Episode 290: The Spark
Shinseung thrust his hands backward, shoving away the man who had approached him from behind.
The man dodged Shinseung’s hands, leaping back, but he wasn’t retreating without a fight. He twisted his blade and drew his sword.
As the sword was pulled out, the wound tore open again, and Shinseung coughed up blood, his face contorted in pain. Cough, cough.
The attack was so stealthy that everyone, except Namgung Myung, realized what had happened a moment too late.
Dang Mujin immediately focused on Shinseung’s wound. A gaping hole from his back to his abdomen was pouring blood.
Even with immediate treatment, it was a life-threatening injury. To make matters worse, there was no way to treat it right away.
Dang Mujin glanced at the face of the man who had retreated. It was a face he vaguely recognized from the Demonic Cult.
The man had a gentle and calm demeanor, more suited to holding a brush than a sword, with a build that wasn’t particularly large.
Yet, his sword was massive, with small holes along the blade that emitted a strange sound reminiscent of insects or mountain birds when the wind blew.
The man, resembling a scholar, flicked the blood off his sword and spoke.
“Is that enough for Shinseung? You must be Manryeokseung. As for the rest, I don’t know who is who. Ah, but we’ve met before, haven’t we? Though we never exchanged names.”
His gaze landed on Dang Mujin. Hyun Gong quickly whispered to Dang Mujin.
“Do you know him?”
“He’s a supreme master of the Demonic Cult, Gwangyeomra.”
A faint sigh was heard from somewhere.
People had been holding onto a sliver of hope.
Surely, that guy couldn’t be a supreme master too. Maybe he just got lucky, or perhaps it was the strange sound of his sword that allowed him to land a blow on Shinseung. They had hoped.
But Dang Mujin’s words confirmed it. The newcomer was indeed another supreme martial artist. Following the Ghost King, this made two supreme masters from the Demonic Cult. It was a suspicious situation, to say the least.
Then, a faint rustling sound approached, accompanied by the satisfied voice of Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang.
“I told you I wouldn’t sit idly by, didn’t I?”
Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang wore a sly smile.
A thought suddenly occurred. The agitated reaction Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang had shown when the Gwangrang Gate was set ablaze—could that have been part of his scheme too?
To make matters worse, there weren’t just two enemies.
Nearby, a now-familiar presence was felt. A massive gust of wind swept over the group.
Manryeokseung quickly steadied himself, crossing his arms to shield the group from the oncoming wind.
As the wind subsided, a cautious glance revealed the face of a monk from the Western Regions. Namgung Myung muttered.
“Even the Ghost King… It seems the Demonic Cult is entangled in the Great Martial Arts Tournament.”
Upon confirming the Ghost King’s presence, Hyun Gong’s mind raced desperately.
“Three supreme masters on their side: Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang, Gwangyeomra, and the Ghost King. We have three as well: Shinseung, Manryeokseung, and Hong Geolgae.”
“But Shinseung is effectively out of commission. We’re one supreme master short.”
“Hong Geolgae and Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang are supreme masters, but their martial prowess is slightly lacking. Still, their skills seem evenly matched.”
“If we combine forces—me, Dang Mujin, Namgung Myung, and Hwahwa Nogae—we might be able to handle the Ghost King. But Gwangyeomra seems like a tougher challenge. We’ll only know for sure once we engage.”
”…But if I switch sides, we could secure a stable victory. I could handle Namgung Myung, and Hong Geolgae wouldn’t be too difficult to manage.”
“If I try to join them, would they accept me? They might for now, but what happens after? Would I be betrayed? What would I gain and lose? The position of Wudang Sect leader would be out of reach. But if I’m lucky, I might be recognized for my value and secure a position in the Demonic Cult…”
“No, it’s too small a prize to consider. The Wudang Sect leader’s position is far more appealing, even if it’s risky…”
As Hyun Gong’s thoughts reached that point, Gwangyeomra spoke with a smile.
