responsibility, they could not escape the fact that the Sadoryeon sects attacked the Sokryeong Sect, which would be known to the world.
Even if they obliterated all evidence, the circumstances were so clear that everyone would know the Sadoryeon sects had indeed attacked the Sokryeong Sect.
Betrayal would be laid bare for all to see, leaving the Sadoryeon sects no choice but to compromise with the Sokryeong Sect.
“Ha ha! The vanguard of Sacheon must fall to you! And hefty compensation for this mishap, I must extract!”
As Ak Gyeong-cheol mused on what benefits he could reap from the Sadoryeon sects, he recollected himself at Kang Chumo-ru’s chilly retort.
“It seems the leader has quite the misunderstanding.”
“What?”
“The disputes between sects or squabbles among martial artists are matters for our headquarters to address. We are here to deal with the untrustworthy individuals disturbing this Okgyo.”
At Kang Chumo-ru’s unsettling words, Ak Gyeong-cheol’s face stiffened.
“I’ve heard that Odokmun, the Black Serpent Sect, the Trench Faction, and the Dark Dragon Sect are all affiliated with the Sadoryeon. Isn’t the Sokryeong Sect likewise a part of the Sadoryeon?”
“N-no…!”
“Don’t the factions accused of instigation all belong to the Sadoryeon? Isn’t the Sokryeong Sect also involved in this series of events?”
“That’s utter nonsense! Okgyo is where the Sokryeong Sect is established. Why would we collaborate to destroy our own territory?”
“The reason might not be easy to find, but honestly, I was perplexed by the Sokryeong Sect’s lack of response. You claim Okgyo is your base, yet your allied scoundrels run rampant on your ground without a word. Why the silence?”
“Due to concern for the martial artists’ plight, we temporarily closed the gates of our sect! To say we attacked this Okgyo alongside them is sheer absurdity!”
“Damn these sons of bitches!”
Ak Gyeong-cheol gritted his teeth at the Sadoryeon sects. Kang Chumo-ru’s words contained some distortions, but his suspicions were reasonable. Out of five members of the large organization, four instigated the destruction in Okgyo. It was only natural for suspicion to arise regarding the sole member who remained silent while all this chaos unfolded in his domain.
“Leader, this situation cannot be brushed aside easily.”
Kang Chumo-ru continued to stare sharply at Ak Gyeong-cheol.
“Since the formation of this imperial nation, the Martial World has persisted, but no instance of martial artists converging en masse to ravage a city has occurred before. This unprecedented event should warrant the central government’s and even the Emperor’s attention.”
The mention of the Emperor made Ak Gyeong-cheol gulp.
“I’ve heard that the Odokmun, Black Serpent Sect, Trench Faction, and Dark Dragon Sect will undergo rigorous investigation. However… the Sokryeong Sect’s position is quite ambiguous as both an accused and a victim. Although they suffered damage from clashes with hidden experts disguised as scoundrels, being of Sadoryeon, their actions appear vague.”
“I repeat, that’s a misunderstanding!”
“Then take a definitive action.”
“What do you mean by a definitive action?”
“Withdraw from the Sadoryeon.”
Kang Chumo-ru’s demand left Ak Gyeong-cheol’s face rigid.
Withdraw from the Sadoryeon?
Even though his sect was under concentrated attack by the Sadoryeon, Ak Gyeong-cheol had no intention of withdrawing. By standing as a victim, he could gain many advantages from the other sects, so why should he withdraw?
“With such clear evidence of being attacked by other sects, would it be reasonable to remain in the alliance? If you do remain, I can only view you as part of the same faction.”
At Kang Chumo-ru’s pronouncement, cold sweat beaded on Ak Gyeong-cheol’s forehead.
The ruckus caused by the scoundrels inflicted tremendous damage on this Okgyo.
If it spread that these incidents occurred with the Sokryeong Sect’s tacit approval, or rumors emerged that it was a self-inflicted incident?
“It’s over…”
This was not a situation that could be resolved with martial prowess.
All the residents of the Sokryeong would rise up to burn the Sokryeong Sect, and how could they possibly stop that?
Having just endured a loss to the Lama Monks, Ak Gyeong-cheol’s reputation was already in tatters. If such rumors circulated, the sect could be completely shattered.
“What will you do?”
Pushed by Kang Chumo-ru’s insistence, Ak Gyeong-cheol responded weakly.
“I will withdraw from the Sadoryeon.”
* *
“Tsk.”
