WeTried Translations
Translator: ZERO_SUGAR
Editor: Abstract
Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried
Chapter 113: The Choice (4)
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Changcheon Martial Academy's guest quarters.
"What?"
Yu Jin-sung, an Inspector Censor and the older brother of Mumu and Jin-hyeok, looked at O Mu-yang, the Left Assistant Censor, with a puzzled expression at the unexpected order.
Yu Jin-sung had taken charge of the investigation, but O Mu-yang, whose rank was higher, was the overall supervisor here.
Yet O Mu-yang suddenly said they would return to the Imperial Palace's Censorate.
Why?
In some ways, the situation was worse than before.
They had come to investigate, only for one Inspector Censor and four Censorate officials to die.
If anything, they should have strengthened the investigation and requested additional personnel from the Censorate.
Yet O Mu-yang said they would take half their people and return.
The reason given was...
They needed to escort Sa Mu-heo, one of the Six Stars of Heaven, away immediately?
There was an ulterior motive.
O Mu-yang claimed the order had come from someone higher up, so Yu Jin-sung could not question it with his rank. Still, he was being told to wrap up the investigation while O Mu-yang took away the most likely culprit behind the entire incident.
It was a difficult position.
What are they hiding?
There was something about Sa Mu-heo.
Otherwise, there would be no reason to take him to the Censorate.
Did they make some sort of deal with him during the interrogation?
Countless questions ran through Yu Jin-sung's mind.
Still, there was no way to know.
The real purpose was surely not the investigation, but to create a pretext for the Imperial Palace to intervene directly in Changcheon Martial Academy.
Just then, O Mu-yang, having finished packing to leave, spoke.
"Ah... one last thing."
"One more thing?"
"Once the investigation is concluded, there is someone among the cadets you must bring back."
"A cadet?"
"This is classified. If the information leaks or you fail the mission, you will pay with your life."
"...What exactly is it?"
At Yu Jin-sung's question, O Mu-yang smiled.
"Bring Princess Seo, King Jin's legitimate daughter, to the Imperial Palace."
!?
* * *
A forest near Western Wind Residence, hidden from prying eyes.
Ma Yeon-hwa sat on a rock, carefully wiping down White Phoenix, one of the two great treasured swords she took such pride in.
As she polished the blade decorated with a phoenix, a voice came from behind her.
"Miss."
She answered as if accustomed to the voice.
"What is it?"
"Will you continue staying at the academy?"
"..."
Ma Yeon-hwa silently continued polishing White Phoenix.
That was her answer.
The owner of the voice sighed.
"The situation has changed."
"What has changed?"
"A Censorate official from the Imperial Palace has died. If this leads to a large-scale investigation to search for spies, your identity may be exposed."
"So what are you suggesting?"
"Retreating may be the wiser choice."
Ma Yeon-hwa's expression stiffened slightly at those words as she sheathed White Phoenix.
Then she rose, turned around, and spoke.
"I still haven't obtained it."
"But for the revival of the Sacred Cult, your safety is more important..."
Swish!
Ma Yeon-hwa walked up to the owner of the voice, patted his shoulder, and said,
"Don't worry. I will never die until I restore the Sacred Cult."
"...Miss."
"More importantly, did you bring it?"
At her question, he held up a huqin.
Ma Yeon-hwa smiled.
"It's been a while. I should listen to your Xiangyang Morning Pine Melody."
The owner of the voice let out a quiet breath, settled into place, and began playing.
Before long, the wistful melody of the huqin rang in Ma Yeon-hwa's ears.
* * *
O Mu-yang, the Left Assistant Censor, left Changcheon Martial Academy through its western gate.
For a moment, O Mu-yang looked toward the east at the faint sound of a huqin drifting through the air, then turned their gaze toward the prison carriage behind them.
Dan Pil-hu...
Vice-Master Dan Pil-hu.
Unexpectedly, he was a troublesome man.
The crippled Sa Mu-heo was being carried in that prison carriage.
Dan Pil-hu was the cause.
As if destroying the plans O Mu-yang had laid was not enough, he had even destroyed Sa Mu-heo's dantian.
Sa Mu-heo had asked to be taken outside Changcheon Martial Academy, so O Mu-yang would do that much. Yet now, Sa Mu-heo was finished.
He had burned with such ambition too.
Broken bones might have had a chance of recovery with time.
If Sa Mu-heo found the Divine Doctor, treatment might even have been possible.
But if the dantian was destroyed to that extent, there was no way for a martial artist to recover.
O Mu-yang shook their head.
It is not for nothing that Dan Pil-hu was once part of the old martial artists' alliance's shadow agency. His edge is still sharp.
That was why O Mu-yang had decided to withdraw.
There was that monster called Mumu, who had reduced both Sa Mu-heo and Kang Mu-i to such states, as well as Dan Pil-hu, who possessed the cunning to see through O Mu-yang's plans.
