Chapter 19

Crash!

The table, made from Seolgaksan ebony renowned for its hardness, shattered into pieces.

The Deputy Captain of the Secret Bow Unit trembled as he delivered his report.

Now that the table had broken, he feared his own head might be next.

“What did you say?”

Namgung Sang-won’s voice was low, almost a growl, which only made it more frightening.

It was impossible to tell whether he was expressing his fury or desperately holding it back.

The Deputy Captain began speaking even faster.

“When the Captain failed to arrive at the agreed time, I led the others to the location……”

“And they were dead?”

“Y-yes.”

“Who was it? Who dared ruin our great plan?”

What Namgung Sang-won had been suppressing was rage after all.

The moment it erupted, killing intent flooded the room and spilled beyond the building.

Even the members of the Secret Bow Unit waiting outside felt it and swallowed nervously.

“Th-that is……”

“Speak clearly!”

“O-one person.”

“One person?”

Namgung Sang-won’s eyes widened.

“You are saying a single man killed twenty members of the Secret Bow Unit?”

“Th-that is correct.”

“Then who was he?”

“That……”

The Deputy Captain could not bring himself to answer.

They had found no trace that could identify the attacker.

“We could not determine his identity.”

“You bastard……”

“I-it is the truth! Judging by the faint footprints and signs of repeated ambushes, I can only guess that he may have been an assassin.”

“An assassin?”

Desperate to save his own life, the Deputy Captain began explaining with unusual clarity.

“Y-yes. The traces suggest that he relied on surprise attacks at first. Once he revealed himself, however, he fought them directly.”

He hurriedly continued.

“Because our men had also extinguished their lights to conceal their identities, I believe that gave him the advantage.”

“An assassin……”

Perhaps the Deputy Captain’s desperation had reached him.

The fury on Namgung Sang-won’s face slowly faded, replaced by suspicion.

He turned toward his son, Namgung Song-ju.

“What do you think?”

“I have heard that assassins deliberately use ordinary, indistinct techniques so they leave nothing that reveals their identity.”

“Then you believe it truly was an assassin?”

“There is something strange.”

“What?”

“He only relied on ambushes at the beginning. After that, he faced the Secret Bow Unit directly.”

“That is true.”

“Even across all of Jianghu, only a handful of assassins could survive a direct battle against the Secret Bow Unit.”

Namgung Song-ju frowned.

“And there is even less reason for someone of that level to work for the Wang Estate.”

“Indeed.”

A top-class assassin was not someone who could simply be bought with money.

Even if Wang Geum-san had hired one as a personal guard, it was difficult to believe that such an assassin had single-handedly killed the Secret Bow Unit.

“What should we do?”

The Deputy Captain carefully watched their expressions.

Namgung Sang-won spoke.

“You erased the traces, did you not?”

“Yes. We began eliminating them from the moment the operation started.”

“Dispose of the bodies and remove everything that remains.”

“Yes.”

After the Deputy Captain left, silence settled over the room.

Only Namgung Sang-won and Namgung Song-ju remained.

Namgung Song-ju spoke first.

“Do you think information about the operation leaked?”

“That is impossible.”

“Then was it merely a coincidence?”

“Hmm……”

They had controlled the risk of information leaking from the very beginning.

The operation had been divided into separate fragments and arranged so that even those carrying it out would not understand the full plan until their own parts were complete.

The only people who had known everything were Namgung Sang-won, Namgung Song-ju, the Captain, and the Deputy Captain.

There should have been no way for the operation to leak.

“How did he know?”

“We only need to capture him and ask.”

“Can we find him?”

“The Wang Estate.”

Namgung Sang-won’s eyes narrowed.

“If he saved Wang So-so, would he not appear to claim a suitable reward?”

Whether the man had saved her by coincidence or had known of the operation from the beginning, they would discover the truth then.

“I will order our men to watch the Wang Estate.”

“Do so.”

The grand plan of Rebellion Against Heaven had gone wrong.

Someone would have to pay the proper price.

One week had passed since Wang So-so disappeared.

The Branch Chief of the Murim Alliance’s Hefei Branch was inwardly shocked when he saw Wang Geum-san again.

The man had changed so much in a single week that he was barely recognizable.

