– How cold it is.
“It’s cold indeed.”
– Aren’t you unusually agreeing with me? If it were the old days, you would likely say that humans are beautiful and good beings.
‘That thought hasn’t changed. The essence of humans is good.’
– …? Isn’t that contradictory?
‘Those things aren’t human. They’re martial artists who spend all day devising ways to kill, hence their thinking ends up becoming a little flawed.’
– …I find it amusing that the one called the best among martial artists says such things.
‘Haha, it’s the truth, isn’t it?’
Byul Rak continued to mockfully converse with Woo-yong Jin while idly observing the uproar of the martial artists.
Of course, it wasn’t a pleasant sight. It wasn’t exactly a nice view either.
Eventually, unable to bear it, he soon turned his gaze to the martial artists and spoke to Heavenly Lord.
By then, Heavenly Lord had transformed into a snowman of sorts.
“Respected Heavenly Lord, we of the Taewon Jin Clan will take our leave. Thank you for your hard work.”
Heavenly Lord moved his lips covered with his snowy white beard and newly-fallen snow.
“Uum… Go… in peace…”
“Yes. May you also remain peaceful, Heavenly Lord. Jade Flower, let us go.”
“Hey? Is it already time?”
“Is there anything else left to see?”
“Oh, no… Let’s go then. Have we packed everything?”
“Seeing as we have to fetch Miss from her quarters, we will gather things there.”
“Understood. Let us prepare immediately.”
After this brief conversation, Jade Flower quickly headed towards the Taewon Jin clan quarters.
It seemed like she was trying to take care of things before Byul Rak had to exert himself.
Byul Rak didn’t stop her, letting her go undisturbed.
Although it wasn’t good for her to take on so much work, it felt right to somewhat alleviate the guilt she harbored about eating him.
Thus, as they walked out of the martial grounds and he followed Jade Flower’s lead on foot, Woo-yong Jin approached Byul Rak with a question.
“What of the future?”
“What future are you speaking of?”
– I’m asking about your upcoming plans. Surely you have a plan of some sort.
‘Plans? I’ve prepared somewhat.’
– Give me an outline. From what I see in your memories, the future where you went to Shaolin for recuperation seems to have passed. But wasn’t there something about your previous wife and daughter?
‘That’s a given. First, though, I need to acquire the Eternal Life Pill.’
Byul Rak responded as if describing a painted picture he had envisioned.
– Eternal Life Pill? For Ga-young?
‘Yes. At this point, Miss is practically standing at the gates of the Three Realms of Heaven. Essentially, she hasn’t boarded the boat yet. We must procure the Eternal Life Pill for her as soon as possible; other plans come after.’
– I see, but how do you plan to obtain this Eternal Life Pill?
‘I’ll need to visit Hao Gate. Once I know the location, there is a way to obtain it. Only the master of Hao Gate would have access to this high-level secret information, so I plan to approach him.’
– I see. While we’re on the topic, is there something you’re hiding from me?
‘Hiding? What is there for me to hide from you, my teacher?’
– Well, unconscious thoughts… Don’t all people have a secret or two?
‘What can I hide from someone who can casually review my memories? Unless it’s unintentional due to lack of recognition, there is no reason for me to hide anything.’
– Hmm…
‘Reason for your inquiry? Is there something amiss?’
Byul Rak, completely perplexed, asked again. He truly seemed curious.
Planning to delve further into the ‘thing’ he had seen in Byul Rak’s unconscious mind, Woo-yong Jin found himself unable to do so upon witnessing his reaction.
After all, wasn’t it the case that even he, who could access the shared memories, had not been aware of it?
– Disregard it. It appears I have some things to do as well.
‘Work for you? After always idly wandering in my mind?’
– This impudent fellow, meaning I plan to stop idling and get some work done. Wouldn’t it help if you gave me some support?
‘It’s just awkward.’
– Tch, fine. Just live well on your own. I need to revisit your memories from the start, so let me.
At the same time as his words, the soul of Woo-yong Jin, hovering in the air, gradually faded and dimmed.
‘My memories?’
– Do not concern yourself. Before, I glanced over them carelessly… from the times before reversion. I’ll thoroughly review them now. This might take some time.
‘Huh…why my memories… ah.’
Already completely transparent, Woo-yong Jin entered his mind. Byul Rak inwardly clicked his tongue.
Indeed, the old man was completely unpredictable.
*
“It’s the first time we meet this way.”
“Hmm, didn’t we occasionally face each other during the Pure Blood Contest?”
“That was when I was a military commander of the Martial Arts Alliance, and now I’m the head of the Namgung Family, so people say it’s the position that decides one’s identity.”
“…I take offense at that last remark.”
“In that case, accept my apology.”
Namgung Bin bent his heavy waist.
The man sitting in front of him twisted his face slightly, seemingly displeased with the apology.
