Chapter 351: Everything but Breathing Is a Lie
Chapter 351: Everything but Breathing Is a Lie
Bi Sa-in was having a meal at his usual inn.
As always, the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path were positioned throughout the area, keeping a close watch to ensure his safety.
A scout approached and reported something to the 1st Wolf before departing. The 1st Wolf, in turn, relayed the information to Bi Sa-in.
“A report regarding the Young Cult Leader.”
Bi Sa-in had previously been informed that Geom Mu-geuk and Pyo Gi-gwang were being pursued by assassins. Even then, he hadn't felt particularly anxious, largely because the one doing the protecting was Geom Mu-geuk. As expected, the outcome matched his intuition.
“The assassins have been annihilated.”
The 1st Wolf provided the specific details.
“Upon inspecting the corpses, we’ve identified the organization involved as the Nine Springs Society. With all the dispatched assassins dead, they’ve suffered a significant blow.”
Bi Sa-in wasn't angry because they had tried to kill Pyo Gi-gwang. He was furious because they had attempted the hit despite knowing the target was under his protection.
Geom Mu-geuk, who was acting as Pyo Gi-gwang’s escort, had been wearing the uniform of the 13 Wolves. In other words, the enemy had sent assassins knowing full well they would have to go through Bi Sa-in's own subordinates.
They dared to target my men?
This was a direct challenge to his authority as the Young Alliance Leader—a blatant slap in the face.
“Is there any way to trace the client?”
The 1st Wolf shook his head with a troubled expression.
“The Nine Springs Society is notorious for taking contracts from anyone and never looking into the background of their clients.”
That was precisely why they were so popular in the underworld. That popularity had allowed them to grow into one of the largest assassin organizations in the Central Plains.
“And the Young Cult Leader?”
“He has vanished along with Pyo Gi-gwang.”
There was no way Geom Mu-geuk had fallen to mere assassins, so he was likely somewhere safe with Pyo Gi-gwang.
Now that it was clear the Alliance Leader hadn't ordered the creation of the organization using children, the information Geom Mu-geuk was gathering became paramount.
“I shouldn't have left this entirely to the Young Cult Leader,” the 1st Wolf remarked.
Bi Sa-in didn't respond. It wasn't exactly normal to explain the depth of his trust to his subordinate. His friendship with Geom Mu-geuk was something he might have to keep locked away in his heart for the rest of his life.
Just then, the very man they were talking about sent a voice transmission to Bi Sa-in.
— Don’t say that. You should say, ‘I believe in my friend, the Young Cult Leader.’
A faint smile played on Bi Sa-in’s lips. In truth, he had been waiting for this transmission even while he ate.
— Why didn't you just come here instead of sending a transmission? You are technically one of the 13 Wolves.
It was a rare joke from Bi Sa-in, but the situation wasn't right for banter.
— I’d like to, but I can’t for the time being. They sent assassins the moment they realized Pyo Gi-gwang had made contact with you. Now that the assassination failed, they’ll be watching you closely. They might even be monitoring you right now, wondering if you’ve discovered their secret.
Bi Sa-in’s expression hardened slightly. This was a different kind of fight compared to the struggle for succession. The enemy’s provocation left a bitter taste in his mouth.
— I’ll see you at the cliff later.
— Understood.
— Watch your back for tails on your way there.
Once Geom Mu-geuk’s presence faded, Bi Sa-in put down his chopsticks and stood up. He had completely finished his meal, even the side dishes he usually didn't touch.
*
Dozens of martial artists were sprinting across the training grounds of the Unorthodox Alliance Hall. They ran relying solely on their physical stamina, without the aid of internal energy.
As the run continued past their limits, men began to collapse.
“You applied for the Black Dragon Unit, didn't you? If you give up here, you’ll never get in.”
The man looking down at the gasping martial artist sprawled on the ground was Instructor Hwang Seok-gyeong.
To enter one's desired unit, martial prowess was essential, but so were the physical strength and mental fortitude to match. Those who failed this test would be assigned to lower-ranking organizations.
“I can’t... do any more. I’m sorry.”
Hwang Seok-gyeong leaned down and whispered something into the man’s ear. Suddenly, the man, who had looked half-dead, scrambled up and started running again.
Watching this, his colleague, Instructor Cha, approached and asked, “What did you tell him this time?”
Hwang Seok-gyeong replied with a smile.
“I told him that if he acts weak, some other guy will steal the fiancée he left behind in his hometown.”