His once-generous build had become gaunt, and his eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep.

Wang Geum-san parted lips as dry as the desert.

“Did you find any traces?”

His voice scraped from his throat so harshly that it hardly sounded human.

The Branch Chief quickly gathered himself.

“We found something, but…… the information has not yet been confirmed.”

“Show me.”

“P-perhaps we should investigate a little further before reporting it to you. This matter is too important to act on uncertain information……”

He had no idea where the consequences of this incident might spread.

But he was certain that nowhere would remain safe once Wang Geum-san’s anger was unleashed.

“Give it to me.”

“Master, I understand your urgency, but acting recklessly may only make matters worse……”

“My daughter is ill.”

Wang Geum-san’s voice trembled.

“She suffers from a terrible condition that prevents her from surviving even three days outside Wangbu.”

He stared at the Branch Chief with bloodshot eyes.

“And now an entire week has passed. The kidnappers have not contacted us even once.”

His voice hardened.

“How much more patience do you expect from me?”

The Branch Chief understood his feelings all too well.

That was exactly why he was so reluctant to hand over his incomplete report.

The attackers had not acted with much finesse, but their martial arts were undoubtedly powerful.

They had left plenty of traces behind. However, none of those traces revealed their identities. And without knowing who they were, there was no way to identify the culprits.

With little time to investigate, the Branch Chief had only managed to put together a list of people ruthless enough to commit such an act, along with those who had caused trouble for the Murim Alliance’s Hefei Branch.

Even that list had been prepared in a hurry, following the advice of the Namgung Clan, with whom the branch maintained frequent contact.

After all, if he came empty-handed, Wang Geum-san’s wrath would surely fall upon him.

“Do you know how much money I donate to the Murim Alliance every year?”

“Ah! Of course. Your generous contributions toward maintaining peace in Jianghu—”

“Is there any need for such a long explanation?”

The Branch Chief swallowed nervously.

Just how far would the consequences of this report spread?

While he struggled with that thought, his hand moved against his better judgment and offered the report to Wang Geum-san.

“The Dog Thread Sect… the Blood Pearl Fortress… the Tanghyeon Sect?”

Wang Geum-san’s eyes narrowed.

“Isn’t the Tanghyeon Sect a righteous sect?”

“That is why I said the report was incomplete. With more time, we could investigate further and—”

“Enough.”

Wang Geum-san tossed the report aside.

“I now understand the limits of your ability. From this point onward, the Wang Estate will handle the matter personally.”

Something terrible was going to happen.

The Branch Chief was certain of it.

Would he truly be able to take responsibility for the report he had just handed over?

He was trying to shake off that sudden unease when a frantic voice rang out from outside.

“Master! Master!”

Someone shouted for Wang Geum-san at the top of his lungs.

Before Wang Geum-san could answer, the man threw open the door and rushed inside.

It was so disrespectful that not only the Branch Chief, who was a guest, but even Wang Geum-san himself frowned deeply.

However—

“The young lady has returned!”

“…What?”

This was no time to complain about manners.

Thud.

The report the Branch Chief had worked so hard to prepare slipped from his hand and fell to the floor.

The mountain had cast off winter and welcomed spring.

The bitter winds of midwinter had faded, replaced by a warm spring breeze.

Fresh sprouts pushed their way through the dry leaves covering the forest floor, while the gentle sunlight melted the ice that had remained frozen throughout the winter.

For the first time, Wang So-so could truly feel the arrival of spring.

“So this… is spring.”

Jin So-un looked at her.

“Is this your first time experiencing the changing seasons?”

“My room was always as cold as the middle of winter. The summer flowers and autumn leaves outside my window never felt real. They were more like paintings.”

That life was now behind her.

She could walk with her own legs, feel the sunlight against her skin, sweat, and use her muscles until they grew tired.

Yet even after all that, the solar qi inside her remained quiet, as though it had fallen asleep.

“Still, you must not push yourself too hard,” Jin So-un warned her. “The medicinal energy has only just begun to take effect. It will take time before your strength settles properly.”

“How could I ever repay you for what you have done?”

“Your father must have helped many people over the years. Think of this as the reward for his good deeds.”

