Chapter 193

“It seems that at the time, Moyong Geom, who was the second-in-command of the Martial Alliance, was deeply jealous of the alliance leader, Cheon Gi-gang. And before Hyeolma Jeon Mugwang even launched the Muhwang Blood Rebellion, he had already made contact with Moyong Geom and Jegal Ji-gang—who, suppressed by the Sima family back then, had failed to become a military commander of the Martial Alliance.”

Hyeolma Jeon Mugwang was truly a cunning man.

Long before he raised the rebellion and seized Yunnan Province, he anticipated that the Martial Alliance’s expeditionary force would come after him—and planted seeds of discord within it.

Heuk Hyeol Hwanma Dudang had said as much.

Back then, when Jeon Mugwang secretly met with Moyong Geom, the current alliance leader, and Jegal Ji-gang, the current military commander, he subtly planted suggestions in their minds without them realizing it.

So Moyong Geom and Jegal Ji-gang ended up moving in the direction Jeon Mugwang wanted, without even knowing it themselves.

Dudang explained that the suggestion planted in Moyong Geom was ‘arrogance,’ and in Jegal Ji-gang, it was ‘ambition.’

Those words perfectly explained their current behavior.

“Perhaps because of that, blinded by ambition, the two decided to make a deal with Hyeolma. During the Jeonghyeol War, they planned to eliminate the alliance leader Cheon Gi-gang and the then-military commander Sima Joong-son alongside Hyeolma, and seize full control of the Martial Alliance for themselves.”

The shocking revelation caught Jeun Geomgaek Byeok Ri-jung off guard, and he stammered as he asked, “I-if that’s true, does that mean Moyong Geom had already agreed back then to cede Yunnan Province to Hyeolma? That all of this was predetermined?”

Seon Woo-jin shook his head at the question.

“I don’t think it went that far. Maybe because of the suggestion, the sword saint Moyong Geom at the time was still confident in himself. He believed that once Cheon Gi-gang was dealt with, he could topple Hyeolma’s sect on his own. But that was just his ‘arrogance.’ After Cheon Gi-gang’s death, Moyong Geom immediately attacked Hyeolma—and was soundly defeated.”

At that, Dang Yeo-eun’s face turned pale as she urgently asked, “T-then, does that mean our Dang clan, who participated in the expedition back then, was complicit in that scheme? And that you’ve known this all along but kept silent?”

Seon Woo-jin looked at her with a pained expression before shaking his head.

“No. That confrontation was attended only by a few observers on both sides, so Lady Dang likely didn’t know. The observers from the Martial Alliance were Moyong Geom, the current leader; Sima Joong-son, the then-military commander; and Jegal Ji-gang, the current military commander. From Hyeolma’s side, only Hyeolma Oma was present. Sima Joong-son didn’t survive that encounter, so only the leader, the military commander, and Hyeolma Oma know the truth.”

“Ah, I see,” Dang Yeo-eun sighed in relief.

She felt she couldn’t bear the guilt if even her own clan had been complicit.

But Seon Woo-jin wasn’t finished.

“However, while you may not have known about that, you were complicit in what came after.”

“…What?”

Seon Woo-jin’s expression grew heavy as he continued.

“After being crushed by Hyeolma and carrying the new suggestion of ‘fear,’ Moyong Geom and Jegal Ji-gang persuaded the members of the four sects who had joined the expedition—the Sicheon Dangmun, Amipa, and Cheongseongpa. They told them that although the leader was dead, Hyeolma was wounded and had been driven back, and that they had secured a promise from him not to leave Yunnan Province. So it was time to withdraw.”

Everyone listening looked puzzled for a moment, then their faces slowly drained of color.

Most of the Sicheon Dangmun and Cheongseongpa members had returned safely, so their influence remained strong.

But Amipa had been completely wiped out—no one returned.

That event had shattered their former prestige, and they had been in decline ever since.

Those who knew the current situation began to entertain a terrible suspicion.

Dang Yeo-eun asked, her face ghostly pale, “D-do you mean…?”

“Yes. The Sicheon Dangmun and Cheongseongpa members agreed to that plan. But Amipa absolutely refused to retreat.”

