Chapter 170: The Body Knows First
Chapter 170: The Body Knows First
“How did you come to be here, Miss?”
Seo Dae-ryong’s voice trembled as he spoke. He truly hadn't imagined he would see her in a place like this.
“I was invited as well,” she replied.
“But how?”
Today’s banquet was strictly reserved for those connected to the Young Dragon Tournament. A surprising revelation then spilled from the woman’s lips.
“I reached the quarterfinals in the Young Dragon Tournament held three years ago.”
Not only Seo Dae-ryong, but the other rising stars nearby were taken aback. Since the Young Dragon Tournament was held every three years, it meant she had been a finalist in the previous competition. It was customary to send invitations to past finalists currently affiliated with the Murim Alliance for the tournament's celebratory banquet.
“Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am So Ok, the 1st Team Leader of the Third Division of the White Dragon Unit.”
“Ah, so you were a martial artist of the Murim Alliance.”
And a team leader of the White Dragon Unit at that. When she had shyly approached him to offer her support earlier, she hadn't been wearing the Alliance uniform, so he hadn't dreamed she was one of their warriors.
“I had no idea.”
“Of course you didn't. I never told you, after all.”
“Why did you cheer for me?”
Their gazes locked. Even from the side, one could feel Seo Dae-ryong’s heightened emotions—the fluttering excitement of meeting a first love again. In contrast, So Ok remained perfectly calm.
“Seeing you reminded me of myself when I participated in the tournament years ago. I also came up from the countryside knowing nothing. I didn't know anyone, and no one knew me. I even ran out of money for an inn, so I ended up camping in the mountains before coming down to compete.”
So Ok spoke of these hardships without a hint of shame. This only made her more attractive in Seo Dae-ryong’s eyes. A pleasant fragrance wafted from her.
“I watched every single one of your matches, Young Hero Seo. Your blade technique was truly magnificent. Especially during the finals—it was so wonderful that my heart raced; I almost wanted to leap onto the stage myself.”
To others, it might have sounded like she was so moved by the martial arts that she wanted to compete again, but to Seo Dae-ryong, it was a statement easily misunderstood as her wanting to rush to his side out of affection.
“To think you defeated Miss Jin. It was truly the greatest match in the history of the Young Dragon Tournament.”
Seo Dae-ryong felt like he was walking on air. He had received many compliments and praises since his victory, but receiving them from her was the best of all. A smile naturally spread across his face.
“I suppose you’ll be joining the Demon Extermination Squad now?”
The Demon Extermination Squad was the Murim Alliance’s most elite organization, composed of young masters. Traditionally, winners of the Young Dragon Tournament joined its ranks.
“I could also apply for the White Dragon Unit where you are, Miss,” Seo Dae-ryong suggested.
At that, So Ok’s face flushed slightly.
“I appreciate the sentiment, but please don't. Starting in the Demon Extermination Squad is the royal road to success within the Murim Alliance.”
“It was thanks to your support that I managed to win. Because of that, I would like to treat you to a meal separately, if you'll have me.”
It was a proposal that required immense courage. Having spent a lifetime being rejected by women more often than accepted, Seo Dae-ryong was inwardly anxious. Fortunately, his trembling was for naught; So Ok readily accepted the offer.
“It would be an honor. After all, the winner of the Young Dragon Tournament is buying.”
Seo Dae-ryong was overjoyed.
Geom Mu-geuk and Jin Ha-ryeong watched the scene from outside the window. Geom Mu-geuk knew the truth. He knew that she had been recruited by the Heavenly Mandate Society during the tournament three years ago. In other words, the Heavenly Mandate Society had already been active in the Murim back then.
These people have rooted themselves deeper into the Murim Alliance than I thought.
The moment the woman’s identity was revealed, an unexpected truth came to light. He turned to Jin Ha-ryeong beside him.
“Do you know that woman?”
“Team Leader So? We’re on speaking terms.”
“What kind of person is she?”
“She’s easygoing, has a good personality, and is quite popular. But this is unexpected. I didn't know she was cheering for your young master like that. Why? Are you worried about him? Afraid he’ll be bewitched by a fox and hand over all his prize money?”
“Of course I’m worried. He’s my master.”
Suddenly, Jin Ha-ryeong’s true feelings slipped out.
“Can’t you stop being an attendant?”
The moment the words left her mouth, she thought, Oops. They say if you're debating whether to say something or not, you shouldn't—yet the very words she had told herself to keep inside had burst out. Deciding she might as well finish what she started, she spoke her mind.
“Can’t you just live as a regular martial artist? You’ve learned martial arts, so you could take the entrance exam for the Alliance. I’ll help you if you need it.”