Regardless, Namgung Bin continued to wear the friendly smile on his face.
Because he had nothing to gain by offending the man before him.
The beings of the Transcendent World, who transcended individuals, were forces.
Even the twelve sovereigns of the Central Plains’ martial world or the Seven Demon Lords of the Bright Immortal Sect far away in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains bowed to them.
Rather, they weren’t just bowing—it was the level of being prostrated and venerated.
These were the exalted Emperors of the world, known collectively as the Five Greats of the World.
Among them, the man before Namgung Bin was the most unpredictable.
He was the only one among the Five Greats not belonging to the martial world—The Greatest of the Officials, Master Officer.
The unprecedented monster who suppressed the unruly martialists with brute force and imposed the rule of national law.
His achievements were comparable to the Sword Sage, but the most notable achievement—if mentioned—would be the new Non-Intrusion Treaty between Officials and Martial artists.
In fact, there had been a pre-existing Non-Intrusion Treaty.
Since the founding emperor built the country with significant assistance from martial artists, the officialdom and the martial world had struck a mutual non-interference agreement, a literal Non-Intrusion Treaty.
However, back when the ‘Evil Path’ was flourishing as a massive force and ‘Satan’s Way,’ which was practically the culmination of the Evil Alliance and on par with the ‘Martial Alliance,’ wielded immense renown, Master Officer initiated an event.
It began with a massacre in a small rural village by a sect associated with Satan’s Way.
The village was used as an example to collect tributes from neighboring villages, and indeed, such was the usual behavior of many Evil or Dark Path sects back then.
The problem was that Master Officer’s mother was staying in that village.
She had some guards, but they were insufficient to counter the martialists.
Ultimately, the massacre drew Master Officer into a towering rage.
– Martial artists must never harm civilians, under any circumstances.
– Martial artists must not carry explosives.
– While disputes and killings among martial artists are permitted, they must never violate the national law under any other circumstances.
Soon after, Master Officer declared the new version of the Non-Intrusion Treaty, encompassed in these three rulings.
Of course, the martial world retaliated immediately upon hearing the unprecedented news.
– Those who resist will be personally executed by this Master Officer and the Hundred Thousand Forest Army.
Faced with Master Officer, who emerged armed not just with the palace’s direct agencies, the Eastern Guard and Western Guard, and the Royal Guard but also the Forest Army, the opposition had no choice but to fold.
Still, Satan’s Way, rooted in the inherently unruly Evil Path, resisted until the end.
But all they waited for by opposing national law was total obliteration.
And it came solely at the hands of the monster that was Master Officer.
From that point, the Evil Path splintered repeatedly into the Green Forest Seventy-Two Denominations and the Yangtze Nineteen River Associations.
Which soon led to the establishment of the Black Path Grand Alliance by the Dark Ox King of the Hidden Ancestral Order a little later.
Of course, the reformation of the Non-Intrusion Treaty didn’t make the martial world justice-oriented.
Instead, officials and martialists colluded for bribes, exempting them from taxes. In the end, only the powerless commoners bore the brunt, making their lives even more difficult.
For some reason, Master Officer took no measures against it, though.
“I’ve had you investigated somewhat.”
“With the investigation of the Great Officer, I suspect even my backside has been thoroughly probed.”
“The back end I am unsure of, but we discovered quite a bit about your second and third identities. The Eastern Guards did some good work.”
“…Really?”
The next moment, the words that fell from Master Officer’s lips slightly startled Namgung Bin.
“Master of the hidden forces in the martial world, the Black Sky Conference.”
“….”
“Also, the leader of another hidden force, the Black Dragon Conference.”
“Wow, you’ve gathered an awful lot of information.”
“And you’ve taken over from the previous Hao Gate Leader, since three years ago.”
“Wow, I thought that was information the Eastern Guards couldn’t easily get a hold of…”
“Do not underestimate the power of the royal family. Above all, there is the royal family ruling over the world.”
“But that’s true, it’s dangerous to underestimate and almost got me into trouble.”
Puuh—Namgung Bin chuckled, his tongue flicking.
It was a form of acting.
“By the way, did you know? I also have an interesting piece of information about you?”
“…?”
I should stop here. It might be dangerous to proceed within his fortified camp.
Yet, despite these worries, Namgung Bin continued his words.
It was to somewhat correct—and more importantly, to project—an image of that overbearing attitude Master Officer displayed as if he owned the world.
“Your mother who died intentionally at the hands of the Blood Path Sect in a remote village.”
“What reason is it to bring my mother into this?”
“You sent her, intentionally.”
“…”
The information, known only to the Hao Gate Leader, and known only to a minuscule number of people in the world.
And now, it was slipping out from Namgung Bin’s mouth.
“Is the tax revenue from martial artists quite substantial, isn’t it? Although, with the Dao Sects, that’s understandable, but how much money could be made from even the Five Great Families? Just taxing them would make more than an ordinary city.”