Wang So-so gazed at Jin So-un with deep emotion in her eyes.

It was already admirable that he had refused to ignore an injustice. Yet instead of taking pride in what he had done, he gave all the credit to someone else.

They did not seem far apart in age, but he carried himself with remarkable maturity.

His abilities were extraordinary, his heart was generous, and even his appearance was…

“Ahem.”

Jin So-un turned toward her.

“Are you all right?”

“…”

“Did you walk too much after all?”

“No, that is not it. I just…”

Wang So-so hesitated.

Was it really all right to say what she was thinking?

She had spent almost her entire life alone. Speaking face-to-face with a boy around her own age was far more difficult than she had expected.

“Please, go ahead,” Jin So-un said.

“Well… may I call you Elder Brother?”

Wang So-so’s voice grew quieter with every word. By the end, it was so faint that Jin So-un had to lean closer to hear her.

“Haha. If that makes you more comfortable, then you may.”

“Then… please call me So-so. And you do not need to speak so formally with me.”

“All right, So-so.”

Jin So-un suddenly raised his hand as though he were about to pat her head.

At the sight of it, Wang So-so’s heart began to pound.

“Ah, sorry. It has become a habit. Women usually dislike such things, do they not?”

When Jin So-un quickly pulled his hand back, Wang So-so moved her lips with a hint of regret.

“Ah… I-I think I would be fine with it. No one has ever done it to me before.”

“All right. I understand. Let us head back now. Your father must be waiting for you.”

On the way back to the Wang Estate, Jin So-un told Wang So-so about many things in the world she had never experienced.

He told her about the snacks children bought at the market, how people floated boats across the lake during summer, and how beautiful the mountains became in autumn, making them perfect for a walk.

He spoke about all the things she had missed and all the things she would now have plenty of chances to enjoy.

“Elder Brother, I want to try the candied fruit sold at the market. Will you come with me?”

“Of course.”

“I want to ride a boat on the lake too. Will you come with me then?”

“Of course.”

“And I want to climb a mountain in autumn. Will you climb it with me?”

“You will need to train hard if you want to climb a mountain. Can you manage that?”

“I learned the Taeul Heart Method, did I not? From now on, I am a disciple of the Taeul Sect, so I can train.”

“Then that makes you my junior sister. You should persuade your father properly.”

In return, Wang So-so told Jin So-un about her own world.

“Once every three years, the people in charge of our branches and shops across the country gather at the Wang Estate for a festival. The food never stops coming, and the music continues without pause.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

“Father will probably hold a grand feast for you. And if he does not, I will keep bothering him until he does.”

“Do not trouble your father too much.”

“He will probably give you a great reward as well. He treasures me very much.”

“Then recover quickly and be a good daughter to him.”

“Our family also owns many treasures. I am sure there must be something suitable for you.”

“It must have been nice growing up surrounded by so many treasures.”

Wang So-so continued speaking excitedly.

It was the first time she had realized how talkative she could be.

She had spent the whole day walking and talking, yet she had not felt bored even once.

Was it because she had recovered from her illness?

Or was there another reason?

Still young and inexperienced, Wang So-so did not yet understand.

“…Elder Brother?”

She looked at Jin So-un, who had suddenly stopped and taken a step back.

“You can go the rest of the way alone, can you not?”

“Pardon? What do you mean? We have to go together!”

Wang So-so felt as though her heart had dropped.

“As you know, your disappearance has thrown all of Hefei into chaos. If I return with you now, people may misunderstand the situation.”

“No! That will never happen! Elder Brother, please come with me. At least allow me to repay you.”

At that moment, Jin So-un took a long step toward her.

Then he reached out with his rough hand and gently stroked her head.

Wang So-so froze in surprise. Her eyes widened, and her mouth opened and closed like a fish.

“Gaining a new junior sister is already more than enough repayment. So do not worry about it.”

“B-but…”

“Did you not say you would join the Taeul Sect? We will be able to see each other often from now on. So there is no need to worry.”

“Elder Brother…”

After saying that, Jin So-un turned and walked away.

Wang So-so remained where she was, staring blankly at his back for a long time.

And then—

“M-Miss!”

“It’s Miss Wang So-so!”

