As the letter brought by Dang Mujin made its rounds, passing from hand to hand, the atmosphere among the group grew charged with excitement.

They had been waiting for the right moment to strike at the cult leader, and now, with a letter revealing his location and asking for help, there was no need for further hesitation. The only thing left was the confrontation with the cult leader. Conveniently, the place where the leader had appeared, Bong-sang, wasn’t far from Mount Hua.

Hong Gyeol-gae spoke with a voice tinged with both tension and excitement. “But why would the cult leader show up in Bong-sang?”

Hwa Yeon-shin offered her own theory. “I spoke with the Great Protector recently, and he mentioned that whenever the cult leader’s madness flared up, he would head towards Luoyang, where I lived in my youth. Even after the Great Protector left, it seems the leader tried to return to Luoyang in his delirium.”

“Ah, I see.”

The news of the cult leader’s appearance in Bong-sang was welcome to everyone. After all, they had been tirelessly traveling to and from the distant Tian Shan for over a month without rest.

However, unlike the others who were purely joyful, Heng-gung’s face showed a hint of regret.

Dang Mujin asked him, “Why the long face?”

“I was just thinking… it would have been great if Namgung Myung or Elder Jang could have faced the cult leader in the next match or at the assembly.”

Since entering the Assembly, Hwa Yeon-shin had demonstrated martial prowess that was incomparable to before. She could hold her own against three top-tier masters with a surprising ease.

Every time Heng-gung witnessed Hwa Yeon-shin’s skills, he was filled with a longing for the Assembly.

“Even if it’s disappointing, there’s no shortage of opportunities. Who knows, you might gain enlightenment the moment you cross swords with the cult leader.” “That would be nice.”

Both Dang Mujin and Heng-gung knew that this was an overly optimistic outlook. The battle with the cult leader would undoubtedly be bloody, and someone was bound to be seriously injured or worse.

If someone were to die in the confrontation with the cult leader, wouldn’t the responsibility for that death also fall on me for not being able to enter the Assembly? Heng-gung pondered.

At that moment, Manryeok Song, who had been listening quietly, spoke up.

“Are we just going to take Gwang Yeong-ra with us like this?”

Gwang Yeong-ra had stepped out for a moment to prepare for the main battle. Hwa Yeon-shin asked Manryeok Song in return, “Why bring that up all of a sudden?”

“Isn’t Gwang Yeong-ra the one who served as the cult leader’s guard for a long time? Everyone knows that. That’s why I’m bringing it up.”

“Not just Gwang Yeong-ra, but we’re also planning to take the Great Protector, who is also from the cult.”

The three protectors, who had been listening, chimed in.

“There are not two but three from the cult. Cheong-yu. Are you suspicious of me too?”

Manryeok Song waved his hand dismissively.

“The Three-Eyed Buddha has never served the cult leader, not even for a moment. In fact, he was the first to stand against the current cult leader, so I have no doubts about him.”

Manryeok Song and the Three-Eyed Buddha shared a complex relationship.

The Three-Eyed Buddha was a sinner who had violated the rules of the sect, but over fifty years, the dust of time had somewhat obscured his crimes. Moreover, the Three-Eyed Buddha had been something of a mentor to Manryeok Song during his stay at Mount Wudang, imparting considerable teachings.

Perhaps that’s why Manryeok Song never showed discomfort in front of the Three-Eyed Buddha, unlike others. Manryeok Song, being the head of the sect, had to maintain his composure.

The Three-Eyed Buddha smiled faintly.

“It seems to me, Manryeok Song, that your anxiety is directed elsewhere. Are you not afraid that Gwang Yeong-ra might betray us, but rather that he might not?”

Manryeok Song flinched at having his thoughts laid bare. However, the others did not immediately grasp the meaning behind the Three-Eyed Buddha’s words.

Just as Hong Gyeol-gae was about to ask a tactless question, the Three-Eyed Buddha elaborated.

“Perhaps you’re worried that if Gwang Yeong-ra proves himself in battle, he might be accepted by the martial artists of other sects.”

“But aren’t we facing a significant challenge? I’m not asking you to forgive Gwang Yeong-ra. Just set aside your grievances for a while. Even Shin Sung-do would understand that much.”

