Inevitability Born from Coincidence (3)
Namgung Shin, dispatched to scout Bagong Mountain, received a piece of covert intelligence from the Beggar Sect. It concerned the demonic path sect that had nurtured the Anhui Blood Bow—and was teeming with such figures.
Upon reviewing the Beggar Sect's detailed report, Namgung Shin immediately requested reinforcements from the Namgung family headquarters. Though the exact extent was unclear, he knew their martial prowess was on another level compared to ordinary mid-sized sects.
Secret sects unknown to the martial world. Mysterious organizations. There were more of them than one might think. Just as the saying went, "There are as many hidden hermits as grains of sand in the world," the rivers and lakes hid countless sects that never revealed themselves publicly.
Namgung family head Namgung In sensed this was no ordinary matter and dispatched two elders along with three martial squads. That level of force could sweep away most mid-sized sects in less than half a shichen. It was a testament to how gravely Namgung In viewed the situation.
And rightly so. The Anhui Blood Bow had annihilated Jinjian Gate. Jinjian Gate was a sect praised by all. In northern Anhui, it even enjoyed greater prestige than the Namgung family, the regional overlords.
With such a sect wiped out, it was only natural for the Namgung family to seek vengeance. Yet five years had passed without even a shadow of the Anhui Blood Bow. Now, the Beggar Sect had handed them this tantalizing lead. They couldn't let it slip away.
Namgung In intended to use this chance to revitalize Anhui's atmosphere and etch his family's name into the annals of the world. The source was the Beggar Sect—an unimpeachable endorsement. There was no reason to hesitate.
Thus, the Namgung reinforcements headed for Gwanil Valley's main base at Mount Tai in Shandong.
* * *
"I sealed his dantian beforehand in case he caused trouble en route. Just transport him like this."
"You've had a hard journey."
The Huangfeng Pavilion agent's tone had shifted. And for good reason. Myeong Heo-rim had already been counted among the Twin Dragons and Three Peaks, a peak master. Now that he'd even cultivated demonic arts, his prowess went without saying.
Yet Yeon Hojeong had subdued such a high master without a single injury. It was astonishing martial might.
"Oh, and relay this message to Moyong family head."
"What shall I say?"
"Tell him I've received his gift with thanks. And that he should look forward to my return gift."
"Is that all?"
"More than enough."
"Understood."
"You've worked hard. Off you go."
"Very well."
After sending off the Huangfeng Pavilion agent, Yeon Hojeong headed straight for the inn.
"Hm? You're not asleep?"
Muk Bi sat awkwardly in one corner of the room.
"Couldn't sleep..."
"You've barely slept properly for days, right? What about food?"
"......"
"You haven't eaten either?"
"It didn't cross my mind..."
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"Let me ask you one thing."
"Yes?"
"Do you want to become a martial artist of the rivers and lakes?"
This question was crucial. Yeon Hojeong hoped Muk Bi would join him. Even setting aside their past ties, her strength was indispensable. But if she chose not to walk the martial path, he planned to let her go cleanly. It would be regrettable, but unavoidable.
Better to seek out those with potential than cling to the unwilling.
Muk Bi shook her head.
"I... haven't decided yet."
"Wrong."
"Huh?"
"You need to decide that right now. No choice."
"Why, why?"
"Because I am a martial artist of the rivers and lakes."
"......"
"You've learned martial arts, but you're not quite one yet. Why? Because you have no conflicts with any sect or warrior in the world. If you wanted, you could head to any village right now, till the fields, and live peacefully."
"......"
"But if you follow me, that's not an option. I'm a martial artist. And I'm fighting tooth and nail to avert the calamity that will befall the world one day."
The world. Calamity. Grand words indeed. Anyone else saying them might earn a scoff. But Muk Bi didn't mock him. Yeon Hojeong's expression was utterly serious. His voice, carried on the air, brimmed with power and dignity. No one could laugh. No one should laugh.
"I need strength. The power to protect everyone. But it's not a peace I can achieve alone, no matter how strong. Still, I won't force my knowledge of the future on the world. They wouldn't believe it anyway."
"I, I..."
"If you want a normal life free of the martial world, I'll support you in every way. I have that much ability."
It was a choice imposed by another. But that was reality. The moment she joined hands with Yeon Hojeong, she'd plunge into the world of martial beasts. A realm where death could come at any time, from trivial quarrels sparking sect wars, wounded pride claiming lives, or assassinations without grudge.
And yet. A world bound by countless ties, yet free of them all. Where heroes stake their lives on small favors, and even blood enemies might find forgiveness. A realm of romance.
If she chose normalcy, no need to stay with Yeon Hojeong. But to live in the martial world, she'd walk with him. At least for now.