“Welcome. It’s a pleasure to see such distinguished martial artists gathered here. Unfortunately, none of you will leave alive.”
Hearing those words, Hyun Gong’s resolve hardened.
Betrayal requires the other party’s acceptance. But Gwangyeomra seemed intent on killing everyone.
Thus, Hyun Gong shouted with determination.
“Don’t get cocky just because you managed a sneak attack! Today will be your funeral!”
Hyun Gong’s decision was made so swiftly that no one sensed anything amiss.
He then glanced at Shinseung’s wound and Dang Mujin’s expression.
“It seems like a grave injury. In that case, Manryeokseung is now the real power in Shaolin.”
Kneeling before Shinseung, but speaking clearly enough for Manryeokseung to hear, Hyun Gong declared.
“Master Shinseung, I swear on my life, I will cut off that Gwangyeomra’s head and offer it to your spirit!”
“Ah… Even just hearing that, cough, cough, is comforting. Thank you, Jeong-eon.”
It was a bit awkward to speak of spirits when the person was still alive, especially to a monk.
But the intention was undeniably good, and both Shinseung and Manryeokseung’s expressions weren’t displeased. It was a speech that could boost morale.
However, there was another person whose mind was racing in this situation: Hwahwa Nogae.
Hwahwa Nogae’s thoughts were incredibly complex.
The desire not to betray.
Regret for accepting Gwangyeomra’s proposal.
Yet, the belief that betrayal could lead to prosperity as the leader of the Beggars’ Sect.
Having already allied with Gwangyeomra, was it too late to uphold his conscience?
But unlike Hyun Gong, Hwahwa Nogae couldn’t quickly sort through his thoughts.
It takes relentless effort and experience for an amateur to reach the level of an expert.
The martial artists of the Demonic Cult and the Demonic Sect took a step forward.
Knowing he was the strongest among his group, Manryeokseung set his sights on Gwangyeomra, who appeared to be the most formidable opponent.
Dang Mujin hesitated about whether to throw his chakram but decided against it.
This wasn’t a situation where he could fight from a distance with ease, making it unsuitable for using the chakram.
That left him with his poison techniques.
Dang Mujin raised his hand to gauge the wind.
“The wind direction is… that way.”
The wind blew from behind Dang Mujin toward where Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang stood.
To use his poison without harming his allies, Dang Mujin had to face Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang. It was a fortunate match-up for him. Facing Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang was preferable to facing the Ghost King or Gwangyeomra alone.
Dang Mujin spoke to his friends.
“Step back. I’ll take on Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang.”
“Can you handle it?”
“I’ll try. At the very least, I won’t fall quickly.”
Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang smirked at Dang Mujin’s words, finding them amusing.
“Getting cocky because you got lucky once? Know your place.”
Though Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang was considered the weakest among the supreme masters, he was still far beyond an ordinary martial artist.
Then, the wind blew. Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang thought a strange scent enveloped him.
He held his breath, suspecting poison, but the faint scent he inhaled wasn’t toxic.
“What was that just now?”
“Have you heard of the Blood Sucking Insects?”
Dang Mujin pulled out a wide container from his robe and opened the lid, releasing hundreds of tiny insects no bigger than grains of rice. They fluttered around, drawn to the scent Dang Mujin had spread.
Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang scoffed.
“Ha! You’re relying on mere insects?”
“Not just that.”
Dang Mujin drew his sword. Even a weapon set aside must be used when the time comes.
He lightly ran his finger along the blade, letting his blood and poison coat it.
Dang Mujin murmured.
“I despise people like you who kill the innocent. I hate seeing the patients I’ve treated end up dead. I hate it even more when the doctors I’ve taught are killed. But what I hate most is you using me as an excuse for your actions. Coward.”
Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang let Dang Mujin’s words pass through one ear, thinking.
Even if the sword was poisoned, it wouldn’t matter if he wasn’t cut, and the insects could be easily shaken off with quick movements.
