Chapter 877: Righteousness and Practicality
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 877: Righteousness and Practicality
"Is there... any basis for naming him as the culprit?"
Joo So-yang asked the beggar, her eyes filled with profound gravity.
"Immediately after learning that the Diancang Sect had been annihilated, the Beggar Sect recovered the disciples' bodies and performed autopsies on every single one of them... We intended to find the culprit by analyzing the martial arts used."
The beggar continued in a low, calm tone.
"However, we could find no traces of any martial arts on the corpses..."
"...No traces?"
Joo So-yang’s expression turned incredulous.
If any martial art is used against a person, it invariably leaves a trace. The unique nature of that martial art's energy is etched into the body. To say no traces could be found—what could that possibly mean?
"That is correct. Their internal organs were ruptured, bones shattered, and heads blown apart by sheer, overwhelming force. There was no sign of internal energy or specific techniques."
"I can hardly believe it... How could a human's strength..."
Joo So-yang continued, her voice laced with shock.
The Daoists of Diancang were skilled enough to be called a prestigious sect. To crush such people with raw physical strength alone, without using martial arts, was near impossible. Her astonishment was only natural.
"We found it hard to believe at first as well. Unless Xiang Yu, the man said to have the power to uproot mountains, had returned to life, such a feat should be impossible for a normal human."
The beggar continued steadily.
"But then, our Sect Leader, having heard of the situation, spoke to us. He said there is one man capable of such a bizarre feat."
"Are you referring to Ya Yul-je?"
"Yes. He said it would not be impossible for the Beast King, Ya Yul-je—a man whose body is harder than diamond and who possesses innate divine strength and animalistic movements."
The beggar’s eyes glinted as he spoke.
"But... why him?"
Joo So-yang spoke, her confusion evident.
The Beast King, Ya Yul-je, had completely vanished after his first appearance thirty years ago. He had remained holed up in the Southern Barbarian Lands, never showing his face. Why would such a man suddenly attack, massacre, and annihilate the Diancang Sect? It made no sense.
"I do not know. No matter how much we deliberate, we cannot find a reason."
The beggar shook his head slightly, sounding regretful.
No matter how they looked at it, there was no justification. There was no reason for Ya Yul-je to wipe out the Diancang Sect. While the two groups weren't exactly close, they had maintained a reasonable distance—certainly not a relationship bad enough to warrant a sudden massacre.
"..."
Hearing his words, Joo So-yang fell silent, her face clouded with thought. She began to run through her own deductions as to why the Beast King would make such a choice. But no logical conclusion presented itself.
"How certain are you that he is the culprit?"
"We are more than eighty percent certain."
The beggar from the Beggar Sect replied calmly.
"Phew... It seems I must convene the leadership."
Joo So-yang let out a soft sigh. She realized this was not a matter that could be overlooked.
What are you thinking... Ya Yul-je?
She frowned slightly, contemplating the inscrutable Beast King.
*
Inside a massive, temporary barracks.
The executives and elders representing the Uicheon Alliance stood in silence, their expressions incredibly grim. It was as if they were waiting for someone.
After some time had passed...
Flutter.
The entrance to the barracks fluttered open, and a figure appeared.
An appearance full of grace and dignity. A peerless physique. Even a noble aura that overwhelmed anyone who looked at her. It was Joo So-yang, a woman who naturally suited the title of an absolute ruler.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Entering the barracks, she walked toward the seat of honor without a word.
"I greet the elders and the council. I am Joo So-yang."
Upon reaching the head of the room, she turned and greeted the assembled leadership.
"Before we begin, I wish to offer my deepest apologies for calling this emergency meeting so abruptly."
Joo So-yang bowed her head slightly in apology. Her sincerity was palpable.
"If My Lady calls, of course we must come."
"Indeed. Do not give it a second thought. You wouldn't have called us without a reason."
"That's right. Why offer an apology? Please, raise your head."
The executives and elders didn't seem to mind. They trusted that if Joo So-yang had summoned them, there must be an unavoidable reason.
"Thank you for your broad-minded understanding."
Joo So-yang expressed her gratitude politely. She felt the warmth of the elders who sought to overlook her breach of etiquette.
"Then, let us get to the main point. The reason I have gathered you all here is that there is an urgent matter I must relay."
Joo So-yang looked at them with heavy eyes. The executives' attention focused on her lips, curiosity rising about the nature of this urgent news.
"A request for support has come from the Beggar Sect."
Joo So-yang continued in a calm tone.
"From the Beggar Sect?"
"Why the Beggar Sect?"
"The Nine Great Sects exist; why would they come to the Uicheon Alliance?"
The executives asked, looking puzzled. The Beggar Sect was the 'One Gang' in the 'Nine Sects and One Gang,' the very symbol of the old Murim. They maintained a closer relationship with the Nine Great Sects than any other group. It was baffling that they would seek help from the Uicheon Alliance, which had only just been launched, while bypassing the established sects.
"It seems they requested our support separately because the task is too much for the Nine Great Sects to handle alone."