In the end, Manryeok Song nodded in agreement.

That very day, the group departed from Mount Hua.

The party consisted of thirteen people. With the addition of the Great Protector Yeom So-wang and the head of the Mount Hua Sect, Seon Woo-ja, to the existing eleven top-tier masters, the group felt a bit large.

However, Seon Woo-ja wasn’t accompanying them to fight directly. Since the letter had been addressed to him, he was merely joining them for appearances.

The group reached Bong-sang in four days. As they approached the outskirts, about ten people on horseback appeared. Judging by their attire, they all seemed to be officials, with two of them looking like military officers.

The official at the front waved warmly at Seon Woo-ja.

“Seon Woo-ja, you’ve come!”

The official appeared to be around sixty, with a kindly face and a stout build, suggesting a high rank. After all, an official who could naturally command ten others must hold a significant position.

Seon Woo-ja greeted him with a respectful bow.

“Have you been well, sir?” “I was so anxious, not knowing if the letter had reached you. Thank you for coming all this way.”

Seon Woo-ja and the unnamed official seemed quite familiar with each other. It wasn’t surprising, given that the Mount Hua Sect had been known for its connections since the time of the previous head.

“It’s a bond that has been passed down from the previous generation. It’s only right to help each other in times of need.” “I’m relieved. If you hadn’t stepped in, my position might have been in jeopardy…”

Dang Mujin understood why the official had sought Seon Woo-ja’s help instead of the imperial court.

The central plains were vast, and the emperor didn’t interfere with local officials unless they were excessively corrupt or incompetent. In such cases, the emperor would replace them. Seeking help from the imperial court was the surest way to reveal one’s incompetence.

This official had found a way to resolve the issue without involving the imperial court, and that was by reaching out to Seon Woo-ja.

The justification was sound. The saying “the well water does not interfere with the river water” meant that officials and martial artists preferred not to meddle in each other’s affairs, allowing martial artists to handle their own matters.

“Your thanks should go to those who came with me, not me.” “Ah, of course. I sent the letter because I heard renowned masters from the Mount Hua Sect were staying here. Are these the ones?” “Yes, that’s correct.”

The official lowered his voice to ask Seon Woo-ja, though everyone in the group could hear the whisper.

“How skilled are they? Can they handle the task?” ”…Not at all.”

The official looked disappointed, prompting Seon Woo-ja to clarify.

“I mean the opposite. They are all far more accomplished than I am.” “Ah, the modesty of the Mount Hua Sect…” “It’s not modesty. You could say that the six most accomplished masters in all of the central plains are gathered here.”

The official, still skeptical, scanned the group again, his gaze landing on Hwa Yeon-shin.

“Is that child also a martial artist?” ”…That person is the best in the central plains.”

The official, Feng Taesu, continued the conversation, subtly probing if Dang Mujin’s group had heard of Bong-sang’s top martial family, the Minyang family.

Unfortunately, except for Seon Woo-ja, none of Dang Mujin’s group knew of the Hapjin Sword Sect or the Minyang family.

”…Hmm. To think such a person existed. But since he’s already passed, it shouldn’t cause any issues.”

Instead of leading them into the Hapjin Sword Sect, Feng Taesu guided them along the wall, stopping in front of a dark bloodstain.

“Anyway, that madman supposedly slaughtered the Minyang family with a single swing of his sword here. This stone wall is the evidence.”

The wall was partially crumbled, but the important part was the boundary where it had collapsed.

The wall was sliced cleanly, one side crumbled, the other precariously standing. Dang Mujin examined the smooth cut.

The clean cut alone confirmed that the madman who appeared here was indeed the cult leader.

Heng-gung, standing beside Dang Mujin, suddenly drew his Songmun Sword and swung it with a shout.

“Hmm!”

The white light of Heng-gung’s sword cut halfway through the wall in one stroke, astonishing the onlookers. However, Heng-gung, comparing his mark to the cult leader’s, seemed dissatisfied.

Cutting through the wall was impressive, but it was nothing compared to the cult leader’s mark.

Retrieving his sword, Heng-gung muttered, “Now, I’m starting to lose confidence…”

“Finally realized it, have you? Step into the boundless world of the East, young one.”

