I'll Kill Them All
Those who heard Ya Mi-ang's words began to believe that Bukjin truly possessed compelling evidence. Their curiosity about the contents recorded within the Ryuyeongseok grew with each passing moment.
Just as Ya Mi-ang was about to play the contents of the Ryuyeongseok before the crowd, Bukjin suddenly spoke.
"One moment, please."
"Hm?"
Dan Sibi turned his head to look at Bukjin. Many others also shifted their gaze to him.
Jo Pacheon sneered, "What's wrong? Are you scared now?"
Bukjin replied calmly, "The contents of the Ryuyeongseok will naturally prove my innocence without me having to offer countless explanations. General Dan, City Lord Im, High Priestess Jin. I ask that only the three of you examine my Ryuyeongseok. If these three verify the records within, my innocence will be proven. Haha, many people here are nitpicking, trying to find fault where there is none, like pulling bones from an egg. And with a mad dog running wild, seeing nothing but its own rage, I simply cannot tolerate it."
"What do you mean by that?" Jo Pacheon demanded angrily. Bukjin had just called him a mad dog.
"My meaning is simple," Bukjin said, glaring at Jo Pacheon. "You are not worthy to see my Ryuyeongseok."
"Are you trying to sneak past this situation by just having a few people look?" Jo Pacheon scoffed.
Bukjin retorted, "What? Are you suggesting that General Dan, City Lord Im, and High Priestess Jin, these three esteemed individuals, lack the competence to pass judgment on me?"
Jo Pacheon was left speechless.
"Very well. Im Bukjin's request is quite reasonable," Dan Sibi replied. "This general will serve as a witness to the outcome of this incident."
At that moment, Im Gun-hyeon flashed beside Dan Sibi, smiling as he said, "Hahaha, they say a hero's potential is evident from a young age, and it seems they were speaking of you. This City Lord will also be a witness, as you requested."
Im Gun-hyeon felt a sense of regret towards Bukjin for various reasons and decided it wouldn't be bad to show him some favor at this opportune moment.
Jin Ju-je also nodded, giving a simple reply. "Agreed."
These three individuals represented the military, the government, and the temple, respectively. They could be said to represent the three most powerful institutions in the Empire. Furthermore, as the highest-ranking figures in their respective domains within Unmong City, their qualifications were more than sufficient.
With these three prominent figures stepping forward, the others naturally fell silent.
Ya Mi-ang handed the Ryuyeongseok she held to Jin Ju-je.
The three influential figures entered the tent with the Ryuyeongseok. Approximately the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn passed, and the three emerged from the tent.
Jo Pacheon's eyes were wide, scrutinizing their expressions. Baek Hae-geum was doing the same. The two disciples from Baekun City seemed to be searching for clues in their faces.
In truth, neither Jo Pacheon nor Baek Hae-geum believed that Bukjin actually possessed a Ryuyeongseok that could prove his innocence.
'What kind of person would record the entire process with a Ryuyeongseok while being pursued and pursuing an enemy?'
But a moment later.
"The contents within the Ryuyeongseok were all unmanipulated facts. This official judges that Im Bukjin is unrelated to the Heavenly Evil God." Dan Sibi declared.
Im Gun-hyeon also nodded and said, "Im Bukjin is innocent."
Jin Ju-je, holding the Ryuyeongseok, added, "This Ryuyeongseok is crucial evidence. This priestess will take it to the Sword Lord Temple for further investigation and verification. Based on the results confirmed here today, student Im Bukjin is innocent and is free to continue participating in the Academic & Martial Arts Competition."
A commotion erupted among the onlookers. The opinions of the three prominent figures were unanimous. Bukjin had been cleared of the charges.
Jo Pacheon's heart pounded with urgency, and his rage surged. He couldn't accept that the perfect opportunity to frame Bukjin with the Heavenly Evil God and strike a decisive blow had been thwarted.
'Is that damned bastard truly the son of a god?'
Jo Pacheon wanted to reassert Bukjin's guilt and find fault, but the problem was that he had no idea what was recorded in the Ryuyeongseok, leaving him with nothing to say. Only then did Jo Pacheon realize what a brilliant move it had been for Bukjin to show the Ryuyeongseok's contents only to the three influential figures.
Baek Hae-geum, standing beside Jo Pacheon, also wore a regretful expression. He was furious that they couldn't deal with Bukjin even in such a perfectly orchestrated situation, and at the same time, he was surprised by Bukjin's caution.
But there was no need to rush. If one painted stroke by stroke, a magnificent masterpiece would eventually be completed. Turning a person from white to black was not something that could be achieved in a short period. Slowly, by splashing mud on his clothes, Im Bukjin would eventually be covered in infamy.
With this outcome, those observing the situation could naturally determine whether Bukjin was innocent or not tonight. Eventually, people began to turn and leave, one by one.
