Episode 273: Bloodstained
Dang Mujin hastily sent a message to Namgung Myung.
Hey, get down here, quick!
I have my reasons for doing this.
As expected, Namgung Myung ignored Dang Mujin’s plea.
Normally, Dang Mujin would have dismissed it as another one of Namgung Myung’s foolish antics, but this time was different.
Namgung Myung might seem like a thief obsessed, but he had his own set of rules. He only stole from those he had no personal ties with or from those who wouldn’t notice a missing item.
Most of the time, both conditions were met, but occasionally, only one was. However, in this case, Dang Mujin saw that neither condition was satisfied.
If Namgung Myung had been stealing a secret manual from the Cheongseong Sect, Dang Mujin might have turned a blind eye. But this was different. This was about the personal insights of Yeongheo-ja, transcending mere martial arts. It was like a disciple stealing a piece of their master’s life.
Dang Mujin knew he had to stop Namgung Myung immediately. But how? The place was crawling with martial artists, and even the slightest commotion would draw a crowd. If they were caught, Namgung Myung’s life would be at stake.
This time, there was no response.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Dang Mujin couldn’t bring himself to return to his quarters. Instead, he lingered nearby, anxiety gnawing at him.
Just then, Hong Geolgae, who was wandering around, approached him.
“Why aren’t you asleep?”
Instead of answering, Dang Mujin gestured towards the roof with his eyes.
Hong Geolgae looked up and spotted a figure lying flat on the roof. He was so shocked he nearly stopped breathing.
“That guy… Is he really…?”
“Exactly what you’re thinking.”
Hong Geolgae staggered, more disoriented than if he had been drunk. The dizziness was overwhelming.
“Why didn’t you stop him?”
“I tried. He wouldn’t listen. Got any ideas on how to get him down?”
”…Nothing comes to mind.”
With anxious expressions, Dang Mujin and Hong Geolgae paced back and forth, casting worried glances at Namgung Myung on the roof.
Regardless of their concern, Namgung Myung only climbed down after nearly half an hour.
Hong Geolgae checked the surroundings for any passersby before approaching Namgung Myung with a serious expression.
“Hey, is this really the right thing to do?”
Surprisingly, Namgung Myung responded with unexpected resolve.
“I thought long and hard about this. Do you think it was easy to climb up there with all those martial artists around? It was a tough decision.”
Dang Mujin recalled how Namgung Myung had hesitated before climbing the roof. Normally, Namgung Myung wouldn’t take such risks.
But the fact remained that he had done it. Dang Mujin chimed in.
“It’s not about easy or hard. If you thought about it and still came to this conclusion, what was the point of thinking? It seems like you did it out of selfishness.”
“I’m not denying my selfishness. I need to learn as much martial arts as I can to reach the next level. But half of it was for Jin-hae.”
Dang Mujin and Hong Geolgae crossed their arms simultaneously. No matter how they looked at it, Namgung Myung’s words sounded like excuses.
Sensing their skepticism, Namgung Myung insisted.
“Just wait and see. Jin-hae will be with us for a while, and it’ll definitely help him.”
”…Sigh.”
Dang Mujin let out a deep sigh without realizing it. The deed was done.
The only consolation was that Namgung Myung’s thefts had never ended badly before.
‘Let’s hope he’s not just bluffing.’
Dang Mujin shook his head.
For the next three days, Namgung Myung secretly absorbed Yeongheo-ja’s insights.
Except for those moments, Namgung Myung was deep in thought, which was unusual for someone like him, who was typically far from contemplative.
It seemed connecting the Cheongseong Sect’s martial arts with Yeongheo-ja’s insights wasn’t easy.
Finally, the day of the martial arts demonstration arrived.
Dang Mujin and his group sat a little distance from Yeongheo-ja’s quarters, waiting for the demonstration to end.
The demonstration went on for quite some time.
When the sun that had risen high in the sky finally set and rose again, the door to Yeongheo-ja’s quarters opened.
Jin-hae emerged, looking around with a bewildered expression, saying nothing.
The hearts of those present sank. Jin-hae’s expression spoke volumes.
If Yeongheo-ja were well, he would have been the first to step outside.
Dang Mujin and the Cheongseong Sect members rushed inside to check. Yeongheo-ja sat cross-legged, his head slightly bowed.
Dang Mujin immediately checked Yeongheo-ja’s wrist.
No pulse. His body was already cooling.
A Cheongseong Sect member, Gong Ryeong-ja, stammered.
“Is he…?”
Dang Mujin slowly shook his head.
No further explanation was needed to convey Yeongheo-ja’s passing.
Jin-hae, on the verge of tears, spoke.
“The master could have stopped. But he didn’t cease the demonstration until the very end.”
Following the death of the leader of the Jongnam Sect, the Cheongseong Sect had now lost its leader too.
The orthodox martial world had lost its second leader.
Hong Geolgae recalled Daepunggae’s words.
That it was time for a new generation to rise, and the older generation would make way.
Daepunggae’s words were eerily accurate. It hadn’t taken long at all.
The expressions of the Cheongseong Sect members were complex.