Instructor Cha marveled at the answer.
“Impressive. You’ve already memorized the personal details of all the new recruits.”
This was one of the reasons Hwang Seok-gyeong was renowned as the best instructor. He knew everything about the dozens of new martial artists who joined every month—their origins, family relations, personalities, hobbies, and which units they hoped to join.
There were many reasons he was famous as the Combat King, but the decisive one was his intellect. He was strong because he was smart.
“Hey, Instructor Hwang. You don’t get paid more for working this hard. Take it easy.”
Hwang Seok-gyeong simply gave a good-natured smile.
Instructor Cha had no idea. He didn't know how different this persona was from the man's true nature—that everything about him, except for the act of breathing, was a lie and a performance.
When the training ended, the martial artist who had heard the whisper ran over to express his gratitude.
“Thanks to you, I didn't give up. Thank you, sir.”
Hwang Seok-gyeong patted his shoulder with a kind face.
“You have to succeed and return home in glory.”
“I will try my best!”
To any observer, he looked like an instructor who truly cared for and cherished his juniors.
However, the moment he left the training ground, he was no longer an instructor; he was the Combat King. A voice transmission reached him from somewhere.
— The assassins are all dead, and Pyo Gi-gwang has disappeared.
He paused for a moment at the unexpected result.
— Didn't you say only one of the 13 Wolves was guarding him?
— That is correct.
— And yet the assassins were wiped out?
— Yes, sir.
The Combat King resumed walking. He’d had a bad feeling about this, which was why he’d used external assassins instead of his own people.
— Did the Young Alliance Leader set a trap? If so, he might already be aware of my existence.
The Combat King’s judgment was sharp.
— Get them ready.
— Who is the target?
He didn't hesitate for a single second in making a decision that would determine the fate of the Unorthodox Path.
— Bi Sa-in.
*
Late at night, when Bi Sa-in arrived, Geom Mu-geuk was sitting on the edge of the cliff.
“Where is Pyo Gi-gwang?” Bi Sa-in asked, sitting down beside him. In the past, he would have remained standing, but now he naturally took a seat next to Geom Mu-geuk.
“I saw him off to start his second life.”
Bi Sa-in looked at him, puzzled, before his eyes widened. “Wait, did you let Pyo Gi-gwang go?”
Geom Mu-geuk nodded.
“Isn't he the only person who knows who the mastermind is?”
Bi Sa-in couldn't understand it, even though he assumed there was a reason. Geom Mu-geuk surely knew that better than anyone.
Soon, the reason that would shock Bi Sa-in was revealed.
“He told me who was behind it before he left.”
Bi Sa-in stared at Geom Mu-geuk in silence.
Yes, he had believed Geom Mu-geuk would find the mastermind. That was why he had tasked him with protecting Pyo Gi-gwang.
But he hadn't expected him to find out in a single day.
Anyone else would have thought it was a lie. They would have assumed some form of sorcery was used to extract the information.
But Bi Sa-in was certain. Pyo Gi-gwang must have truly, sincerely wanted to tell him. And it had only taken one day.
“You really are...”
He couldn't find the words to express himself. Of course, Geom Mu-geuk didn't miss the opportunity.
“Your wonderful friend?”
Bi Sa-in only hoped this feeling wouldn't change. For now—no, even in the future—he didn't dare think of trying to best this man. He didn't even feel his pride was wounded anymore.
And his surprise was only beginning.
“Who is the mastermind?”
“Do you know a man named Hwang Seok-gyeong?”
Bi Sa-in turned fully toward Geom Mu-geuk. It was a name he had never expected.
“Are you talking about Instructor Hwang of the Alliance Hall?”
“So you do know him.”
Bi Sa-in had considered several names as potential masterminds, but Instructor Hwang hadn't even been on the list.
“That’s hard to believe. Truly hard to believe.”
Hwang Seok-gyeong was the representative instructor of the Alliance Hall, known for his sterling reputation, great skill, and even better personality.
Geom Mu-geuk understood Bi Sa-in’s shock. Even he had found it unexpected, so how much more so for Bi Sa-in?
But the problem wasn't just that an instructor was the mastermind. It was the fact that the mastermind was the Combat King.
“I observed him secretly today; he’s hiding his true martial arts.”
He didn't say it vaguely, like he thought the man was hiding something. He stated it as a fact. Bi Sa-in was an opponent who needed to be extremely careful.