"What on earth is the matter?"
Lee Se-jin asked, unable to fathom the situation. What could possibly be happening that would make the prideful Nine Great Sects bow their heads and ask the Uicheon Alliance for help?
"They asked for our cooperation in finding the culprit who annihilated the Diancang Sect."
She spoke calmly.
"Wh-What!?"
"Diancang!?"
"No... what does that mean?!"
"Good heavens...!"
Shock began to color the eyes of the executives. It was simply unbelievable. To hear that the Diancang Sect, a pillar of the Orthodox Faction, had been wiped out—what kind of news was this? Their gazes shook violently, some even doubting if they had misheard.
"...My Lady... what... what are you saying? Diancang... has been annihilated?"
Lee Se-jin, the youngest elder who had been listening quietly, spoke up with a bewildered expression. He looked as though he couldn't easily process the words.
"It is difficult to believe, but it is the truth. The Beggar Sect has confirmed it themselves."
"The... the Beggar Sect!?"
"How could this be..."
"Sigh..."
Lamentations and hollow laughter began to break out here and there. In the Murim, the Beggar Sect held the highest credibility regarding information. If the news came from them, the fall of Diancang could not be a lie.
"No, then who exactly destroyed Diancang!"
At that moment, the white-haired Great Elder, Gye Sang-deuk, raised his voice in agitation.
"...It is not yet certain, but based on the circumstances, the Beggar Sect has identified Ya Yul-je as the culprit."
"Ya Yul-je? Are you speaking of Ya Yul-je, the Palace Master of the Southern Savage Beast Palace?"
"I am."
Joo So-yang nodded.
"That's impossible! There is no way a barbarian who hasn't even properly mastered martial arts could kill the Sect Leader, Daoist Tae-seon!"
Gye Sang-deuk shouted, his face still full of disbelief. Daoist Tae-seon, the leader of Diancang, was his close friend. They had met twenty years ago during the Great War of Righteousness and Demons and had maintained a deep friendship ever since. He could not believe that his friend, who had mastered the Sun-Shooting Sword Technique—the pinnacle of speed—had fallen to a mere barbarian.
"Unfortunately... the Beggar Sect says they cannot identify any other suspect... They claim all the circumstances match his characteristics."
Joo So-yang relayed exactly what the beggar had told her.
"...Ya Yul-je."
Grit.
Gye Sang-deuk began to grind his teeth. Rage toward Ya Yul-je surged within him.
"The Beggar Sect intends to contact the Southern Savage Beast Palace to uncover the truth. They have requested support from the Uicheon Alliance—specifically, to dispatch experts to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances."
Joo So-yang continued calmly.
"I would like to hear your opinions on this matter."
She looked around at the elders and executives. She was asking them: should they help the Beggar Sect find the culprit, or should they remain indifferent?
"There is nothing to discuss! We must send support immediately! Diancang is a representative sect of the Orthodox Faction and a comrade of the Uicheon Alliance! How can we stand by when such a sect has been destroyed!"
Gye Sang-deuk began to shout, his excitement peaking. He believed that killing the culprit to appease the souls of Diancang was the very definition of the 'Righteousness' the Uicheon Alliance pursued.
"I oppose this."
Lee Se-jin, who had been listening silently, raised his hand slightly and spoke.
"What!"
Gye Sang-deuk glared at Lee Se-jin as if he wanted to kill him. He didn't like this young man who was suddenly raining on his parade.
"The Uicheon Alliance is an organization that has only just begun. Our regulations, command structure, and revenue streams—nothing has been properly established yet. In such a state, who are we supposed to be helping? This is a time for us to solidify our internal foundation. I believe finding the culprit should be left to the Nine Great Sects."
Lee Se-jin spoke with a composed expression. Currently, the Uicheon Alliance was little more than a hollow shell. While they had grown in size by absorbing the members of the Cheonmu Alliance, their internal substance was severely lacking. How could they help others when they couldn't even take care of themselves? It was nonsensical.
"You brat!!!! Lee Se-jin! Do you dare call yourself a pillar of the Orthodox Faction while saying such things!"
Gye Sang-deuk began to roar, his face flushed with anger. To suggest betraying chivalry for the sake of the organization—what a wicked thought!
"Now, what did I do wrong to deserve that?"
"Did you not just suggest we abandon chivalry for the sake of the organization!"
"I am not suggesting we abandon chivalry. I am saying we should refrain from useless actions."
"Are you saying that finding the culprit who wiped out Diancang is useless!"
"Is it not a task that can be accomplished without the Uicheon Alliance's involvement?"
Lee Se-jin replied in a level tone.
"They asked for our help because it is difficult, did they not?"
"Our thoughts differ. The Nine Great Sects simply need a sacrificial lamb to take the fall in their stead."
"What?"
"They don't want to deplete their own main forces, so they've asked us to go instead. Isn't it obvious?"
Lee Se-jin's eyes flashed coldly.
"...How can a martial artist of the Orthodox Faction be so distrustful of others!"