Anger, sorrow, determination. A myriad of emotions.
Gong Ryeong-ja spoke to Jin-hae.
“Jin-hae, the future of the Cheongseong Sect rests in your hands.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Jin-hae nodded, his face tense with responsibility.
Gong Ryeong-ja held Jin-hae’s shoulders, meeting his eyes. A deep sigh followed.
“Persevere. Don’t let us down.”
After a brief embrace, Gong Ryeong-ja stepped back, and the other Cheongseong Sect members followed suit. Eye contact, a short word of encouragement, and a light hug.
It was a gesture to support Jin-hae.
But Jin-hae’s expression hardened.
Dang Mujin recognized it.
‘Pressure.’
Dang Mujin knew two people who had suffered under the weight of others’ expectations. Namgung Myung and Baek Chuseo.
Namgung Myung couldn’t handle the pressure and acted out, eventually being expelled from the Namgung family.
But perhaps it was more of an escape than an expulsion. Namgung Myung continued his antics, shedding some of the pressure and reclaiming his life.
Baek Chuseo, head of the Jeweon Baek family, couldn’t escape.
He was too weak to bear the burden but lacked the courage to flee. So he had to accept the pressure entirely, which eventually led to his downfall.
By now, Jin-hae must have realized that what lay before him wasn’t just an opportunity or a chance encounter.
The future of the Cheongseong Sect, his master’s legacy, and the expectations of countless martial artists who had achieved more than him.
A young martial artist had to bear it all.
Dang Mujin glanced at Namgung Myung.
As expected, Namgung Myung was looking at Jin-hae with a sympathetic gaze. He was undoubtedly seeing his past self in Jin-hae.
Dang Mujin pondered.
’…Did he really want to help? Maybe Namgung Myung’s words weren’t just excuses.’
Three Cheongseong Sect members immediately prepared Yeongheo-ja’s body and returned to Sichuan.
That very afternoon, other orthodox martial artists left the area to pursue and eliminate the Twin Demons and the Ghost King.
Three days after crossing the Yellow River into the territory of the unorthodox sects, the group steadily made their way north.
They had to inquire about the movements of the unorthodox martial artists in every village they passed, so their progress was slow.
‘Jin-hae…’
Dang Mujin expected Jin-hae to either blend in with the Cheongseong Sect members or approach their group.
But Jin-hae walked alone, a little distance away, muttering fiercely to himself.
’…Well, if he needs help, he’ll come to us.’
As they traveled, Dang Mujin recognized a familiar village.
“Hong Geolgae, isn’t this Pyeongri Village?”
“Yeah, it is.”
Pyeongri Village. A place they had reached in the past while searching for Yoo Jin-gwang in the north.
Pyeongri Village held some small memories.
They had encountered a trio of unorthodox martial artists here, used the youngest as a guide, and handed him over to the martial arts alliance. His name was Lee Gyu, if memory served.
Gong Ryeong-ja and Seon Woo-ja spoke to Dang Mujin.
“We’ll stay here. You go into the village.”
“Understood.”
Even in the territory of the orthodox martial world, a large group of martial artists could unsettle ordinary people.
But in the territory of the unorthodox sects, it was even worse. The people would feel not just unease but the fear of death.
To ordinary people, orthodox martial artists were burdensome neighbors, while unorthodox martial artists were like untamed beasts. They drew their swords at the slightest provocation and rarely took responsibility for the aftermath.
For that reason, the martial artists of the orthodox sects deliberately avoided entering Pyeongri Village, choosing instead to set up camp in the secluded areas nearby.
Dang Mujin, along with his three friends and Yujin Gwang, made their way to the village inn.
Most of the villagers didn’t recognize them, but a few did and greeted them warmly. After all, ever since Dang Mujin’s group had passed through, the notorious misdeeds of the Danghang Trio had noticeably decreased.
Inside the inn, there were about half a dozen patrons.
As Dang Mujin and his companions entered, the innkeeper’s face lit up with recognition.
“Oh! It’s been a while! How have you been?”
“We’ve been well. How about you, innkeeper?”
“Better than before, actually. Haha! How can I serve you today?”
“We’re not here for a meal. We just have a few questions.”
“I’m not trying to charge you. I just wanted to offer you a meal.”
“Really, it’s fine.”
“If you insist… What would you like to know?”
Just as Dang Mujin was about to ask the innkeeper about the movements of the unorthodox martial artists, two men burst through the door with a loud bang.
The patrons began to murmur.
“It’s the Danghang Duo!”
“Shh!”
It seemed the loss of their youngest had demoted the Danghang Trio to a duo.
The Danghang Duo scanned the room with an air of arrogance until their eyes landed on Dang Mujin’s group standing by the innkeeper.
”…”
Their eyes met, and once again, the Danghang Duo awkwardly smiled and began to back away.
But just like last time, Hyun Gong subtly blocked the door.
With their escape route cut off, the duo quickly reassessed the situation. Knowing full well that a confrontation with Dang Mujin’s group would be fatal, they hastily changed their demeanor, rubbing their hands together in a show of humility.
“Oh, my lords! It’s been a long time!”
“Weren’t you just about to leave?”
