Episode 293: Flames

Hong Geolgae, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up with his thoughts.

“Are all the warriors of the unorthodox sects fools?”

All eyes turned to Hong Geolgae. In the past, he might have shrunk back under such scrutiny, but ever since stepping into the realm of the transcendent, he had grown a bit more audacious. He tapped the floor rhythmically with his staff.

“It’s no surprise that the orthodox sects got caught up in the demonic cult’s schemes. They were unaware of the cult’s plans, didn’t know the cult was backing the unorthodox sects, and were simply defending against their attacks. But why are the unorthodox warriors dancing to the cult’s tune? They know full well that the cult is using them to attack the orthodox sects.”

It was an unusually sharp question from Hong Geolgae. The Ghost King responded immediately.

“It’s simple. It’s the most advantageous choice for them.”

The Ghost King, perhaps deciding to humble himself further, even used honorifics when addressing Hong Geolgae. Given his current state, with both arms shattered, it was wise to show humility.

He continued, “You know there are very few large sects in the northern and southern unorthodox martial world. Fewer sects mean it’s harder to join one, and that means it’s difficult to learn advanced martial arts. Except for a select few, unorthodox warriors spend their lives clinging to crude techniques.”

Tang Mujin thought of Jang Il-nam, who once demonstrated the martial arts he learned from an old master. It was so crude it seemed more like a child’s play than martial arts.

“For most unorthodox warriors who can’t learn advanced techniques, there’s only one way to grow stronger: risking their lives in real combat. They throw themselves into battle, relying on their crude skills, striving for the next level. Their obsession with advanced techniques is beyond your imagination.”

The Ghost King’s voice lowered.

“The real problem is that combat doesn’t guarantee progress. Often, nothing is gained from it. But by following the cult’s orders, they can definitely improve if they survive. They gain combat experience and the cult even teaches them martial arts.”

Of course, the battles orchestrated by the cult would be more dangerous than ordinary ones. But many unorthodox warriors would be willing to take that risk. Those who couldn’t endure such a harsh life would have already laid down their swords.

“Hmm.”

Namgung Myung and Hyun Gong understood the Ghost King’s explanation but couldn’t fully empathize. They had lived lives where martial arts were always available to learn.

For them, martial arts were a matter of “how much can you master,” not “can you learn it at all.”

Sensing their thoughts, Hong Geolgae scoffed.

“You two grew up with everything handed to you, so you don’t know how precious martial arts are. You think great techniques are just given to you? You need to realize the world isn’t that easy.”

Namgung Myung found Hong Geolgae’s words distasteful but couldn’t refute them. Hyun Gong, however, was different.

“Hold on. Are you belittling the martial arts and achievements of Ma Jeon-gae, who first taught you?”

“Of course not…!”

Hong Geolgae was taken aback, but Hyun Gong remained firm.

“No need to explain to me. Save it for when you visit Ma Jeon-gae’s grave in Jueul Village.”

”…”

Realizing that speaking further would only entangle him more, Hong Geolgae clamped his mouth shut.

The group reunited with the Shaolin monks and the Beggar Sect members they had left in previous villages.

“The abbot has passed away?”

“Yes.”

The Shaolin monks were visibly shocked by the news of the venerable monk’s passing, but none openly displayed their emotional turmoil. The life of a martial artist is always intertwined with death, and Shaolin monks are no exception.

The story of the monk’s final, extraordinary feats provided some comfort. It was, in a way, the most ideal death a martial artist could hope for.

However, the monks cast wary glances at the Ghost King. As he grew uncomfortable, Monk Manryeok intervened to calm them.

“Though the Ghost King has committed grave sins, his fate will be decided by the Qingcheng, Zhongnan, and Gongdong sects. Our target is Guangyeomra and the cult leader.”

The Shaolin monks accepted Manryeok’s words with understanding. If another sect had captured Guangyeomra and dealt with him directly, they too would have felt slighted. It was only right to leave the Ghost King’s fate to those who bore the deepest grudges against him.

The Ghost King trembled slightly and instinctively moved half a step closer to Hyun Gong. He would need Hyun Gong’s help to survive when facing the Qingcheng, Zhongnan, and Gongdong sects.

Contrary to the Ghost King’s hopes, Hyun Gong had no intention of actively defending him before the three sects. The information they needed had already been extracted. The Ghost King was no longer of much use.

’…Actually, there’s one more thing.’

Hyun Gong walked silently, not far from the Ghost King, to naturally start a conversation. As expected, the Ghost King spoke up.

“Master Jeong-eon, I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“If Guangyeomra cooperated like I did, would you also protect him?”