Facing both martial strength and intellect while their true power remained sealed was troublesome.
This is not my main stage. I cannot push things further.
This was not O Mu-yang's sphere of influence.
Besides, the Grand Plan's climax within the academy would soon unfold, so withdrawing without regret was the right choice.
Of course, that did not mean O Mu-yang intended to leave empty-handed.
They had made several arrangements.
[Bring Princess Seo, King Jin's legitimate daughter, to the Imperial Palace.]
That was the first.
It was an arrangement prepared because Yu Jin-sung had been so irritatingly suspicious.
[But if it is Princess Seo, should not the Left Assistant Censor bring her personally...?]
[King Jin gave two orders. Escort the culprit behind this matter, and bring Princess Seo back.]
[Then why...?]
[Spies still remain even though the culprit has been caught. Would it not be better to divide their attention with a diversion?]
[A diversion?]
[I will escort the leader behind this matter and draw their attention. You will conclude the investigation, capture the spies, and bring Princess Seo back.]
With the pretext firmly established, there was nothing Yu Jin-sung could do.
O Mu-yang had said they would serve as bait. What could Yu Jin-sung possibly say to that?
Still, Yu Jin-sung would likely have a headache.
The mission entrusted to him was even greater than the investigation.
What will King Jin do if something happens to the Princess Seo he was ordered to bring back? Heh heh heh.
That was O Mu-yang's true aim.
* * *
Around the same time.
At the Paralysis Blade Estate's base, everyone was unable to hide their shock when Mumu asked,
"I'm just curious, but they keep saying I should obtain the Tyrant Blood Demonic Art. Is it really that amazing?"
"......"
Ja Muk-hyun, standing beside Mumu, could not answer.
He recognized Mumu's strength.
But was there truly anyone capable of handling such absurd power?
It was beyond the realm of humanity.
Is there even any point in competing?
The thought crossed his mind.
Even if Mui, the future Master, or Young Master Mu Il obtained and mastered the Tyrant Blood Demonic Art, Ja Muk-hyun wondered whether either of them could stop Mumu's strength.
Impossible to oppose.
Ja Muk-hyun swallowed dryly.
This power was far too unfair.
What would happen if Mumu's fists were turned toward them rather than the force of justice?
The thought alone was horrifying.
[...I will make up for what you lack and make you the complete Overlord of Blood and Slaughter.]
That had been his decision.
But now he was afraid.
If they carelessly touched something precious to Mumu, would the disaster truly end with only the force of justice?
Uncontrolled power was despair itself.
Thud!
The sound of someone dropping to their knees rang out.
Looking over, Mumu saw Ja Hyeong-gyeong, the Estate Master, kneeling on both knees.
"E-Estate Master?"
Gok O and the Paralysis Blade Estate warriors were flustered, but Ja Hyeong-gyeong ignored them, slammed their forehead against the ground, and shouted,
"The Paralysis Blade Estate of the House of the Eight Villains swears loyalty to Master!"
!!!!!
The Estate Master's oath of loyalty.
Everyone stared in shock.
Yet none of them could object to the Estate Master's decision.
If not a monster beyond the realm of humanity like this, who else could be called Master?
Thud!
Soon, everyone, including Guardian Gok O, fell to their knees and bowed.
Then they cried out in unison.
"The Paralysis Blade Estate swears loyalty to Master!!!!"
* * *
The Estate Master's tower within the Paralysis Blade Estate's base.
Inside the Estate Master's room were Ja Hyeong-gyeong, Guardian Gok O, Mumu, Ja Muk-hyun, and the others.
The mood was completely different from before.
Guardian Gok O personally served tea, treating Mumu with the utmost respect.
"Master. This is precious Pu'er tea brought from Yunnan. I do not know whether it will suit your taste, but please have some."
Gok O's former hot temper had completely disappeared.
Mumu lightly shook his head at the offer.
Gok O carefully asked,
"Does the tea not suit your taste?"
"No. My father, ah, the adoptive father who raised me, also liked tea and drank it often."
"Then you must be deeply knowledgeable about tea. But why...?"
"I think I might break it."
"Pardon?"
"The Jade Medallion is fairly sturdy, so it is fine, but..."
"But?"
"The teacup looks too fragile."
Gok O clicked their tongue inwardly at Mumu's words.
Were they refusing because they were worried about breaking the teacup?
Still, this was Mumu, who had made a tunnel through a mountain cliff using nothing but pure strength, without even internal energy.
"Then, perhaps a sturdier bowl..."
"No. Before I leave, there is something I want to ask the Estate Master."
At Mumu's words, Ja Hyeong-gyeong spoke in confusion.
"Please ask. If this subordinate knows it, I will tell Master anything."
"Ah... it is nothing else. Senior Muk-hyun does not seem to know either."
"What is it?"