"It is you who are being naive, Elder. The intention is far too transparent. Even the beggars of the Beggar Sect could find the culprit on their own. Why would they go out of their way to ask us for help? They are asking us to go and die in their place if things go south."
"You little...!"
Thump.
Gye Sang-deuk kicked his chair back and stood up. He looked down at Lee Se-jin with burning eyes, filled with hostility. How could a supposed pillar of the Orthodox Faction make such a hideous accusation?
"Did I say anything wrong?"
Lee Se-jin did not avoid his gaze, meeting it head-on. A silent battle of wills began between the two.
Vroooooom.
"Urgh!"
"Guh..."
Groans escaped both their lips. An incomprehensible, massive pressure had suddenly weighed down on their entire bodies.
"Both of you are too agitated... Let us calm down for a moment."
Joo So-yang’s cold voice rang through the barracks.
"...My Lady."
"...My Lady."
Gye Sang-deuk and Lee Se-jin both realized that the source of the immense pressure crushing them was her.
"I empathize with both of your opinions. As an organization that pursues righteousness, I believe we should actively cooperate in catching the culprit who destroyed our fellow Orthodox comrades. However, I also deeply empathize with the fact that we do not have the resources to spare and cannot afford to give support recklessly."
Joo So-yang continued calmly.
"Your opinions are merely different; neither is wrong. Therefore, I cannot make this decision unilaterally. I do not have the authority to simply override one side... So, I have a proposal. Why don't we decide based on the collective opinion of the elders and executives?"
"Decide collectively?"
Gye Sang-deuk asked, looking confused.
"We will decide by a majority vote."
Joo So-yang spoke with a neutral expression.
"A majority vote?"
"Yes. Since we are at an impasse due to differing views, I believe a majority vote is the most rational way to decide."
Joo So-yang’s voice was steady. The current conflict was a clash between Righteousness and Practicality. It was a situation where one was not necessarily 'wrong,' just 'different.' Thus, she believed a majority vote was the better choice for a rational decision.
"Fine. Every chivalrous man here will surely agree with my opinion anyway."
Gye Sang-deuk spoke with confidence. He was certain everyone would follow his lead.
"I agree as well... Righteousness is important, but I have no desire to act if it means becoming a sacrificial lamb. Anyone with a brain will side with me."
Lee Se-jin also agreed. He didn't think he would lose either.
"Thank you for agreeing. Then, we shall proceed with the vote immediately."
Joo So-yang spoke clearly.
"Those who agree with Elder Gye Sang-deuk’s opinion, please raise your hand."
Joo So-yang looked at the elders and executives, asking for those in favor to signal.
"..."
But no one raised a hand. They simply shifted their eyes, avoiding her gaze.
"No one. Then, those who agree with Elder Lee Se-jin’s opinion, please raise your hand."
Joo So-yang continued.
Raise. Raise. Raise.
Raise. Raise. Raise.
Hands began to go up all over the room. Everyone cast their vote in favor of Lee Se-jin’s opinion.
"Wh-What... How!?"
Gye Sang-deuk looked on in shock. He was stunned by the fact that not a single person had followed him.
"...Elder Gye Sang-deuk’s proposal... has been rejected. According to the principle of majority rule... the Uicheon Alliance will not send support to Yunnan."
Joo So-yang spoke in a low, calm voice. Hearing this, Gye Sang-deuk’s face hardened into a mask of grim determination.
*
After the meeting concluded in the massive barracks.
Two people, one old and one young, faced each other. It was Joo So-yang and Gye Sang-deuk.
"...My Lady, please. Grant me permission."
Gye Sang-deuk bowed deeply, pleading earnestly.
"...Must you really go that far?"
"...Daoist Tae-seon is my old friend... I must uncover the culprit for him."
"...It could be dangerous."
"It is a risk well worth taking."
"...Sigh."
Joo So-yang let out a deep sigh.
"...If you go and something goes wrong, the Uicheon Alliance cannot take any action for you..."
"I am well aware... But even so, I must go."
"...Uncle Gye, you really are stubborn."
Joo So-yang pouted slightly as she spoke.
"Very well... As of today, Elder Gye Sang-deuk is under indefinite disciplinary probation. The charge is... insubordination."
"Thank you. Thank you, My Lady."
Gye Sang-deuk bowed his head deeply in gratitude. He realized she was granting his stubborn request.
"...Don't get hurt... Uncle."
Joo So-yang looked at him with pity as she spoke.
"Do not worry. I haven't trained so poorly that I would be injured by a mere barbarian."
Thump. Thump.
Gye Sang-deuk beat his thick chest. He had no intention of getting hurt, nor did he intend to die. He planned to stay healthy and alive until he saw Joo So-yang—who was like a granddaughter to him—find a good husband and get married.
"Then, I shall take my leave. Please stay healthy until we meet again."
Gye Sang-deuk turned and walked out.
"..."
Joo So-yang watched his retreating back in silence, her gaze filled with deep concern.