Hyun Gong thought for a moment before shaking his head.

“No. Guangyeomra pushed you aside and fled at the end. Unlike you, who have a good nature, Guangyeomra is rotten to the core. There’s no need to try to forgive him.”

Hyun Gong subtly drew a line between the Ghost King and Guangyeomra, praising the former while condemning the latter. It was a tactic he learned from Tang Mujin at the Sima family.

Hearing that one is better than another tends to put one’s mind at ease. As expected, the Ghost King’s expression brightened a bit.

At that moment, Seolhwa, who had been staying in the village with the Shaolin monks, approached Hyun Gong and tugged at his sleeve.

“Baek Hyang-ah?”

Just mentioning the name was enough to convey her intent. Hyun Gong relayed Seolhwa’s question to the Ghost King.

“Brother Gui, have you ever heard of someone named Baek Hyang-ah during your time in the north?”

The Ghost King furrowed his brow, repeating the name a few times.

“Baek Hyang-ah… Baek Hyang-ah. It sounds familiar… Ah!”

“Do you know the name?”

“Isn’t she the young lady who mastered the advanced Yin Cold Technique?”

The Ghost King indeed seemed to know something about Baek Hyang-ah. Tang Mujin, standing nearby, perked up his ears.

“How do you know about Baek Hyang-ah?”

“I heard about her from Guangyeomra. He mentioned sending an interesting woman to the cult leader.”

“Tell us everything you know about Baek Hyang-ah. Anything at all.”

“I don’t know much. But apparently, she possesses an immense internal energy that one her age shouldn’t have. She also mastered a unique Yin Cold Technique that suits her constitution, making her quite accomplished.”

Seolhwa’s hand, which was gripping Hyun Gong’s sleeve, trembled. Whether it was from anger towards Baek Hyang-ah or the thrill of finally finding a lead was unclear.

But to Hyun Gong, it didn’t matter much. It was an opportunity to subtly hold Seolhwa’s hand, which was as soft as ever.

Hyun Gong, gently caressing Seolhwa’s hand, lowered his voice and asked the Ghost King.

“Brother Gui.”

“Yes.”

“Have you ever thought about returning to the cult?”

Suddenly, Hyun Gong found the term “Brother Gui” a bit odd. It was like calling him “Brother Jeong” by taking a syllable from Jeong-eon. But the Ghost King didn’t seem to mind.

The Ghost King was startled by Hyun Gong’s question.

“Of course not! I intend to atone for my sins and start anew in the orthodox martial world! That is, if the masters of the Gongdong, Qingcheng, and Zhongnan sects forgive me…”

Perhaps thinking Hyun Gong’s question was a trap, the Ghost King quickly gave a textbook answer.

It wasn’t entirely insincere. The Ghost King’s claim of not wanting to return to the cult seemed somewhat genuine.

His shattered arms wouldn’t heal completely even after months of recovery. This meant he might never wield martial arts again, making it unlikely for him to regain a prominent position in the cult.

Not regaining a position would be the least of his worries. Someone with a grudge might come after him, seeking revenge. The Ghost King surely had many enemies.

With a desperate voice, the Ghost King spoke.

”…If I have one wish left, it’s to spend my days copying Buddhist scriptures once my arms heal. I’m sure the Buddha would be pleased. I’ve read quite a few scriptures at the Potala Palace, so I might be of some help to the Shaolin monks.”

Even to Tang Mujin, who was listening nearby, the Ghost King’s words didn’t sound entirely sincere. He kept glancing at the Shaolin monks as he spoke of scriptures and the Buddha.

It seemed like he was trying to highlight his value by mentioning scriptures and the Buddha.

However, the Shaolin monks seemed somewhat intrigued.

If things continued this way, the monks might subtly support the Ghost King, ensuring his survival.

Hyun Gong waved his hand dismissively.

“No, no, that’s not it. I didn’t bring up the Demonic Cult because I doubt you, Brother Gui.”

“Then why…?”

“I thought it might be beneficial for me to head towards the Demonic Cult if the situation aligns.”

“What?”

Guiwang was taken aback, and Seolhwa tugged on Hyungong’s sleeve.

“What are you talking about? Tell me too!”

“I’ll explain in a bit, just wait a moment. It’s important,” Hyungong replied with a meaningful tone.

His voice was so sweet it made Dang Mujin and Namgung Myung want to smack him on the back of the head.

Guiwang lowered his voice and asked, “Why would you go to the Demonic Cult?”

“Isn’t it said that knowing your enemy and yourself ensures victory in a hundred battles?”