But soon, Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang realized the air around him was thick with a potent, paralyzing poison. Unlike the earlier scent, this poison was colorless and odorless, yet strong enough to make his limbs tingle.
Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang’s expression turned serious.
“There was no sign of poison being released. How did he do it?”
Dang Mujin remained still, yet the poisonous aura showed no sign of dissipating.
“Could it be… he can naturally infuse his breath with poison?”
Martial artists are like rocks. The stronger they become, the more solid and unyielding they are.
But Dang Mujin felt different. Perhaps it was the subtle poison in the air, but Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang thought Dang Mujin resembled mist.
Mist can’t strangle someone in an instant. But mist envelops its target without any means of escape.
The ominous feeling was unmistakable for Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang. Even if he won, he had a gut feeling that he wouldn’t emerge unscathed.
Just as Yujin Gwang had declared death upon the master of the Taiyi Sword Sect on Mount Wudang, Dang Mujin now pronounced a death sentence on Hyeolmyeon Gwangrang.
“You will die in this forest.”
Gwang Yeomra assessed the enemies standing before him.
There was Manryeokseung, and to his left stood Hwahwa Nogae.
Though Hwahwa Nogae was there by mere happenstance, Gwang Yeomra interpreted the situation differently.
‘Is he standing next to the strongest among us, Manryeokseung, to act when I give the signal? I was worried about not being able to reward Hwahwa Nogae, but he’s more cooperative than I thought…’
Perhaps the moment they made their secret pact and left evidence, this situation was inevitable.
Gwang Yeomra raised his sword and approached Manryeokseung and Hwahwa Nogae, slowly lifting his blade.
Gwang Yeomra’s unique martial art, the Dance of the Mad Elder, pressed both Manryeokseung and Hwahwa Nogae simultaneously. Despite Hwahwa Nogae not yet betraying them, they were at a disadvantage.
However, breaking through Manryeokseung’s defense would take some time.
To end the fight quickly, Gwang Yeomra decided to test Hwahwa Nogae’s loyalty.
His sword swung horizontally, from left to right.
At first glance, it seemed like an attack aimed at Hwahwa Nogae, but in reality, it targeted Manryeokseung’s vital points, anticipating Hwahwa Nogae’s betrayal.
Gwang Yeomra sent a mental message to Hwahwa Nogae.
But Hwahwa Nogae, startled, clumsily blocked Gwang Yeomra’s sword.
’…What?’
Gwang Yeomra continued his sword dance, pondering without much surprise.
‘Did I send the message too late, and he blocked it out of habit?’
He continued the dance naturally, sending another message a bit earlier this time.
Yet again, Hwahwa Nogae awkwardly extended his staff, disrupting Gwang Yeomra’s sword path. Gwang Yeomra frowned.
He looked into Hwahwa Nogae’s eyes, seeing deep confusion.
Gwang Yeomra, too, felt a momentary confusion.
’…What is with this guy?’
But the situation was simpler than it seemed.
Hwahwa Nogae knew the fight was unfavorable and that betrayal would be advantageous for survival.
The problem was simple: Hwahwa Nogae wasn’t quite cowardly enough.
Had he lived a life of constant cowardice, it might have been different, but there weren’t many instances in his life where he was called cowardly.
He had lived a reasonably conscientious life, only accepting Gwang Yeomra’s proposal in a moment of weakness. He had regretted accepting it more than once.
Because of this lingering regret, Hwahwa Nogae couldn’t betray cleanly and ended up defending against Gwang Yeomra’s sword.
Yet, Hwahwa Nogae himself was unsure. Would he defend against the next strike, or would he step aside and let Manryeokseung die? Even he didn’t know.
Gwang Yeomra made a quick decision.
‘If he won’t betray, it doesn’t matter. If I can’t use him at the right time, I’ll use him in any way I can.’
Using Hwahwa Nogae to sow discord among the enemy would suffice.
Gwang Yeomra swung his sword and shouted.
“Hwahwa Nogae, it’s time to join our side!”