Dang Mujin chuckled at Heng-gung’s realization before asking Feng Taesu, “Taesu, did the madman head east from here?” “No, he went south.” “South?”

Feng Taesu pointed towards the unyielding mountains south of Bong-sang.

“Yes, he went into those mountains. But which way he went after that, no one knows. No one dared to follow that madman, risking their life.”

“Understandable.”

“If by any chance you manage to kill him, bring me something as proof. I’ll make sure you’re well rewarded.”

“Understood.”

Sunwooja stayed by Governor Pung’s side, while the others headed toward the mountains he had pointed out.

The mountains weren’t particularly high or rugged. Just an ordinary range that few people visited.

As they trudged along, Hong Gyeolgae turned to Daehobeom and asked, “Why do you think the leader came to these mountains? Do you think he’s hiding something?”

”…I don’t know. I really have no idea.”

“You’re not keeping anything from us, are you?”

“Of course not. This is my first time in Bong-sang too.”

Though there was no solid evidence, Daehobeom’s words seemed sincere. The mountains didn’t seem like the kind of place where something significant would be hidden. Hong Gyeolgae then asked Dang Mujin, “I doubt we’ll find any clues about the leader’s whereabouts here. Should we just head south?”

When Hong Gyeol first volunteered, he was quite articulate with his friends. But as time passed, his words grew shorter, and it seemed like by the end of winter, he’d revert to his old way of speaking.

”…Let’s wait a moment.”

Dang Mujin didn’t stop walking, driven by a strange sense of déjà vu. It felt as if he had been to these mountains before.

‘Have I been here before? Or is it just my imagination?’

He pondered this as he slowly walked, taking in his surroundings.

After some time, Dang Mujin stopped and looked to the side. The path was overgrown and blocked, leading to two graves. It wasn’t unusual to find graves in the mountains, and it wasn’t uncommon for wild animals to disturb them. But something about the placement of these two graves felt oddly familiar to him.

He crouched in front of one of the graves and gently brushed the dust off the fallen headstone. Four characters were inscribed on it: [Yangho’s Grave].

Hong Gyeolgae squinted at the characters and asked, “Yangho? Do you know who that is?”

Most people wouldn’t recognize the name, but Dang Mujin knew exactly whose grave it was.

He suddenly realized why this nameless mountain near Bong-sang felt so familiar.

Ten years ago, he had come here with Dan Seolyeong.

“It’s the grave of Uiseon Yangho.”

“This is Uiseon’s grave?”

“Yes.”

The leader’s visit to Uiseon’s grave and the ruins of his home wasn’t a mere coincidence.

Dang Mujin addressed the group, “It seems the leader hasn’t completely lost his mind. He came to Bong-sang partly out of instinct and partly in hopes of finding a clue to cure his madness. Though we won’t find any clues in the ruins and these two graves…”

Jang Il-nam asked, “We’ve stumbled upon unexpected information. But since it’s not immediately useful, should we head to Luoyang?”

Jang Il-nam believed it was best to return to Luoyang and confront the leader there.

But Dang Mujin had a different opinion.

“No, I don’t think the leader went to Luoyang.”

“Then where?”

Dang Mujin gathered his thoughts.

‘The leader came to Bong-sang seeking traces of Uiseon, one of the three great physicians. So where would he go next?’

His mind first turned to the three great physicians.

The origin of Ma-ui is unknown, but his research materials are in Tianshan. His grave is likely there too. If the leader sought clues, he would have checked Ma-ui’s grave first.

‘Let’s set Ma-ui aside.’

Goe-ui’s hometown is Hoeju, and his grave is there as well. Dang Mujin had carried Goe-ui’s body back and buried it under a walnut tree in Hoeju.

And Hoeju is northwest of Bong-sang. If the leader sought clues from Goe-ui’s medical skills, he would have visited Hoeju before coming to Bong-sang.

‘He wouldn’t have gone looking for the old man’s traces either.’

It’s safe to assume the leader has checked all traces of the three great physicians. So where would he go last to find a clue to cure his madness?

The answer was clear.

Dang Mujin stood up, took a deep breath, and said, “The leader must have headed south from Bong-sang.”

“South? Where in the south?”

“Sichuan Province, Chengdu. To the Tang family estate.”