Jeolheo Sat’ae, the head of Amipa who hated Hyeolma more than anyone, insisted on their complete annihilation.

Moyong Geom and Jegal Ji-gang then goaded Amipa, saying that if they truly wanted to keep fighting, they should chase after Hyeolma themselves.

Hyeolma was badly wounded, so maybe they could catch him.

So Jeolheo Sat’ae led Amipa alone to pursue Hyeolma, criticizing the other sects for hesitating to fight.

In the end, none of them returned.

“That’s…”

“So that means…”

No one in the room could speak for a moment.

Though it was still true that Hyeolma was responsible for Amipa’s destruction, this story was worlds apart from what had been known until now.

Breaking the silence, Seon Woo-jin finally spoke.

“Even if they didn’t act directly, their behavior is unforgivable. They incited Amipa and then stood by, making them accomplices in their downfall.”

Dang Yeo-eun squeezed her eyes shut.

Seon Woo-jin was right.

Her own Sicheon Dangmun had stood by as their ally Amipa fell to Hyeolma, then took advantage of Amipa’s weakened state to expand their influence in Sichuan Province.

All under the tacit approval—or even secret support—of the Martial Alliance.

Now she understood why the Dang clan’s relationship with the Martial Alliance was so smooth.

And the knowledge crushed her.

It was an utterly shameless act, unthinkable for a clan that prided itself as a pillar of the righteous sect.

Seeing her like that, Byeok Ri-jung looked at Seon Woo-jin and asked suddenly, “Are you sure about this? Do you have any proof?”

Seon Woo-jin shook his head firmly.

“No proof at all. I heard this from a Hyeolma follower who’s already dead. Everything I’ve said could be a lie.”

“So…?”

“But we already know how the Martial Alliance maintained the front lines after Moyong Geom became leader and Jegal Ji-gang military commander. They neglected this place. Even as countless warriors died on the front, they did nothing. They even killed retired soldiers to control information.”

At that, the members of the Biryong unit in the room clenched their jaws, anger rising despite already knowing.

Seon Woo-jin continued.

“That’s not all. They pretended to care for the fallen Amipa after the Jeonghyeol War, but actually sowed division to hasten their collapse. And the sword saint elder who worked hard for the front-line warriors was ambushed by Hyeolma’s demon leaders while traveling to a Martial Alliance-organized duel—and died. Yet, without evidence, some might still doubt this. But what else can we do?”

Hearing this, Byeok Ri-jung could only nod gravely.

Then Baek Hak No Geom, Yang Moon-heon, muttered with a sigh.

“‘Arrogance’ and ‘fear,’ ‘fear’ and ‘ambition.’ Somehow… I had sensed something was off. Moyong Geom before the Jeonghyeol War wasn’t a great man, but he was a sincere warrior. Jegal Ji-gang, though ambitious, wasn’t dishonorable. I thought their downfall was because power changed them. But Hyeolma planted a truly dangerous seed. It grew fiercely and swallowed them whole.”

Yang Moon-heon’s words were, in effect, an acknowledgment of Seon Woo-jin’s claims.

And with the most experienced and respected among them accepting it, no one dared question the truth anymore.

As everyone sat stunned by this unbearable truth, Bi Sa-yeong, who had already heard this story on the way back from Muhwang Fortress, suddenly spoke.

“Alright, now that everyone understands the situation, how about we move on? What we need to do from here. That’s what I’m most curious about.”

All eyes lit up as they turned to Seon Woo-jin.

They expected that the Seon Woo-jin they’d come to know would have a solution.

And indeed, he did not disappoint.

Nodding, he spoke without hesitation.

“First, we need to reconsider who our enemies are. Until now, we only saw Hyeolma as our foe. We knew the Martial Alliance’s behavior was strange, but we never considered them enemies.”

He paused, then his eyes flashed with resolve.

“But now! We must regard Moyong Geom and Jegal Ji-gang as enemies just like Hyeolma. They’ve already colluded with Hyeolma, and if we try to strike Hyeolma, they will actively oppose us. Just knowing that we’re aware of this will make them try to kill us by any means.”

A few people involuntarily groaned.

“The Martial Alliance… an enemy?”