"Let's go."
Baek Hae-geum took Jo Pacheon and departed. The crowd that had gathered also dispersed.
Im Gun-hyeon nodded to Bukjin before leaving. And at some unknown point, Im Ji had already vanished from the scene.
Im Hon approached Bukjin directly, greeted him, and patted his shoulder. Im Hon seemed to want to say something but ultimately turned and left without a word.
"Disperse."
Dan Sibi said little, disbanding the Unmong-wi and sending them back to the military. Jin Ju-je also returned to the temple with Ya Mi-ang.
Now, only the people from the Gyeongmucheong remained, clearing up the remnants of the battle.
Cho Heun approached Bukjin, patted his shoulder, and said worriedly, "It's a good thing your head works well. To have kept the Ryuyeongseok as a trump card! It was a wise move. Otherwise, you wouldn't have returned safely tonight."
Then Im Tae-heo approached Bukjin, smacked him on the head, and said, "You foolish boy! Who on earth have you angered so much that even a Heavenly Evil God would try to harm you?"
Bukjin cowered, looking wronged, and replied, "How should I know? These guys who keep attacking me are completely insane. Perhaps they're just jealous of my outstanding looks?"
Bukjin did not mention that Jo Pacheon was the mastermind behind the Bukhwang Mountain incident.
"If I were you, I wouldn't have pulled out the evidence right away today. Being locked up in the Unmong-wi's prison isn't that hard to endure. I would have gritted my teeth and waited for all the culprits operating behind the scenes to reveal themselves, then presented the evidence to catch them all in one fell swoop. You're still young, so I suppose you haven't thought that far ahead." Im Tae-heo said, giving Bukjin a sly look.
Bukjin replied, dumbfounded, "Principal, I still have to participate in the Academic & Martial Arts Competition."
"Huh? Did you make it into the top 10?" Im Tae-heo exclaimed in great surprise.
Bukjin and Cho Heun, among others, covered their faces with their hands, as if they couldn't possibly stop Im Tae-heo.
'This kind of person is the principal of the 3rd Academy…'
'How can he not know about such an important matter?'
Im Tae-heo, looking embarrassed, mumbled a few more useless words and then left.
Cho Heun and the others escorted Bukjin back to the 3rd Academy to ensure his safety.
"This faceless assassin organization is one of the most vicious assassin groups in the Empire. They exist in all nine great capitals, extending their influence to many large and small cities. The Empire has issued large-scale manhunts several times to eradicate them, but their roots remain. It seems they've been given a mission to kill you, so you'll have a lot of trouble ahead." Cho Heun warned.
Bukjin felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing Cho Heun's words.
'Damn it. They're terrifying bastards. No, this won't do. I need to find a way to kill them all.'
Under the deep night sky.
On top of a tall building, a figure with green hair watched Bukjin and the others. The figure exhaled a murky breath, then soared into the sky like a crow flying through the darkness, disappearing into the distance.
The next day.
It was a clear day with a refreshing breeze. Amidst the relentless and intense schedule of the Academic & Martial Arts Competition, a rare day of truce had arrived. A relaxed atmosphere prevailed.
"Young Master, some unpleasant news has arrived from the city." Butler Wang Chung said early in the morning, looking anxious.
"Someone seems to be spreading rumors that the Young Master is involved with the Heavenly Evil God."
Bukjin replied, "Don't worry about it. This matter has already been jointly proven by the military, government, and temple that I am unrelated to the Heavenly Evil God. So there's no need to fret."
Wang Chung persisted, "But public opinion in the city is turning negative. Many people are slandering the Young Master. If this reaches the ears of the Academic & Martial Arts Competition participants, they might refuse to join your team, even if it means not participating in the team battle..."
Bukjin dismissed it even more casually. "It doesn't matter. The more people who curse me, the more attention I'm getting, and my popularity is still strong. If I can maintain my current popularity, I can continue with advertisements. Hahaha! And as for teammates, I've already decided in my heart. Even if other contestants want to be my teammates, I have no intention of accepting them."
After finishing breakfast, Bukjin headed to the agreed-upon location to meet Mi Yeo-yeon. He had to give her an answer today.
He didn't know if Mi Yeo-yeon had changed her mind or not, but since he had promised to give her an answer, it was only right to do so.
"Mi Yeo-yeon, you should change your mind."
First floor of the Yeollae Inn.
A group of students in 2nd-year academy uniforms sat around a round table, arguing with Mi Yeo-yeon, who was waiting for Bukjin.
"This is my personal business. It's none of yours." Mi Yeo-yeon said, her eyes flashing with a hint of anger.
"Xiao Zhang, don't you think you're being too nosy?"
The boy called Xiao Zhang was the one who had brought this group of 2nd-year students.