Chapter 593: The Newbie’s Got Guts
Chapter 593: The Newbie’s Got Guts
With the appearance of the Martial Emperor Divine Sword, Geom Mu-geuk finally understood the true nature of this conflict.
‘This war is the struggle between the Murim Alliance and the Divine Will Palace.’
There was a reason the Martial Emperor Divine Sword was still spoken of even after three hundred years. Aside from the absolute martial prowess that earned him his title, he was remembered for one singular, monumental achievement: the annihilation of the Divine Will Palace.
In that era, a mysterious power known as the Divine Will Palace had attempted to topple the Murim Alliance and seize control of the Orthodox Murim.
The Divine Will Palace was a sect that utilized all manner of bizarre illusions and formations, manifesting truly formidable power. The masters of the Murim had been trapped in their formations, dying miserable deaths, utterly helpless. Consequently, the hatred and resentment of the Orthodox martial artists—who craved fair and honorable combat—grew in direct proportion to their fear.
Amidst rampant rumors that the Blood Cult, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, or the Unorthodox Path Alliance was pulling the strings, a full-scale war between the Murim Alliance and the Divine Will Palace broke out.
When the war first began, everyone expected it to end quickly. No matter how powerful the Divine Will Palace was, their opponent was the Murim Alliance—an organization led by the absolute master of the Murim, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword himself.
However, contrary to expectations, the war did not end easily.
While the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Unorthodox Path Alliance did not officially step forward, countless other sects intervened. From those who joined for a righteous cause to those seeking profit, and even merchants looking to sell weapons, the conflict became a tangled web of absolute chaos.
The Murim was not composed solely of those who supported the Murim Alliance. Numerous sects that hated the Alliance and supported the Divine Will Palace joined the fray. Rumors even circulated that the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Unorthodox Path Alliance were secretly providing them with support.
‘But why?’
For some reason, the Secret Casket had brought him into the heart of this three-hundred-year-old war.
‘What is it trying to show me?’
Meanwhile, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword stood before the assembled warriors.
The cheers grew even louder!
The warriors were overcome with emotion at the sight of him. Since most of those present were low-ranking martial artists, they rarely had the opportunity to see the Murim Alliance Leader so closely.
The Martial Emperor Divine Sword scanned the crowd with calm eyes. His gaze alone was enough to overwhelm the multitude. Furthermore, he was younger than expected. The warriors grew even more enthusiastic seeing his appearance, which looked as though he had only just entered middle age.
Those who met his eyes bowed their heads in respect, their expressions filled with awe. Finally, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword spoke.
“Since the fighting began, there has been much sacrifice. We have lost many comrades.”
His low voice, infused with internal energy, carried clearly even to those standing far in the back.
“Many masters seeking to protect justice have fallen, trapped by wicked illusions and formations.”
With every word he spoke, the warriors’ fervor intensified. In this war, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword was their hero and their pillar of support.
Geom Mu-geuk, of course, watched him with a cold, detached mind. There had to be a reason why the casket had brought him here on this specific day.
The Martial Emperor’s voice grew more forceful.
“Nevertheless, we must continue to fight. Because we cannot let the deaths of our friends be in vain, and because we cannot allow these treacherous villains to swallow this Murim, we must move forward.”
After looking around at the crowd, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword spoke with eyes full of determination.
“We shall fight our final battle here.”
Geom Mu-geuk still didn't know why the Secret Casket had brought him here, but he at least understood the significance of the timing. This was the site of the final showdown with the Divine Will Palace.
The Martial Emperor’s thunderous cry echoed across the fields.
“Do not fear death! Your blood shall protect this Murim!”
Even though his words demanded sacrifice, the warriors were ecstatic. Having finished his speech, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword approached the warriors in the front row. Despite the possibility of assassins lurking, he showed no fear.
Geom Mu-geuk observed him quietly.
‘The masters of old give off a different feeling.’
The presence he projected was unique. The way he emitted his aura was different as well—it felt unrefined, yet more powerful.
The Martial Emperor Divine Sword offered words of encouragement to a few people in the front row on behalf of the entire group.
“The Murim will remember your hard work and sacrifice.”
Every time the Alliance Leader met their eyes, the warriors bowed their heads in gratitude. Eventually, it was Geom Mu-geuk’s turn.
“You have worked hard,” the Leader said.
Geom Mu-geuk didn't just let it pass. “Not me, sir.”
Everyone’s attention snapped to Geom Mu-geuk, wondering what he could possibly be saying to the Alliance Leader. Even the Martial Emperor Divine Sword looked at him with an expression asking for clarification.
“Today is my first day,” Geom Mu-geuk explained.
Only then did the Martial Emperor smile, and the surrounding warriors laughed. The solemn atmosphere relaxed in an instant.