Hyungong put on a solemn expression. “From what I’ve learned from your stories, the Demonic Cult’s leader must be formidable. But it’s not easy to fully grasp an opponent’s skills just from tales. Someone needs to take the risk and infiltrate the Cult to understand the leader’s achievements. If we can uncover the weaknesses of the martial arts they’ve mastered, all the better.”

The audacity of infiltrating the Demonic Cult to assess their leader’s prowess and the strength of their warriors left not only Guiwang but also the monks of Shaolin and the members of the Beggars’ Sect nodding in admiration.

However, there was one thing people didn’t understand. The saying “know your enemy and yourself, and you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles” doesn’t always apply to large-scale conflicts. If you have overwhelming power, it doesn’t matter if the enemy knows you or not.

But in personal matters, the saying holds true. That’s what Hyungong was focusing on.

‘To make a clear decision on which side to join, I need to accurately assess the strength of both the righteous sects and the Demonic Cult. If I can infiltrate the Cult, the situation becomes perfect.’

‘If I’m convinced the righteous sects can win, I can return without hesitation. I could become a hero who uncovers the leader’s weaknesses. Plus, I might learn more about Baek Hyang-ah in the Cult. I could gain both honor and love.’

‘If it seems the righteous sects will lose, I can quietly settle in the Cult. Despite their reputation, there aren’t many my age who can match me. I’m sure I could secure an important position.’

‘They say the Cult leader has no successor. But before the great war, the leader will likely choose one. If I go now and prove myself, I might just become the successor. The chances are quite high. Becoming the successor and dealing with Baek Hyang-ah could also win me Seolhwa’s love.’

‘Becoming a hero of the righteous sects and winning love, or becoming the successor of the Demonic Cult and winning love—both are appealing. It seems right to join the Cult now. The question is how to do it…’

Of course, the monks of Shaolin and the members of the Beggars’ Sect couldn’t fathom Hyungong’s thoughts. To them, it seemed like the noble struggle of a young hero.

Only Dang Mujin, Hong Geolgae, and Namgung Myung had any inkling of Hyungong’s true intentions.

Unlike the others who were impressed by Hyungong’s words, these three were deep in thought.

‘That guy’s up to something.’

‘Is he doing this to impress Lady Seolhwa?’

‘Is he planning to betray us? No, even Hyungong wouldn’t do that. Or would he? On second thought, he just might…’

For a moment, the atmosphere seemed to quiet down.

Hyungong glanced around. People were sneaking glances at him.

Manryeokseung pushed through the crowd and stood before Hyungong.

In the presence of a high monk with great spiritual power, even villains tend to shrink back. Hyungong was no exception, and he found himself involuntarily shrinking.

Manryeokseung wasn’t just any monk; he was practically the abbot of Shaolin.

But as soon as their eyes met, the fear in Hyungong’s heart vanished.

Manryeokseung’s gaze held only concern and worry.

“Think again, Jeong-eon. That’s a dangerous choice,” Manryeokseung said.

Hyungong shook his head. “In war, countless arrows fly. Some will strike the enemy leader, but most will break against stones. Yet no one calls those broken arrows worthless. War is about laying glory upon sacrifice.”

Hyungong’s words flowed like a river.

“I know I might not be the most glorious arrow. Some arrows must fly first and break first. It’s a necessary role, and there’s no reason I should be an exception.”

Manryeokseung listened quietly, then sighed deeply.

“People naturally seek safety. Why do you choose such a role?”

Hyungong smiled confidently. “Is there an arrow that fears breaking and never leaves the bowstring?”

Everyone except Dang Mujin, Namgung Myung, and Hong Geolgae was deeply moved.

Akgugye Seungcheong was on the verge of tears.

“If only there were three like you in the righteous sects, no calamity could threaten us. It’s truly lamentable.”

Of course, Dang Mujin thought differently.

If there were three of him, there would be no sick in the martial world, which would be a great blessing.

If there were three Hong Geolgaes, it wouldn’t cause much trouble.

If there were three Namgung Myungs, it wouldn’t be the worst. It might be chaotic, but not disastrous.

But if there were three Hyungongs, it would mean the end of the righteous sects.

Manryeokseung shook his head. “If someone like you could be a unifying force, the righteous sects could come together. But when will that day come?”

Manryeokseung didn’t realize it, but his words slightly reduced the chance of Hyungong betraying the righteous sects.

The thought that he might become something greater than the head of the Wudang Sect if he stayed crossed Hyungong’s mind.

He humbly bowed and replied, “Don’t worry too much. When a great crisis comes, the righteous sects will surely unite.”