Namgung Bin taunted, mocking him.
Always ready to defend against any punches that might come his way, he tightly clenched his fists under the desk.
However, contrary to his expectations, Master Officer’s response was:
“Hahaha.”
Not even the slightest sign of anger, he merely laughed as if it was absurd.
“Hahaha.”
In sync with him, Namgung Bin laughed along, sensing his move had hit its mark.
On the surface, laughter and cordiality might have been exchanged, but in reality, it was as treacherous a territory as thin ice.
Between Master Officer and Namgung Bin, an invisible power struggle was raging fiercely.
Of course, as the dominant side stood Master Officer, leaving Namgong Bin no choice but to yield.
“Surely, you wouldn’t turn down money, would you?”
“Seems like you have good understanding of me. But I am quite wealthy. One of the richest in this country.”
“I have something that will satisfy you sufficiently.”
“Ho ho, and what might that be? If it fails to meet my expectations, there might be unpleasant consequences.”
At this, Namgon Bin, seizing the opportunity, launched his bait.
“The total trade rights of Anhui province.”
“…Oh.”
“And the smuggling of military supplies from Anhui.”
“…Tsk, that shouldn’t involve you in the first place?”
“It’s underground business; who cares, right? At the end, it’s all about money.”
“Ho ho ho, it seems you know me well, my friend. I’ll have to tell my subordinates to take you as an example.”
“Ho ho ho, too kind.”
This was Master Officer, capable of sacrificing even his own mother for money.
The monopoly of trade and the smuggling of military supplies from a large city like Anhui.
It was enough to accumulate a massive fortune, comparable to the largest trade factions.
Though he already possessed an enormous amount of wealth, money’s allure knows no bounds.
“Then… what do you want in return?”
“It’s not much. Just have someone detained for me. The justification is already ready.”
“Hmm…”
Master Officer thought carefully, seeking clues in Namgon Bin’s words.
Someone valuable enough to wager the trade rights and smuggling operations of Anhui.
Someone whose problem couldn’t be dealt with easily, necessitating his assistance.
Someone just justified enough to eliminate without issues.
Also someone who doesn’t get along well with Namgon Bin or obstructs his path.
The answer wasn’t difficult to find.
“So you’re seeking The Sword Sage.”
“Correct.”
“Do you think I can subdue The Sword Sage?”
“That’s not so, but…”
“I see the same as you. I’ve encountered The Sword Sage once in the past. Though one can’t be sure until they clash, I doubt I have a chance against him.”
Testing him, Master Officer posed another question.
In the position of the subordinate, Namgon Bin responded with a smile.
“Do you not have the Royal Guards and the Eastern Guards?”
“They belong directly to His Majesty the Emperor. They are not entities I can command freely.”
“Tsk, it seems you’re holding a grudge from when they probed me earlier.”
“…Haha, my friend, you have quite the memory.”
“It’s my only strength.”
Namgon Bin’s voice was ever-so-gentle.
The deliberately crafted tone irked Master Officer.
The audacity of Namgon Bin to stay relaxed in front of one of the Five Greats of the World was secretly grating on the Master Officer’s nerves.
“Tell me, have you met anyone from the Five Greats besides me?”
“I’ve met them all except for the Mystic from Mount Tianshan. In fact, one of them is my elder brother.”
“…I see, so you’ve been adequately tempered.”
Actually, Namgon Bin had been suppressing the rising fear within him since the beginning.
After all, the Five Greats were not an adversary to be underestimated even for him.
But after revealing his panic and fear to Sal earlier and getting his ear torn, Namgon Bin was merely pretending to be calm on the surface to avoid repeating the same mistake.
However…
“But…”
It was…
“You shouldn’t think of the Great Officer like another of the Five Greats.”
An ill-advised move.
“I am no man’s dog.”
An ill-advised move born out of misunderstanding the character of Master Officer.
“The Great Officer’s dignity isn’t being tarnished, ho ho ho.”
“…Damn it.”
By the time Namgon Bin realized it was an ill-advised move, it was already too late.
That’s what regret is.
It’s always too late, no matter how early you realize it.
Crrk.
“Ho ho, it’s good timing. Only one remains. Who tore the other one?”
“Damn it, damn it, damn it!”
Though it was an error realized in a fleeting moment,
“Still, don’t worry too much. I’ll accept the offer. Don’t go creating unnecessary pride, kid.”
“Grk…!”
Fingering the spongy flesh, Master Officer pulled his hand, taking apparent pleasure in the reaction of the weaker man.
Like paper ripping through rock, his grip tore through flesh easily in Master Officer’s overwhelming strength.
The pain from having living flesh torn off was far beyond what Namgon Bin could withstand easily, even with his mastery of Blood Control.
“Now the symmetry is in place. Rest peacefully.”