When Geom Mu-geuk remained silent, Jin Ha-ryeong added hurriedly, “Don't misunderstand! It’s not because I’m embarrassed that you’re an attendant. I’m just saying there’s a different life you could lead.”
Her face was slightly flushed. She worried she might have wounded his pride. After a moment, Geom Mu-geuk spoke.
“Those are words I used to say to someone often. To try living a new life.”
“To whom?”
“Just someone. A stubborn person who hates change.”
“Like you?”
Geom Mu-geuk chuckled and looked back toward Seo Dae-ryong. Though still surrounded by people and basking in popularity, Seo Dae-ryong’s gaze kept drifting toward one person.
*
The next day, Seo Dae-ryong went out to meet So Ok.
He had been up since the crack of dawn, causing a massive fuss—bathing, combing his hair, and changing outfits multiple times—only to say this:
“It’s not that I like her that much; it’s just a meeting with someone who supported me. My intentions are pure.”
“If you get any more 'pure,' your mouth is going to rip from grinning so hard. Stop smiling already.”
Seo Dae-ryong liked her so much that it was concerning. The heartbreak would be severe once he learned the truth.
Despite leaving with the momentum of a soldier going to war, Seo Dae-ryong was strangely dejected when he returned.
“What happened? Did it not go well?”
“No. We had a good time. She said she prefers tea over alcohol and enjoys taking walks. So we ate, had tea, and walked.”
“Then why the long face?”
After a brief pause, Seo Dae-ryong let out a sigh.
“We were sitting there, the atmosphere was great, but then a thought suddenly struck me. This isn't right. My life can't possibly be going this well. It was as if someone was whispering in my ear: When things are this good, shouldn't you be bracing for the bad?”
It seemed his long-dormant instincts had finally awakened. When fate begins to move, it has a way of shaking a person awake.
“Did you say that to her?”
“Of course not. I hid it as best as I could and parted with a smile.”
“Warrior Seo. I told you, didn't I? The path you’ve chosen is like climbing into a sparring arena with a broken arm tied up.”
“You said it’s a path where one keeps walking even if blood is pouring from the body, even while limping, and even if one eye can no longer see.”
“Yes. It’s also a path where you must doubt everyone you meet. That’s why it’s a path where it’s hard to make friends or truly love someone.”
Seo Dae-ryong, lost in thought for a moment, finally uttered the words he desperately didn't want to say.
“In that sense, I have to tell you... This woman is suspicious. I think she approached me intentionally. Could she be someone sent by the Heavenly Mandate Society?”
I didn't answer. As he stared at me, he flinched.
“Is she?”
“...”
“Is she really?”
Seo Dae-ryong’s voice shook. He had felt something was off, but he must have been hoping against hope that he was wrong.
“Yes. She is a member of the Heavenly Mandate Society.”
“!”
Seo Dae-ryong’s eyes widened. I expected him to react as if the sky were falling, but he was unexpectedly calm.
“So my hunch was right. Of course. Someone like me... it was strange from the start. There are handsome rising stars everywhere, yet she came specifically to cheer for me. I should have known. I wonder how pathetic she thought I was inside?”
“Instead of self-deprecation, why don't we celebrate the fact that you correctly identified her?”
“How did you know, Pavilion Master?”
“During the final match.”
“Then why didn't you tell me?”
“I was afraid you’d give it away by trying to act natural and failing.”
“Then why tell me now? You could have just let it slide.”
“Because a problem more important than whether you're a good actor has arisen.”
“What is it?”
“Your survival instinct seems to have fully awakened.”
Seo Dae-ryong looked startled at my words.
“Every human has a survival instinct. But a martial artist’s survival instinct is different. It changes as you become a master. The body knows first. No matter how much the opponent smiles and says kind things, the body rejects them. The hair on your skin stands up, your heart pounds. Or, like today, your mood simply sinks.”
“So that was my survival instinct at work.”
“Yes. Remember well how this instinct manifested and how it felt.”
Seo Dae-ryong was moved. I was prioritizing his survival instinct over the task of catching the Leader of the Heavenly Mandate Society.
“Thank you, Pavilion Master.”
“You’ll have to act well from now on.”
“Your worries are misplaced. I’m a better actor than you think. I’m a devious fellow, you know.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“What do you intend to do now?”
“You’re the one who has to do it. You must induce her to lead you to the Heavenly Mandate Society. And as quickly as possible.”
Time was short. If she decided to take her time befriending him, it could take months or even over a year. But we were in a situation where we needed to resolve this and return quickly. After a moment of thought, Seo Dae-ryong came up with a method.
“Do you remember what she said at the banquet? That she was in the same situation as me when she came to participate in the tournament three years ago. I don't think that part was a lie. I’ll try to dig into that.”