Hwahwa Nogae, flustered, replied.
“Why would I?”
“Stop pretending! We made a pact. Hurry!”
“When did I ever!”
“Are you denying it after staining your palm with ink?”
All eyes turned to Gwang Yeomra. He quickly pulled out a scroll from his robe and tossed it high into the air. The scroll unfurled, fluttering down.
Though the contents were unreadable, the scroll clearly bore a palm print. Whether it was Hwahwa Nogae’s palm was unknown.
Gwang Yeomra shouted again.
“Didn’t you say you’d join us if I helped you become an elder? I didn’t stop at making you an elder; I promised you the leader’s position. I even took care of Geolseon for you. Now it’s your turn to fulfill your role!”
Regardless of future betrayal, just being implicated in Geolseon’s death would complicate matters.
Instinctively, Hwahwa Nogae denied it.
“That’s not my palm print!”
“Is that so? I’ll leave the scroll here. Compare it with your palm later! Ha ha!”
The scroll with the palm print lay open, lending weight to Gwang Yeomra’s claim.
Hwahwa Nogae noticed Manryeokseung subtly distancing himself. At this rate, he’d be abandoned by both the orthodox martial world and Gwang Yeomra.
‘Should I join Gwang Yeomra now?’
At that moment, Hong Geolgae leapt forward, unleashing his technique.
“Flying Dragon in the Sky!”
It was nothing like the clumsy Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms Hwahwa Nogae had seen before. Anyone could tell that the technique, which seemed to shake the very air, was beyond the level of an ordinary martial artist.
‘A supreme master!’
Contrary to his previous resolve, Hong Geolgae couldn’t afford to be arrogant. There was no room for it.
Hong Geolgae called out to Hwahwa Nogae.
“Hwahwa Nogae! Is what Gwang Yeomra says true?”
“No, no!”
“Please, tell us the truth!”
Hong Geolgae’s plea wasn’t mere accusation or reproach.
He was genuinely asking for the truth.
The aura of a supreme master seemed to shake his very core.
The regrets and fears Hwahwa Nogae had harbored began to unravel.
He even sensed a faint hope in Hong Geolgae’s voice.
Hwahwa Nogae shouted.
“It’s true I made a pact aiming for the elder position! But the elders retired on their own, and I became an elder without any connection to him! My becoming an elder has nothing to do with that guy!”
In fact, he hadn’t heard of any elders dying. His claim had some credibility.
Hong Geolgae asked again.
“And Geolseon?”
“I swear, Geolseon’s death has nothing to do with me! I never even dreamed of the leader’s position!”
This time, there was no evidence to support his claim. Geolseon was dead, and the dead don’t speak.
Hwahwa Nogae didn’t expect Hong Geolgae to believe him. All he had was his testimony. The doubts weren’t entirely dispelled.
But Dang Mujin’s group reacted differently. Dang Mujin, Hong Geolgae, and Namgung Myeong exchanged glances and looked at Hyeongong.
Hyeongong replied in a solemn voice.
”…It’s the truth.”
The world’s foremost expert in betrayal and deceit had spoken.
Just as a supreme master could see through a third-rate martial artist’s moves, Hyeongong could easily discern deceit.
And in Hyeongong’s eyes, Hwahwa Nogae’s words were indeed true.
Dang Mujin’s group cast aside their doubts, trusting Hwahwa Nogae and having his back. With the decision made that he was an ally, there was no reason to hesitate.
However, Hwahwa Nogae, not knowing exactly who Hyeongong was, interpreted his words differently.
‘They ignored the evidence and plausible circumstances Gwang Yeomra presented and believed my words alone? In a life-or-death situation?’
Tears welled up in Hwahwa Nogae’s wrinkled eyes.
Had anyone ever believed in him like this in his entire life?
With a resonant voice, Hwahwa Nogae declared.
“I, Hwahwa Nogae, leader of the Beggars’ Sect, will risk my life to carve a path for the future generations!”