“No, no. Just checking if the door was properly closed. There are diners here, after all.”
Dang Mujin chuckled softly.
Despite their past encounters not being particularly pleasant, there was a strange sense of familiarity in seeing the Danghang Duo again. Nostalgia has a way of softening memories.
The bearded member of the duo spoke politely.
“I still remember how you were looking for the Neunggwang Sword. Did everything work out?”
The four members of Dang Mujin’s group turned their gaze to Yujin Gwang.
The duo immediately understood the implication. The infamous Neunggwang Sword was in the same inn. They trembled like leaves in the wind.
“Uh, did we do something wrong?”
“No, we’re not here for you. We just have some questions.”
“Oh, I see.”
“And it seems the innkeeper is doing well, so you must be behaving better than before.”
Dang Mujin’s compliment brought a look of relief to the duo’s eyes.
“Of course! How could we ignore the words of great heroes? We’ve been getting along well with the villagers. We’ve really turned over a new leaf.”
“Ahem, ahem…”
One of the patrons cleared his throat, clearly not in agreement with the duo’s claims.
The duo quickly changed the subject to prevent any further comments from the patrons.
“Are you planning to dine here, my lords?”
“No, we just wanted some information and then we’ll be on our way.”
“In that case, would you mind stepping outside? We might know more about the rumors than the innkeeper. Plus, we wouldn’t want to disturb the diners.”
Though it seemed considerate, it was clear they were worried about what the patrons might say.
Dang Mujin didn’t mind. If the duo were still as troublesome as before, the patrons wouldn’t have dared to make their presence known.
People change over time. The Danghang Duo had clearly improved, even if just a little.
“Alright, let’s do that.”
Dang Mujin nodded with a light smile.
The duo led them to a less populated area.
From the inn to the street, and from the street to a secluded alley.
But even the alley had people, so they guided the group outside the village.
Once outside, an unexpected sight awaited the Danghang Duo.
Dozens of orthodox martial artists, armed and ready, were gathered there.
Their presence was intimidating, and the duo couldn’t stop trembling.
“Wh-what is this?”
Dang Mujin reassured them.
“They’re with us. No need to worry.”
“Ah, yes…”
But the duo couldn’t fully relax. It was like being surrounded by a pack of tigers.
They glanced around nervously.
One of the orthodox martial artists asked Dang Mujin, “Who are these two?”
“They’re unorthodox martial artists from the area. No need to be on guard.”
There was no real reason to be cautious. Two men couldn’t possibly pose a threat to dozens of orthodox martial artists.
Dang Mujin turned to the duo with a question.
“Did a group of unorthodox martial artists pass through here about five days ago?”
“Yes! They did! They looked like a ragged bunch, their clothes stained with blood, as if they’d been through a battle.”
The duo answered without hesitation, eager to finish the questioning and leave.
“Was there anyone unusual among them, or someone who seemed like a leader?”
“There was a monk who looked different from ordinary people, and his presence was formidable. Oh, and there was an old man with one arm carrying a short spear. Despite his missing arm, he had an extraordinary aura.”
It was clear they were talking about the Ghost King and the Twin Pole Hermit. Dang Mujin was inwardly pleased.
After asking a few more questions, Dang Mujin posed one final query.
“Do you remember which direction they went?”
“Direction… They headed west from here, towards Mount Qilian.”
With the information gathered, Jin Hae, who had been listening from a distance, approached Dang Mujin.
“Is there anything else you need to ask?”
Hearing Jin Hae’s voice after so long, Dang Mujin replied lightly, “No, that’s all.”
The Danghang Duo awkwardly smiled.
Having survived being surrounded by dozens of orthodox martial artists, it felt like they’d narrowly escaped a tiger’s jaws.
This story would surely become a favorite drinking tale.
But then, something unexpected happened, catching both the duo and Dang Mujin off guard.
Jin Hae, standing behind the duo, suddenly struck them with a powerful double palm attack to their backs.
It was the most devastating and ruthless technique passed down in the Cheongseong Sect: the Crushing Heart Palm.
Jin Hae had recently surpassed the pinnacle of martial arts and had absorbed the internal energy of the Young Heoja. The power behind his palm strike was formidable.
Caught off guard, the duo, who barely had first-rate skills, couldn’t withstand the attack.
The immense internal energy shattered their hearts.
The Crushing Heart Palm lived up to its name.
“Uh…?”
Blood trickled from the duo’s mouths and noses.
They looked at Dang Mujin and Hong Geolgae with dazed expressions, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
But Dang Mujin and Hong Geolgae were just as shocked by Jin Hae’s actions.
Until the duo’s last breath, Dang Mujin couldn’t provide them with any answers.
Finally, Dang Mujin shouted, “Jin Hae! What are you doing?”
Jin Hae replied, “They are unorthodox martial artists. As a Taoist of the Cheongseong Sect, I cannot let such villains go free.”
Their eyes met.
Jin Hae’s gaze was fierce, like a beast’s, yet also precariously unstable.
It wasn’t quite the madness of a demonic possession, but it was a dangerous resolve.
It was as if he had decided this was how he would live from now on.