It was hard to accept emotionally—and even more daunting practically.

No matter what, the Martial Alliance was one of the three great powers of the current martial world, alongside Cheonma Shin-gyo and Sawangryeon.

They even had the authority to designate enemies officially within the righteous sect.

Bi Sa-yeong let out a bitter laugh and said,

“If we mess this up, we could end up branded as enemies of the martial world and have our entire sect wiped out.”

At those words, everyone’s faces darkened.

Though Bisa-yeong had spoken lightly, it was no joke. Being marked as a public enemy by the Martial Alliance meant living a lifetime hunted by righteous sect heroes.

More importantly, it put their own sect in grave danger. Their sect could be annihilated simply because of their status as enemies of the martial world.

Then Sun Woo-jin smiled faintly and said, “Of course, we can’t openly oppose the Martial Alliance right now. With our current strength, we couldn’t even handle the Blood Sect, let alone the Martial Alliance. So, for now, we need to retreat into the shadows and build our power.”

Cheon Ju-eun’s eyes widened in surprise. “Retreat into the shadows? You mean, pull back from the front lines and hide?”

Sun Woo-jin nodded. “Yes, exactly.”

Their expressions grew grim. No matter how necessary, it was hard for those still risking their lives on the front lines to accept that others would be pulling out.

But Sun Woo-jin explained why they could afford to do this now.

“In this expedition, we completely destroyed the Wuhuang Stronghold, where the mind-controlled soldiers were being produced.”

For a moment, everyone was stunned into silence.

Then their eyes widened in disbelief.

Cheon Ju-eun gasped, “You destroyed the place producing the mind-controlled soldiers? Does that mean…?”

Sun Woo-jin grinned and nodded. “Yes. At least for the time being, no new mind-controlled soldiers will be created. From now on, the more we kill, the fewer there will be.”

For most, this was the first time hearing such news.

They hurriedly asked in disbelief, “Is that really true? The mind-controlled soldiers will disappear?”

“It can’t be…”

They couldn’t believe it. The relentless attacks that had claimed so many comrades’ lives would finally end? The unchanging reality was about to shift, and it was hard to grasp.

Then Ma Maeng-woon, son of Ma Jong-hwan of the Life-and-Death Monster Sect, who had been thinking ahead, suddenly exclaimed, “So this front line…?”

Sun Woo-jin smiled knowingly and nodded. “Yes. The significance of this front line will gradually fade. Of course, the Blood Sect’s demon leaders will still appear, but without the mind-controlled soldiers—the main reason for this front line—there’s no need for us to stay here.”

The front line would disappear.

Hearing this, those stationed there felt a strange sense of hope.

Sun Woo-jin was saying that the front line, which had taken so many lives, would effectively vanish.

The environment they thought would never change was about to be transformed, and they were still too stunned to fully believe it.

But regardless of their feelings, Sun Woo-jin continued.

“So, we leave this place without hesitation. Now that Jegal Ji-gang is in charge of the front line, he’ll try to arrest or eliminate everyone connected to Cheong-yeon Sojeo. At best, the seven squads; at worst, the entire Flying Dragon Thirteen. To prevent that, we must disappear first. Let’s say we’re retreating into the jungle to avenge our comrades.”

This was Sun Woo-jin’s conclusion.

Though he worried about Hae Cheong-yeon, still held by the Blood Demon, there was nothing they could do.

They couldn’t defeat the Blood Demon, and now they had no clue where she was imprisoned.

According to Na Seo-yu and Sak Mu-heun, the Blood Demon and Hae Cheong-yeon were inside some sect’s headquarters.

But that was no help in searching all the sects in Yunnan Province.

Na Seo-yu and Sak Mu-heun had lost consciousness after touching the demon blood and couldn’t even guess the location or distance.

So all they could do was pray that the woman who said she’d make a bet with the Blood Demon would stay safe.

Then Na Seo-yu cautiously asked with a worried look, “But even if we leave here, is there anywhere we can hide from the Martial Alliance’s watchful eyes and build our strength? And even if such a place exists, how long will it take before we’re strong enough to face the Martial Alliance?”