Dokgo Yeongcheon clicked his tongue as he thought of I-seol. Though talented, his daughter was vulnerable to treachery. She ultimately got pushed out and had to move outside the sect.
Yet, I-seol showed remarkable prowess in the competition for successor.
After hearing reports about the achievements of I-seol’s subordinates, Dokgo Yeongcheon couldn’t help but laugh, realizing he underestimated her. Perhaps she had quietly grown stronger or had devised clever plans to deceive everyone!
Regardless of the method, it remained true that I-seol had delivered outstanding results with her unique skills.
“Ugh.”
This only amplified Dokgo Yeongcheon’s frustration.
The behavior I-seol showed during the sect leader meeting was the primary cause.
It’s good that she was thorough in her tasks.
However, that wasn’t the problem.
“I told her to just be honest and not dodge the issue!”
It was commendable to execute her duties meticulously, but the person giving those orders was none other than Dokgo Yeongcheon himself. Even after he explicitly asked her to lay bare her contributions, I-seol maintained her guarded stance.
She directly opposed Dokgo Yeongcheon’s intentions.
Again, Dokgo Yeongcheon clicked his tongue. The reason he was selecting a successor was not to pass the sect onto his children.
“For this Dark Dragon Sect to grow, an excellent leader is essential.”
He was seeking a new core member that would develop the Dark Dragon Sect further.
In that context, I-seol displayed the potential to be the new leader. However,
“I cannot place someone so headstrong into such a position!”
No matter how remarkable her abilities, showing disloyalty meant she couldn’t be given the position, or so thought Dokgo Yeongcheon.
“Leader.”
“What is it?”
“A dispatch letter has arrived from Okgyo.”
After unfolding the letter sent from Okgyo, Dokgo Yeongcheon’s eyes widened. Could all this be real…?
It was indeed an earth-shattering news in Yunnan, causing Dokgo Yeongcheon to fall into deep contemplation. Just as he was digesting the shocking information, a guest visited the sect leader’s chamber.
“Father, it’s me, Dae Mak.”
“Come in.”
Dokgo Yeongcheon regarded the suddenly appearing Dae Mak. Dae Mak could not endure the pressure emanating from Dokgo Yeongcheon and quickly bowed his head.
Though he did not have the same spirit as I-seol, Dokgo Yeongcheon recognized that each of his three children had their own strengths.
“If only Dae Mak was as quick-witted and crafty as this boy.”
“Have you heard the news from Okgyo?”
“Yeah.”
“Martial artists causing chaos in Okgyo have been arrested for treason, and the Sokryeong Sect has declared their withdrawal from the Sadoryeon. Therefore, the next target of the royal guards is likely to be in close proximity to Okgyo, meaning our Dark Dragon Sect.”
“Most likely.”
“Having received this news, I pondered on what to do, and while I am somewhat lacking, a scheme did come to mind, which prompted me to come see you.”
“Speak.”
Though his tone was indifferent, Dae Mak noticed Dokgo Yeongcheon’s interest in his opinion and gathered his courage to speak.
“If we trace back the source of the chaos that erupted in Okgyo, it leads us to the Seohwa Sect and the Great Dark Sect. How about we hand them over to the royal guards to display goodwill?”
Silence lingered for a moment.
“Rather than getting embroiled with many people, wouldn’t it be better just to give up the Seohwa Sect and the Great Dark Sect, which are the biggest targets?”
Dae Mak’s words made Dokgo Yeongcheon swallow hard. He spoke with an ambiguous stance—neither affirming nor denying. Dae Mak thought of his sister. Thinking she had completely given up her claims for succession, I-seol had laid down a stunning strategy.
“She deceived us first.”
Dae Mak thought to himself as he spoke.
“What do you mean? My sister hasn’t done anything lately, right? Why would she be implicated with the Imperial Army?”
“Kuh… kuhuh…”
Dokgo Yeongcheon chuckled lightly at Dae Mak’s words.
While reading the letter detailing the events that unfolded in Okgyo, he contemplated this idea.
Was I-seol’s insistence to negate her actions a means of expressing rebellion or a calculated move considering the current scenario?
“If that’s the case, let’s put her to the test.”
If I-seol’s position truly was a strategic ploy for their current circumstances,
She must have already anticipated this crisis and laid down a plan.
“Leak the information to the Imperial Army and send them towards Sanghwa House.”
“Understood!”
As Dae Mak hastily departed, brimming with joy, Dokgo Yeongcheon leaned back in his chair.
“I’ll see what I-seol has in store.”
His eyes sparkled with anticipation.