“You’ll use a sense of kinship? Because it’s an emotion she’s experienced herself?”
“Yes.”
“One more thing. You must make sure I accompany you when she introduces you to her superior.”
Seo Dae-ryong nodded. “Leave it to me.”
*
Three days later, Seo Dae-ryong and So Ok stood on a hill overlooking the Murim Alliance.
“The view here is wonderful.”
“It’s where I come whenever I feel frustrated.”
“It’s a magnificent place.”
Seo Dae-ryong was inwardly stunned by the sheer vastness of the Murim Alliance. He had thought nowhere could be larger than the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, but the scale of the Alliance was no less impressive.
“Actually, I was moved by what you said that day, Team Leader So. About how you knew nothing and had no money, so you slept in the mountains when you competed. I’m in a similar position. I, too, am determined to succeed here in the Murim Alliance.”
“It won't be easy.”
“Pardon?”
“I hesitate to say this to someone who hasn't even officially joined yet, but I’ll tell you for your own sake, Warrior Seo. In the Murim Alliance, you cannot rise without a backer to support you. You might make it to Team Leader, but you’ll never become a Squad Leader. Even if you work yourself to the bone and somehow become a Squad Leader, you will never, ever become a Unit Leader. The limits are clear.”
Her acting was as impressive as Seo Dae-ryong’s. If he hadn't known the truth, it would have sounded like genuine concern.
“You’ll likely end up even more disheartened, Warrior Seo. Precisely because you are a winner. You might start as a Team Leader and end your career as one. Overcoming it with skill? How? In peaceful times like these, it’s impossible. Success stories of the bare-handed are only found in storybooks.”
Seo Dae-ryong asked with a serious expression, “Then what should I do?”
He was currently portraying his emotions perfectly, without a hint of awkwardness.
“Find a line to hold onto. Throw away your pride and be loyal to someone willing to push you forward. That’s what I did.”
“Please, let me hold onto the same line you did, Team Leader So. I have no such thing as a martial artist’s pride. Please, help me.”
She remained silent for a moment. As she appeared to deliberate, Seo Dae-ryong pressed her.
“I beg of you.”
“Fine. Our meeting is a stroke of fate, after all. I’ll try speaking to the Elder.”
“Thank you.”
“Don't get your hopes up. The Elder might say no.”
“Ah, and I have one more favor to ask.”
“What is it?”
“Please introduce my attendant as well.”
“Your attendant?”
“If the Murim Alliance is that kind of place, shouldn't I build my own strength in my own way? I intend to have my attendant join the Alliance and raise him as my right hand. I need at least one person I can trust in a place like this. I can at least vouch for that fellow’s loyalty.”
Seo Dae-ryong pushed forward with the stubbornness of a country bumpkin.
“I’m not sure if that’s possible.”
Seo Dae-ryong bowed his head with a pleading face. “I beg you.”
*
It was three days later when So Ok contacted us again. She led Seo Dae-ryong and me to a manor located far from the Murim Alliance.
Though they weren't many, the level of the masked men guarding the perimeter was extraordinary. It meant the person she was introducing was no ordinary individual.
“Elder, it is Ok.”
“Enter.”
We followed So Ok into the room. A silk screen hung in the middle of the large room, making it impossible to see the other person’s face.
I activated the New Eye Technique. Focusing power into my eyes, I peered through the screen. The moment I confirmed the identity of the person behind it, I was stunned. He was someone I knew.
Lord of Jinryong Manor, Jo Yi-baek.
He was Jo Sin’s father. Either Jo Yi-baek was the one who had recruited Jo Sin, or the Heavenly Mandate Society had recruited the father and son separately. If it was the latter, there was a possibility they didn't even know the other had been recruited.
Either way, it was shocking. Jo Yi-baek spoke in a low voice from behind the screen.
“You wish to succeed in the Murim Alliance?”
His aura was completely different from when he stood beside the Murim Alliance Leader. The Jo Yi-baek who was desperately trying to arrange a marriage with the Alliance Leader’s family was nowhere to be found; the pressure emanating from behind the screen was entirely different. This was likely his true face.
Seo Dae-ryong bowed his head and spoke respectfully.
“Yes! I wish to succeed at all costs.”
I finally understood. I understood how the New Dragon Family had become the pillar of the Orthodox Murim after Hwa Mu-gi’s rampage. It was because they had been plotting like this since then.
Then, was Jo Yi-baek the Leader of the Heavenly Mandate Society? Or was the Leader someone else? One thing was certain: the Heavenly Mandate Society, which was gradually revealing its core, was a much larger monster than I had imagined.
“If I help you, you will surely succeed. If so, you...”
Jo Yi-baek added in a low murmur, “What can you do for me?”