One by one, the people of the Wang Estate began to recognize her.

The promise of rewards and treasures was tempting, but I could not simply follow Wang So-so inside.

If I walked in and claimed that I had rescued her, they would question me about every detail. Before I received any reward, I might end up being investigated as her kidnapper or an accomplice.

Besides, even the Murim Alliance’s Hefei Branch had joined the search, yet I had accomplished what they could not.

Would those greedy people really accept that without causing trouble?

“Still, I accomplished most of what I came here to do.”

I had never expected Wang So-so’s suffering to be caused by her unusual constitution.

Thanks to that, however, she had learned the Taeul Heart Method. She had even said that she wanted to join the Taeul Sect.

I was not sure whether Wang Geum-san would allow it, but I had saved his daughter and cured her condition.

Surely, he would provide enough financial support to make up for losing the Gyeryong Merchant Guild.

If Wang Geum-san supported us, the Taeul Sect would no longer have any reason to give in to Gye Cheol-yeong during the Murim Academy’s rolling admissions.

“Then Sa-ryeon can enter the Murim Academy, and I can give the Entry Token to someone else.”

Whether through special admission or by using an Entry Token, there were easier ways to enter the Murim Academy.

But entering alone would leave me like an isolated island in the middle of the sea.

For the war that was coming, I needed dependable people who could move as freely as my own hands and feet.

If we did not graduate from the academy together, there would be little point.

The Taeul Sect ranked near the very bottom of the One Hundred Eight Peaks.

Even if I tried to form a faction by myself, no one would gather around me. It would be like trying to make a snowball out of snow that refused to stick together.

There was also another reason I needed to take the entrance exam.

“Several spiritual medicines appear during the academy exam.”

The Murim Academy’s entrance test was known as the Hell Regular Exam because the academy deliberately made the competition even fiercer.

One way they did that was by placing spiritual medicines throughout the examination grounds.

Whenever one of those medicines was discovered, the death toll rose sharply.

“I need to build up more than one gapja of inner energy before entering the academy.”

There were roughly eight months left until winter, when the exam would begin.

During that time, I needed to increase my inner energy and decide what to do about my martial arts.

“I cannot rely on the Minor Heaven Sword Art forever.”

Now that my inner energy had increased dramatically, the greatest problem was that the Minor Heaven Sword Art could only handle so much power.

The Sword-Breaking Form allowed me to destroy the techniques of the Murim Alliance’s major sects.

However, if my opponents used other kinds of martial arts, I would have to fight them with my own techniques.

The Minor Heaven Sword Art was far too limited for battles like that.

“But I still do not have enough inner energy to use the Radiant Heaven Divine Palm…”

I had obtained its secret manual along with the Snow Plum Pill.

To my surprise, it had belonged to the Radiant Heaven Divine Sovereign, one of the Murim Ten Supremes from three hundred years ago.

He had reached the level of an absolute master using only that single martial art, so discovering his secret manual should have been an incredible stroke of luck.

There was just one problem.

Using the Radiant Heaven Divine Palm once would drain all my inner energy and make me faint.

“According to the gossip, the Radiant Heaven Divine Sovereign could use the Radiant Heaven Divine Palm more than five times in a row. His true specialty clearly was not palm arts, but his inner arts.”

In its current state, the technique was nothing more than a precious necklace hanging around a pig’s neck.

“In the end, I will have to find that.”

There was a book hidden in the deepest part of the library.

I had buried all memory of it in the deepest corner of my mind because I could not trust myself with it.

“Why are you standing there staring into space?”

“Hm? Junior Sister Ryeon?”

Sa-ryeon stood nearby, glaring at me with both cheeks puffed out.

“I told you not to call me Junior Sister Ryeon, did I not? Where have you been wandering around all this time?”

“I have been working day and night for the sake of our Taeul Sect—”

“Enough. Hurry inside. A guest is waiting for you.”

“A guest? Has someone from the Wang Estate already arrived?”

“The Wang Estate? What are you talking about? Someone from the Namgung Clan is here.”

“Hm? The Namgung Clan?”

“Senior Brother, do you know something?”

Had Namgung Sang-won already discovered what had happened and come looking for me?

My heart sank.