Chapter 69

“Boss, I overheard some other martial artists talking. It seems the mastermind behind the recent chaos in Beijing has been identified.”

Since leaving Nanjing, Namgung Woo and his group had no way to gather information. The same went for the Cheongsu Gate people. While their information network was decent within their established territory, outside, they weren’t much different from wandering vagabonds. However, Yang Kwae managed to gather information from the Danmok Family, who had deep ties with the Imperial Family, giving them exceptional intelligence.

“Who is it?”

“It’s a group called Seekers in the Mist (求道霧中). They’re usually called Mist Seekers (巫衆). Apparently, Yi Ja-ryong was affiliated with them.”

“Are they martial arts outlaws?”

This time, Yang Jeong answered.

“It’s ambiguous. Originally, they weren’t this extreme, so they were just being monitored. But after this incident, they’ve been designated as martial arts outlaws. Both the Martial Alliance and the Black Martial Alliance are still wary of the Imperial Family’s stance.”

The name translates to “those who seek the path in the mist.” Were they a group of sorcerers? The abbreviation’s characters differed from the original group name. Given how they were casually referred to as “sorcerer mobs,” it seemed more like a derogatory term than a simple abbreviation.

“The Martial Arts Governor’s Office has moved. Rumors are spreading that Governor Han Won-chun is personally leading the charge. The Imperial Family is clearly furious. I heard they even issued an imperial decree to mobilize the Mosan Sect.”

This incident was a turning point. It would show whether the Imperial Family could still suppress the martial world or if the martial world would completely separate from the Imperial Family and create its own realm. The martial factions, silent in the calm before the storm, were closely watching this event.

“It’s almost a given that the Imperial Family will win, but how overwhelming their victory will be is crucial. If they crush the opposition without a sound, individual sects won’t stand a chance and will have to toe the line. But if the suppression drags on and they barely win, the martial world will no longer be bound by the Imperial Family’s reins.”

The martial world was already stirring. The weight of the Imperial Family, which had been a stabilizing force alongside the world’s strongest, had drastically diminished. The pressure building up in the cauldron was unbearable, and the martial world was on the verge of explosion.

The precursors were already showing, and Namgung Woo had experienced them. The appearance of someone openly harassing the Jegal Family, a major orthodox faction, was a clear sign.

“We must consider the worst-case scenario.”

“Ah, Master Jeonggwang.”

“The worst-case scenario would be…?”

“The failure of the suppression.”

If the Imperial Family, despite their full efforts, failed to suppress the rebel group that dared to challenge Beijing and the Forbidden City?

“Then, even if the Jeongsa Great War breaks out, it won’t be stoppable.”

The Imperial Family now has only two Peerless Masters left. Even if there are one or two more hidden Peerless Masters, the numbers are tight. The Imperial Family’s guard, the Ghost Gate’s closure, the martial world’s suppression, and defense against external threats—there are too many places needing Peerless Masters.

If there are no hidden Peerless Masters, the situation becomes even more dire.

Yang So-hu of the Shinchang Yang Family and Han Won-chun of the Martial Arts Governor’s Office are already overwhelmed with guarding the Imperial Family and closing the Ghost Gate. Originally, Gwak Dan was responsible for the Imperial Family’s guard, Yang So-hu for the Ghost Gate’s closure, and Han Won-chun for suppressing the martial world, but that balance has been disrupted.

“We can only hope the Imperial Family handles it well.”

“The Mosan Sect has also stepped in, so it should go well. Though their personalities are eccentric, their sorcery skills are among the best in the orthodox sects.”

With Peerless Masters and the world’s top sorcery sect joining the suppression, no matter how elusive the culprits are, the Imperial Family’s determined search will uncover them. After all, it’s nearly impossible to completely escape the gaze of Gaebang, one of the Three Great Information Networks.

“But the real problem is the Jegal Family…”

Jeonggwang cautiously brought it up, his tone subtly seeking help. Jeonggwang, now approaching the ranks of elder martial artists, is highly respected in the martial world. His age signifies either exceptional skill or excellent judgment and adaptability—Jeonggwang possesses both. Though not a Supreme Peak Master, he stands at the top among Peak Masters and is highly regarded in the Hwang Mountain Sect for his experience.

In Jeonggwang’s mind, regardless of the outcome of the Imperial Family’s suppression of the Seekers in the Mist, an inevitable future loomed.

‘War is coming. Whether it escalates or not depends on the Imperial Family, but the Jegal Family and Banunbang have crossed an irreversible river with this incident.’

Jegal Seon-a isn’t a direct blood relative, but it’s well-known that the Jegal Family head treats her like a daughter. Knowing this, Banunbang still attacked with two Supreme Peak Masters. While Banunbang denies their involvement now…

‘No, they might even openly claim responsibility.’