“What is your name?”
“It is Geom Yeon.”
“I will do my best to ensure you can return home safely, Geom Yeon.”
As the leader started to move to the next person, Geom Mu-geuk added one more thing.
“Is there a way for us to win?”
In that moment, Geom Mu-geuk saw it. The man's pupils shook slightly. The emotion was clearly one of embarrassment or distress.
Geom Mu-geuk had asked on purpose. This battle would certainly end in victory for the Orthodox faction and the Martial Emperor Divine Sword. The outcome was already decided by history. However, he remembered hearing once that no detailed records remained of that final battle.
‘How exactly did you end that final fight?’
One of the middle-aged warriors following the Alliance Leader stepped forward with a scowl.
“How dare you speak so recklessly in the presence of the Leader?”
The Martial Emperor Divine Sword raised a hand to restrain him and then spoke to Geom Mu-geuk.
“I have a way to end this war.”
He wasn't just answering Geom Mu-geuk; he was speaking to all the warriors. Indeed, the warriors were startled for a moment before letting out a thunderous cheer.
“However, such important details cannot be revealed in an open place. So, you simply fulfill your duty.”
“Yes! Understood.”
After encouraging a few more people, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword walked straight toward the central tent. The middle-aged warrior who had scowled earlier glared at Geom Mu-geuk with disapproval before following the Leader.
Then, a low voice came from behind him.
“The newbie’s got guts.”
Turning around, he saw Jeong Dae, the team leader.
“Who was that man who glared at me so fiercely?” Geom Mu-geuk asked.
“He is the one in charge of this area.”
It was Jo Ung, the man responsible for this battlefield, which would serve as the final stage.
“What were you thinking, stepping forward like that?” Jeong Dae asked.
“When else would I get a chance to talk to the Alliance Leader if not now?”
Jeong Dae stared blankly at Geom Mu-geuk for a moment, muttered, "Crazy bastard," and turned away. Even if he was called a madman, Geom Mu-geuk’s instinctive choice had been not to let the Alliance Leader simply pass him by. He judged that making an impression like this would be helpful later.
Geom Mu-geuk watched the retreating back of the Martial Emperor Divine Sword.
‘Great Secret Casket, why did you bring me here? For what purpose?’
*
Returning to the tent, Geom Mu-geuk quietly closed his eyes and performed one complete circulation of his true qi. Compared to before, his internal energy was incredibly weak, but he strove to increase it even slightly and make it purer. He didn't know what situation awaited him, but escaping this place wouldn't be easy.
“Everyone, listen up. A reconnaissance mission has come down.”
Jeong Dae, the team leader, woke even those who were asleep.
“A night mission?”
At the surprised team member's question, Jeong Dae nodded. Geom Mu-geuk left the tent with his teammates.
The White Tiger 17th Team consisted of five people, including Geom Mu-geuk. Originally, there had been thirteen, but they said everyone else had died during two major battles.
“This is all because of you,” Jeong Dae grumbled, pinning the responsibility for this night patrol on Geom Mu-geuk.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I mean that because you said those useless things to the Alliance Leader, we got assigned a night mission. Since our numbers dropped to four, our team has never been assigned night duty.”
Even so, he didn't curse or belittle him for it. In Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes, Jeong Dae was a kind and decent warrior who lived up to the title of an Orthodox martial artist. Their connection would likely be brief, but he was the kind of person Mu-geuk wanted to treat well while he was here.
“But I’ve joined now, haven't I?”
“Four or five, it’s all the same!”
True, he was right. There was no way this was a coincidence. Jo Ung, who likely wanted to look good for the Alliance Leader, was probably punishing them.
Geom Mu-geuk hoped that even this was not a coincidence but a necessity. He had to find something within this sequence of events. He had to leave this place as soon as possible.
“To give such a disadvantage just for asking a question? The Alliance Leader is too much!” one of the members complained.
“You think the Alliance Leader did this?”
Jeong Dae swallowed the words that Jo Ung was likely punishing them for earlier. He knew better than anyone that if you're debating whether to say something or not, it's wiser to keep quiet. That was especially true on this battlefield where dozens died every day. If you're debating whether to kill or not, you should kill.
And so, the White Tiger 17th Team, including Geom Mu-geuk, entered the mountains.
The two camps were facing off with a single ridge between them, and currently, only localized skirmishes were taking place. Like someone who had survived here for a long time, Jeong Dae skillfully navigated the dark mountain paths.
“Once we cross that ridge, it’s enemy territory. You must never go further than that. Understood? There are ambushes everywhere.”
“Understood.”
Of course, contrary to his compliant answer, Geom Mu-geuk wanted to scout the enemy camp first. In fact, he was more curious about that side than this one. What kind of person was the Palace Master of the Divine Will Palace? What was he thinking? And who was around him?