Sun Woo-jin looked warmly at Dang Yeo-eun and replied, “I’ve already thought about that. On the way here, Dang Sojeo and I met an incredible master. With that person’s help, you’ll grow stronger and faster than anywhere else.”

He planned to send everyone who needed training to Gwanggeomneung.

Though it was uncertain who would learn the Moonlight Phantom Sword Dance from Gwanggeom, the place’s accelerated time meant even those who didn’t learn it would gain tremendous benefits.

Sun Woo-jin had already handed over the Wuhuang’s Yellow Dragon Invincible Strength Technique manual to Bisa-yeong, instructing her and trusted comrades to study it.

He had memorized the contents himself and no longer needed the manual, as he was about to seek the Sword God’s True Spirit Technique.

Of course, the Yellow Dragon Invincible Strength Technique was advanced, and mastering it from the manual alone would be impossible.

But with Gwanggeom’s help, he believed it was achievable.

At that moment, Seol Poong asked, “You said ‘you all’—does that mean you’re not coming along?”

Sun Woo-jin nodded and looked first at Dang Yeo-eun and Baek Hakno-gum Yang Moon-heon.

“Yes, only a few will go. Dang Sojeo doesn’t need to go. She’s already learned everything available there. It might be better for her to continue training here with Master Yang Moon-heon.”

Dang Yeo-eun had been learning the White Crane Sword Technique from Baek Hakno-gum lately.

With no other disciples, she was likely to become the official successor.

Sun Woo-jin continued, “Besides, Dang Sojeo has no direct ties to Cheong-yeon Sojeo. Even Jegal Ji-gang wouldn’t dare touch her, being a direct descendant of the Four Heavenly Sect. If Dang Sojeo and Master Yang leave, Jegal Ji-gang might do something reckless. So I’d like to ask Master Yang to stay here and protect the Flying Dragon Thirteen with Dang Sojeo. Can you do that?”

Since Yang Moon-heon was one of the Thirty-Six Stars of the World and was here, Jegal Ji-gang wouldn’t dare attack the Flying Dragon Thirteen.

Yang Moon-heon smiled readily and nodded. “I came here to be by Yeo-eun’s side anyway. I’ll protect this place, so don’t worry.”

Sun Woo-jin bowed in gratitude, then turned to Seol Poong.

“To face the Martial Alliance, individual skill isn’t enough. We need allies—strong ones capable of standing against the Martial Alliance. I want to ask you, Chief Seol, to help with that, if you’re ready to confront your past.”

Seol Poong, who had been looking surprised, let out a dry laugh.

“How could I not be? If I didn’t know what I was doing now, that’d be the real surprise.”

He nodded firmly with sharp eyes.

“Don’t worry. I’m ready to face my past head-on.”

Sun Woo-jin smiled. “Then Chief Seol and I will go together. I have business there anyway.”

He was about to seek the Sword God’s True Spirit Technique.

According to Muk-rang, it was hidden in Zhejiang Province—the legendary birthplace of the Martial God, Thunder God, and Sword God.

So Sun Woo-jin’s destination was Zhejiang, at the eastern edge of the Central Plains, while Seol Poong’s was Jiangsu Province, just north of there, to gain power.

They would have to travel together.

After saying this, Sun Woo-jin looked at everyone.

“Now, except for Chief Seol, Dang Sojeo, Master Yang, Senior Byeok-ri, and Senior Jeung, the rest of you will go to the master I mentioned earlier…”

Just as he was about to finish, Jeung Chil suddenly jumped up, objecting.

“Wait! I’m not staying here! I’m coming with you!”

It was unexpected.

Sun Woo-jin, taken aback, asked, “Senior Jeung? Why…?”

Jeung Chil snapped irritably, “Why so many questions when I’m offering to come? Just say ‘thank you’!”

Sun Woo-jin gave an awkward smile.

Of course, having a top-tier expert like Jeung Chil along would be a huge help.

But he also worried it might get even noisier.

Still, unable to refuse, Sun Woo-jin bowed with a smile.

“Thank you for coming with us, Senior Jeung.”

Jeung Chil nodded proudly. “That’s how it should be.”

And with that, the destinations for all seven squads of the Flying Dragon Thirteen were finally set—marking a completely new chapter for them all.