If the Jegal Family and Banunbang go to war, the resulting turmoil will engulf not just Huguang but its surrounding regions. The Wudang Sect, the guardian of Hubei’s martial world, will naturally join, and the Hyeong Mountain Sect, who have as much animosity toward Banunbang as the Jegal Family, will also participate.

The Hwang Mountain Sect will likely support the Jegal Family as well. Though their numbers might be smaller than the other two sects, their participation is inevitable.

As for Banunbang, they’ve likely gathered most of the dark faction’s experts in the Huguang region, as seen with the Black Sword Ghost and Myeolseomma. They might also receive support from the Sun and Moon Sect of Sichuan and the Gangseohwan Family, one of the Four Great Families. Perhaps even the Dokgo Family might aid in disrupting the Jegal Family’s rear.

It would be a difficult battle. A massive battle. And one they must win.

‘Our Hwang Mountain Sect is surrounded on three sides by the Black Martial Alliance’s major factions. If the Jegal Family falls, even the western route will be cut off, leaving us completely isolated. If that happens, the Hwang Mountain Sect might never regain its former glory.’

While the main players in this battle are the Jegal Family and Banunbang, what’s at stake is the hegemony of the entire central and southern martial world. And perhaps, the key to determining the direction of victory lies with that man.

“Great Hero Namgung…”

“First things first.”

Despite knowing it was rude, Namgung Woo interrupted Jeonggwang.

“Let’s finish returning to Hwang Mountain before we think about anything else. Even though they’ve retreated, we can’t be sure they’ve truly given up.”

“…You’re right, Great Hero.”

Jeonggwang stepped back at Namgung Woo’s words.

“By the way, Great Hero, how about enjoying a hot spring bath?”

§

Hwang Mountain.

Though not counted among the Five Great Peaks of Central Plains, no one would say Hwang Mountain is inferior to them. After visiting the Five Great Peaks, other mountains in the Central Plains pale in comparison. But after seeing Hwang Mountain, even the Five Great Peaks seem insignificant.

Hwang Mountain is a true masterpiece among famous mountains. If all the world’s wonders were gathered in one place, it would be like this. Hwang Mountain has long been renowned, attracting the attention and affection of countless artists and scholars.

Those who have seen Hwang Mountain say there are four unparalleled wonders: the mystical sea of clouds filling the mountain range, the bizarre rocks forming Hwang Mountain’s peaks, the unique pines enhancing its beauty, and finally…

“The hot springs!”

Hwang Mountain’s hot springs are among the best in the Central Plains. The water is of the highest quality, and the scenic views from the open-air baths halfway up the mountain elevate the experience to its peak.

Namgung Woo submerged himself up to his neck in the hot spring. Though his body, as a Peerless Master, was beyond being affected by heat or cold, the comfort of the hot spring was a different matter. The 40-degree water melted away his fatigue.

“Ah… this is the life.”

Though he enjoyed luxuries while staying with the Hapbuk Paeng Family, those experiences were mostly firsts in this world. And compared to the advanced technologies of the modern world, they were lacking. But soaking in a hot spring, something he had experienced in his original world, evoked nostalgia while offering the fresh pleasure of enjoying even more picturesque scenery.

“Ha…”

Namgung Woo scooped water to wash his face. The warm water hitting his face made his mind as relaxed as his body.

‘Was I really that tired?’

Though physically, there was no fatigue, mentally, it was a different story.

Plus, Namgung Woo had just experienced his first killing. Though the person deserved it and it was a rite of passage, it wasn’t something he could easily brush off.

Unbeknownst to him, it was a time when rest was needed.

As the fatigue washed away, Namgung Woo leaned back against the hot spring’s stone wall, looking up at the sky. The complex hues of the sunset were beginning to fade into twilight.

The darkening blue sky and the last embers of the crimson sky intertwined, creating a patchwork of colors. It looked like two forces locked in a struggle, prompting Namgung Woo to mutter absentmindedly.

“War…”

His mind, cleared by the hot spring, began to cloud again.

He knew. He couldn’t not know.

Those destined to participate in the war were hoping for his help.

“Do I really have to go?”

If he fought, he would kill many. His hands would be stained with blood that didn’t need to be his.

He had resolved not to shy away from killing if necessary, but he didn’t want to seek out such situations.

“Oh, Boss, you’re here already?”

“Is this my first time in a hot spring? Boss, can I just go in?”

Namgung Woo chuckled at the two men who looked identical but spoke completely differently.

Sometimes, he forgot he didn’t have to worry alone.

“Wash up first, then come in.”