It might have been better if he had started in that camp instead. Why was it this side? The Secret Casket’s reason for bringing him here couldn't just be to let him meet the Martial Emperor Divine Sword.
“Alright, that’s enough for today. Let’s head back.”
It was just as they were about to return after finishing the patrol.
“Watch out!”
Swish!
Geom Mu-geuk threw himself forward, pushing Jeong Dae aside. A hidden weapon whistled through the space where Jeong Dae had just been standing.
Warriors emerged from the forest ahead, charging with their swords drawn. There were four of them in total. They lunged with their swords, launching a combined attack on Geom Mu-geuk, who was closest. They were well-trained and moved quickly, but unfortunately for them, their opponent was Geom Mu-geuk.
Swish.
Geom Mu-geuk dodged the frontal attack by dropping low, almost as if lying on the ground. It was a posture that should have left him fallen, but his core was not that weak. Springing up like a coil, Geom Mu-geuk slashed his sword upward.
Slash!
Stepping on the stomach of the man who fell with a large gash across his chest, he rushed toward the enemy on the left. The opponent was flustered by the unexpected movement. Two swords brushed through the air, but only one reached its target.
Thuck!
Having pierced the opponent's heart, Geom Mu-geuk spun rapidly and swung his sword.
Whoosh.
The enemy rushing from behind widened his eyes. Even if he had eyes in the back of his head, he could never have imagined someone could strike his weakness so quickly and accurately.
Slice.
As the third enemy fell, the remaining one fled into the darkness. Geom Mu-geuk considered throwing his sword to catch him but changed his mind for some reason.
It had all happened in the blink of an eye. It occurred in the brief moment the other team members hesitated on how to join in, and by the time Jeong Dae, who had rolled on the ground after being pushed, scrambled to his feet, the situation was already over.
Jeong Dae asked with a shocked and bewildered face, “You! What are you? You’re good at martial arts!”
“I never said I wasn't.”
“Then why did you come here as a newbie?”
“So I can live longer. If I fight too well, won't I have to face the masters?”
Jeong Dae wore an incredulous expression but didn't press further. He offered his thanks with a sincere gaze.
“Thank you. I lived because of you.”
“Then will you move me to a better bed?”
“I’ll swap mine with yours.”
He was truly moved. He had survived this long, and the war was nearing its end. If he had died today from a dagger thrown by someone he didn't even see, he wouldn't have been able to close his eyes in peace.
Geom Mu-geuk examined the fallen corpses. “Are these men a patrol team as well?”
“No. Patrol teams implicitly avoid each other even if they cross paths.”
It was a mutual survival strategy born out of the war.
“Then why would these men be out here at this time of night?”
Jeong Dae shook his head, looking puzzled. “But they don't use illusions or sorcery.”
“Only the high-level masters of the Divine Will Palace use formations and illusions. The enemies aren't just from the Divine Will Palace, and even within it, the lower-ranking warriors use standard martial arts. Come, let’s get back quickly.”
Then, Geom Mu-geuk said something unexpected.
“You go on ahead. I’ll go catch that one who got away.”
“It’s dangerous!”
“The Alliance Leader himself is here. We can't just ignore such suspicious movements.”
“I thought you said you wanted to live long? That you hid your skills for that reason?”
“Who knows? Maybe if I achieve a great feat, they’ll let me leave early. Now, go on ahead.”
Geom Mu-geuk dashed into the darkness. Jeong Dae didn't stop him further, as he had realized from the brief fight that Geom Mu-geuk’s skills were far from ordinary.
“Make sure you come back alive!”
This was the reason he hadn't killed the last man—so he could use the excuse of pursuing him to scout the enemy camp. Following the path Jeong Dae had described, he arrived at their encampment. Dozens of tents were pitched around a large central one.
He didn't enter recklessly. If the Palace Master was there, powerful masters would surely be with him.
Geom Mu-geuk activated his New Eye Technique. Although his internal energy had decreased, his immunity to all poisons remained, and he could still use the technique. As he scanned their tents, his gaze stopped at one spot.
“...!”
In that moment, Geom Mu-geuk was stunned.
Now he finally understood. He knew why the Secret Casket had brought him specifically to this place three hundred years in the past.
A certain symbol was drawn at the entrance of the large tent Geom Mu-geuk was looking at. It was a symbol Geom Mu-geuk recognized, but it wasn't the symbol of the Secret Casket.
It was the very symbol that had been carved throughout the passages of the underground gate. The one that had been the key to solving the first gate—the symbol he had speculated might belong to the family that created the gate.
The first clue was finally unraveling.
‘The one who built the underground treasure vault of the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Hall was the Divine Will Palace, the sect that was annihilated.’