"I know it's unfair, forcing this on someone who hasn't truly lived. But you must. I believe you can decide based on reflecting on your life so far."
Muk Bi's eyes trembled as she looked up at Yeon Hojeong. But only briefly. The dazed focus sharpened, the wavering gaze steadied. With a deep breath to calm herself, she spoke softly.
"I'm an archer. I learned the basics of poetry, rites, and conversation, but that doesn't change what I am."
"Is Gwanil Valley your enemy?"
The abrupt question drew an immediate response.
"Yes. More than enough."
"I won't pry why. Nosy business. Let me ask again. Can you live in this world bearing the power your enemies gave you?"
For the first time, something like a smile touched Muk Bi's lips.
"Without slaying them myself, even borrowing others' hands?"
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
"What does that matter?"
"It means nothing."
"Haha."
A refreshing retort. Yeon Hojeong laughed heartily, without pretense.
"So, there's a world fit for an archer?"
"No matter the reason, my life was meant to reach the pinnacle. And the life for me isn't tilling fields or reading books."
Yeon Hojeong extended his hand with a grin.
"I'll convince you. So you never leave my side, so you'll stay with me forever."
Muk Bi took his hand.
"But don't kill my curiosity. Not that you could."
Grasping Yeon Hojeong's hand, Muk Bi rose.
Gurgle.
"Ah..."
Muk Bi flushed red. Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.
"Manage your insides before choosing your life. True martial artists maintain peak condition in any situation."
"Got it."
"And you... how long since you bathed?"
"......Do I smell?"
"Thought you were a savage."
Her neck turned crimson. True enough, since leaving Bagong Mountain, she'd been too distracted to wash.
"Eat first, bathe thoroughly, sleep like the dead I beat you like, then we'll go. Good work."
"No, it's fine."
"Can you drink?"
"Drink?"
"Nope. Fine, just food then."
"Ah, no. I'll wash first."
"Do that."
As Muk Bi stepped out, she glanced at the windows lining the corridor. The cloudless sky looked refreshingly clear. Birds soared freely in flocks, unbound by anything.
Gazing blankly at them, tears welled in Muk Bi's eyes. Memories flooded back—short, intense, seared into her like a brand.
A genius talent recognized, her life consumed by grueling training akin to torture. She never wanted to kill, yet trembled under those who forced her to. But that wasn't what she desired.
She craved freedom, a human life. She loathed the elders who said a Divine Archer unworthy of life should die on the spot.
In the end, her self-hating siblings perished, leaving her utterly alone, ignorant of it all. Aching loneliness. She hated venturing into the world. Wanted to retreat to some mountain and live with nature.
But she couldn't. She sensed she'd shatter that way. Though despair and solitude threatened to break her mind, she knew smiling forward would reveal a future.
Brother, sisters. I'm sorry. But I'll try living earnestly, just once.
Surviving alone felt sinful. Yet she wouldn't stop. Taking a deep breath, Muk Bi forced a bright smile.
"I'll live cooler than anyone. More than anyone."
Then the door opened, and Yeon Hojeong called.
"What're you doing? Don't stink up the hall—go wash."
Muk Bi shrieked unwittingly.
"Quiet down!"
The next dawn.
"Ready?"
"Yes."
"Good. Time to move."
"Where to?"
"Was planning to head to Zhejang to meet someone, but first, home."
"Home?"
"Yeah. Hot meal, good rest, regroup, then out."
"Ah..."
"What? Hands itching already? Dying to draw your bow?"
"No. Just... going home."
"Don't worry. My father's quiet but good. My brother's so kind, you'll fit right in."
"O-okay."
"By the way..."
Yeon Hojeong eyed the hornbow slung on Muk Bi's back.
"String looks tighter."
Muk Bi nodded.
"My internal energy surged lately, so I must've overdone the tension."
"Hmm. I see."
Yeon Hojeong didn't ask how her energy had grown. He glanced at his own axe. The blade was scarred and chipped from their devastating exchanges. The shaft unbroken was a miracle. And at its end—no ring.
He'd have to source that separately anyway, but who knew what else he might find.
"Gotta stop by a smithy on the way. Time to gear up properly."
Much was still lacking. Martial arts, weapons—nothing complete. Preparations against Saneumgyo hadn't even begun.
Now it started. The first step to halt the mad advance of Saneumgyo—no, the Three Mad Sects.
The Black Dark Emperor who once ruled the black path disguised himself as Bi-san's young lord, preparing for the future.
Family he never had before, comrades met far sooner than expected—they'd give wings to this tiger's back.
History rewriting itself utterly unlike the past. Yeon Hojeong prayed fervently that the new path he forged would lay the foundation for a peaceful tomorrow.