“Then he must be a member of that shadow organization you mentioned.”
“I believe so.”
“I’ll have him seized and interrogated immediately.”
Geom Mu-geuk stopped Bi Sa-in as he started to stand up.
“His skill is extraordinary. You must never try to face him alone. I don't think it would be easy even if you and the 13 Wolves attacked him together.”
“...!”
Bi Sa-in stared at Geom Mu-geuk, stunned. He wondered if it was a joke, but it wasn't. Geom Mu-geuk was looking at him with an expression more serious than ever.
“The problem isn't just that one man. The Flowing Sword Sect Leader said they were given interests within the Alliance, which means there must be powerful figures inside the Alliance who have joined hands with Instructor Hwang. It could be one person, or it could be many. Don't be so surprised. The one who infiltrated the Murim Alliance invested ten long years. I imagine this man is no different.”
Bi Sa-in realized this matter was far more grave and dangerous than he had imagined. If not for Geom Mu-geuk, this conspiracy would have continued to unfold. The thought sent a chill down his spine.
“He must know by now that the attempt on Pyo Gi-gwang failed. Won't he just flee?”
Anyone else might. But the Combat King was a man of overwhelming martial skill and immense pride. He wasn't the type to solve a problem by running away.
“Considering the time he’s invested in the Unorthodox Path Alliance, he won't back down easily. He’ll be watching to see how you move.”
The thought of people daring to plot against the Unorthodox Path Alliance made Bi Sa-in’s fighting spirit boil.
But he had to remain calm. He had been told that Instructor Hwang’s skill was far superior to his own.
Realistically, the wisest choice was to ask the Alliance Leader for help.
It was the best move practically, but the worst move emotionally. It would be like admitting he couldn't handle it himself and had to beg the Alliance Leader to take care of it.
Another problem was his accomplices. He had to find out who they were. He wouldn't be able to sleep soundly knowing such people were close by.
“If we capture him alive, will he confess who he’s working with?”
Geom Mu-geuk shook his head at Bi Sa-in’s question.
“He won't confess. No, given his skill, capturing him alive will be impossible.”
Geom Mu-geuk emphasized the Combat King’s strength once more. Since Bi Sa-in was directly involved, he was warning him to be cautious.
After a moment of thought, Bi Sa-in spoke tentatively.
“Could you help me one more time?”
“If it’s for the Young Alliance Leader, I’m happy to invest. Just make sure to pay me back with interest later. What do you need?”
Bi Sa-in made a truly unexpected request.
“Would you like to take a look around the Alliance Hall?”
He was asking him to enter as a recruit and get close to Instructor Hwang.
“New martial artists enter the Alliance Hall every month. If it’s you, couldn't you get close to Instructor Hwang and find out who his accomplices are?”
This wasn't a request one could make of an ordinary person. No, he couldn't even have asked this of Jin Ha-gun, the Demon Extermination Squad Leader.
There was no telling how long it would take, and the mission itself was of extreme difficulty. It was something neither he nor anyone else could do.
Unless, of course, it was the man who had made Pyo Gi-gwang talk in just one day.
“He’ll be focused on my movements. He won't expect someone to approach him as a new recruit. You can infiltrate from the inside.”
Geom Mu-geuk, who usually gave a positive answer and told him to trust him, shook his head this time.
“I’m not confident I can do that.”
He knew to some extent what kind of person the Combat King was. He was smarter than anyone. In this situation, if a conspicuous new recruit appeared, he would undoubtedly be suspicious. At any other time, it might work, but in the current situation, it was far from easy.
Bi Sa-in wore a strange expression.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I was just thinking that you’re human after all.”
“You didn't think I was human until now?”
“When have you ever acted like one?”
“I’ve been practically begging you to be my friend all this time, and you say I don't seem human! Isn't that the real inhuman thing here?”
After a bit of banter, Geom Mu-geuk revealed the reason for his refusal.
“I don't think the opponent will give us that kind of time.”
Bi Sa-in was curious. What exactly had he seen in Hwang Seok-gyeong to make him so cautious? Why did he hold him in such high regard?
“When you go back, put on the best body protection armor you have. Wear two or even three layers if you have to.”
Geom Mu-geuk had surprised him several times today, but these words were the most shocking of all.
“Are you serious? You think he’d actually try to kill me? He’d go that far?”
Geom Mu-geuk had warned him repeatedly just to say this one thing.
“Yes. If I were him, I’d kill you first.”