"Senior said Mu Sam died in the war and only four surviving half-siblings remained. Then what exactly am I?"
"That is..."
Ja Hyeong-gyeong could not easily answer Mumu's question.
It was something Ja Hyeong-gyeong had wondered too.
Strictly speaking, the House of the Eight Villains could be called a guardian sect of the Mighty Conqueror Council.
Among them, the Paralysis Blade Estate and Heavenly Kill Valley knew more than the others, yet even Ja Hyeong-gyeong had never heard of Mumu's existence.
They do not know?
Mumu could not hide his disappointment at Ja Hyeong-gyeong's reaction.
Mumu wanted to learn this not only because of his biological father, but because he wanted to know about his biological mother as well.
His biological father was clear enough, but if they were half-siblings, their mothers would be different.
"Hmm."
Ja Hyeong-gyeong rubbed their chin with a low murmur, then finally spoke.
"First, I must apologize to Master. This subordinate had no knowledge of Master's existence either."
"...So you do not know after all?"
"To be honest, that is correct. But there is someone who may know."
"Someone who may know?"
"As you know, the main stronghold of the Mighty Conqueror Council was annihilated by force of justice members. Yet one person alone survived."
Ja Muk-hyun looked at Ja Hyeong-gyeong in confusion.
He had not known that either.
After the Overlord of Blood and Slaughter met his death at Mount Song, all the force of justice's strength had gathered and attacked the Mighty Conqueror Council's base.
Someone had survived there?
"Who is it?"
"Seo Yong-chu, the Towering Giant."
"That person is alive?"
Ja Muk-hyun spoke in shock.
Seo Yong-chu, the Towering Giant, was one of the Mighty Conqueror Council's five Grand Guardians and was called the reincarnation of the Western Chu Overlord.
He was a figure known as a twelve-cheok giant.
His massive weapon, the Demonic Dragon Crescent Blade, had beheaded two previous-generation Ten Great Masters of the Force of Justice at once. To the force of justice, he had possessed the most dreadful martial strength.
It was astonishing news that such a legend of the Mighty Conqueror Council was alive.
"But how could no one know..."
"Only the heads of the House of the Eight Villains who know this are me and the Heavenly Kill Valley Lord."
Having satisfied Ja Muk-hyun's curiosity, Ja Hyeong-gyeong looked at Mumu and said,
"If the Grand Guardian is the only one who survived at the Mighty Conqueror Council's main stronghold during the war, he may know the secret of the Jade Medallion Master possesses."
Mumu's expression brightened.
That meant there was someone who knew about his biological mother.
"Then where is he?"
"...My apologies. This subordinate does not know where the Grand Guardian is either."
"You do not know?"
"He survived, but his body was nearly ruined. I understand that he went into seclusion somewhere unknown to recover."
"Then nobody knows?"
"...The Heavenly Kill Valley Lord was the last person to see to the Grand Guardian's safety, so that person may know."
"Where is Heavenly Kill Valley?"
"My apologies. Each location of the House of the Eight Villains was kept secret in preparation for emergencies, so this subordinate does not know either."
Mumu narrowed his eyes at Ja Hyeong-gyeong in disappointment.
It was not like this information gave him much hope. It was all too vague.
Just then, Ja Muk-hyun said to Mumu,
"A descendant of Heavenly Kill Valley would know."
Ja Hyeong-gyeong nodded in agreement.
Mumu asked,
"Huh? Then are they at the academy?"
"No."
"What do you mean, no?"
"Heavenly Kill Valley fully supports Young Master Mu Il as Master, so they are likely helping him at the Imperial Palace."
Mumu tilted his head and asked again,
"The Imperial Palace? Then I can find them if I go to the Imperial Palace?"
"Most likely."
"Then Senior knows who Mu Il is, at least."
Ja Muk-hyun shook his head with an awkward expression.
Then he said,
"...Only Young Master Mui and the other owners of the Jade Medallions know Young Master Mu Il's exact face."
* * *
Around the same time.
Vice-Master Dan Pil-hu clicked his tongue as he looked at the hole punched through a building wall.
He had received a report that a suspicious guard warrior attempting to leave the city under Secret Operative No. 4's orders had died from an unknown long-range attack.
But this went far beyond his expectations.
They traced the direction from which the attack had come and found that it had pierced through countless buildings and obstacles before striking its target.
A monster.
The distance from where the hole originated to the eastern gate was more than ninety jang.
Was something like this even possible?
The distance alone was incredible. Taking all those obstacles into account and killing someone with a long-range attack was beyond astounding.
Who in the world had done something so tremendous?
Dan Pil-hu could not understand how such a monster had been hiding in the academy.
This is troublesome.
He had found the point of origin, but did not know what to do with it.
Anyone with skills this miraculous had to be a master beyond imagination. If they were an enemy of the academy, the danger would be even greater.
They might be a monster even Mumu cannot face.
Footnotes:
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