Chapter 26: Confessions of the Past and a Path Forward
A moment later, in a secluded spot deep in the forest, Ju Son-hak let out a long sigh and began to speak.
"After sending you and your brother off, I fled in the opposite direction. During a fierce battle, I fell off a cliff—that's how I survived. I treated my wounds nearby and made inquiries, eventually learning that your brother had escaped safely. I searched for him for several years before giving up and hiding ever since. What about you?"
"I headed straight down that path all the way to Guangdong. I hid deep in the mountains near Shaozhou."
"I see. I never imagined your brother had gone as far as Guangdong. It's such a long way."
"But how did you end up with Cheong-ho Bang?"
"A long time ago, I happened to save the family of the bangju. Five years ago, we ran into each other by chance, and I've been with them since."
"What about Uncle?"
"I know all about him, but don't worry. He knew from the start, and he treats me like a little brother. Besides, if he were going to report us, he would've done it ages ago. What good would it do now?"
Gong Ya-seong breathed a sigh of relief.
"You're right. If he's kept it hidden for five years, he's in just as much danger."
"More importantly, why are you here? And why are you traveling with that young friend of yours?"
"Things just turned out that way."
Gong Ya-seong gave a brief rundown of recent events.
Ju Son-hak's eyes grew wider and wider.
"Heavens! To think that kid came up with all that. I can hardly believe it."
He knew there had been major upheavals in the martial world lately, but he'd assumed his nephew was behind them. After all, his nephew had been hailed as a prodigy even among the gathered talents of Yi-suk. But to learn it had all come from Mu Yun's mind...
"It's true. I just carried it out."
"Incredible!"
Gong Ya-seong added one more detail.
"His medical skills are no joke either."
"What do you mean by that?"
"He's on par with me when it comes to herbs and diagnosis. Not treatment or procedures, though."
Gong Ya-seong elaborated further.
After a moment's thought, Ju Son-hak's gaze deepened. He could guess why his nephew was explaining Mu Yun in such detail.
"Are you thinking of sticking with him?"
"At first, I figured I'd stay just a bit, but the more I see, the more I think he's solid."
"That impressive? Enough for you to follow him?"
"He's worth watching."
Ju Son-hak's expression grew sterner.
They're both in danger.
Now that the Somen family had taken notice, the conclusion was clear—for his nephew's sake, and Mu Yun's too.
"Even if I leave, if they investigate here, they might uncover you. That would put your friend in danger too. What will you do?"
Gong Ya-seong thought long and hard, then let out a deep sigh. No matter how he racked his brain, he couldn't find another option.
"It might be best if you leave."
"...!"
A short while later, Ju Son-hak came face-to-face with Mu Yun.
"First things first: I'm no demonic cultist."
"I believe my friend."
"Thank you for that. But the ones who framed us are enormous—a force no one can touch. Our best option is to leave. Staying longer will only put you in danger too."
"I'd like to hear the full story first."
"The more you know, the greater the risk to you. We should stop here."
The root solution was proving they weren't demonic cultists. Since Mu Yun was in a similar bind, he decided to ask about that first.
"Is there no way to prove you're not a demonic cultist?"
Ju Son-hak's sigh deepened.
"Demonic arts come in all varieties. To examine someone of my level, you'd need the upper echelons of the Murim Alliance's Demonic Extermination Squad. Anything less, and the world won't believe it."
"Then let's do that."
Ju Son-hak voiced the concern he'd been mulling over. He'd had no intention of revealing more at first, but his nephew Gong Ya-seong had persuaded him.
—If you don't tell him at least that much, he'll investigate on his own. That'll make things even more dangerous.
—You're already that close?
—Yes.
—...!
"That's not the issue. The moment I come forward, they'll block the investigation and brand me a demonic cultist on the spot. It's child's play for them."
Mu Yun's eyes gleamed. Words that hinted at the enemy's identity.
The orthodox sects.
After a moment's reflection, combining today's talk with recent events, a suspicion crystallized.
If an orthodox sect framed non-demonic cultists as such, and it involved a physician... Demonic arts research?
It had been nearly a year since arriving in this era a millennium later. He'd been about to look into demonic arts anyway—to unravel his own entanglement.
Time to confront it.
With Sin-gi Sim-ui Gong at the fifth stage, he could escape anytime. Hiding wasn't the answer anymore. With trustworthy allies confirmed, sharing his situation would enable honest talk.
"I suppose it's my turn to share my circumstances."
"...What do you mean?"
"I'm on the run too, branded a demonic cultist."
For a moment, both men stood speechless, mouths agape.
A while later, Gong Ya-seong, staring in stunned disbelief, finally spoke in a trembling voice.
"You too?"
"Let me explain."
Mu Yun laid out the facts in detail, omitting specifics like Nae-yang and his clan. For their sakes—and his—this was best for now.
Soon, Gong Ya-seong's complex gaze met Mu Yun's.
Fate, perhaps.
He'd thought his pain unique in the world. No one to confide in, no one to cling to. Just bury it deep inside. Yet the comrade he'd deemed a kindred spirit bore the same wound.
This must be the joy of shared suffering.
Resolved, Gong Ya-seong decided to reveal everything. Mu Yun had veiled his clan out of consideration for their ignorance; having received trust first, he owed the full truth.
"My father was the head of Gong Ya Yi-suk in Jangsa. One day, people from the Five Great Orthodox Families came calling."
"...?"
Gong Ya-seong's bitter explanation unfolded.
Gong Ya Yi-suk. Thirty years ago, the finest physicians of Hunan had gathered there. One day, emissaries from the Five Great Families secretly proposed creating a medicine to treat demonic cultists—and even eradicate them. The head, Gong Ya Ji-myeong, accepted, seeing it as a righteous cause for the world.
As research progressed with results, among the demonic cultists sent for study were some from orthodox sects. At first, it seemed personal greed, but Gong Ya Ji-myeong later learned it was a clan directive.
The Five Great Families had been secretly researching demonic arts, needing Gong Ya Yi-suk's medical expertise to treat flawed practitioners. The main focus: eliminating side effects during cultivation.
In other words, not eradication, but refinement for study.
Upon this revelation, after much anguish, Gong Ya Ji-myeong destroyed the research materials and elixirs. With his sworn brother Ju Son-hak's help, he fled with his son Gong Ya-seong.
Gong Ya-seong continued with a wry smile.
"We got separated from Uncle during the escape. After hiding in the Guangdong mountains, Father passed away, leaving me to wander alone."
Questions about demonic arts could wait. So could the Five Great Families' deeds. The priority was Somen family.
A firm hypothesis emerged.
If they truly suspected, they wouldn't stop at this.
They'd have mobilized everything. Yet half a year after the assassin incident, no further action meant mere probing, not conviction.
Handle Ju Son-hak properly, and the issue vanishes—no need to send Gong Ya-seong away. Plus, a chance to learn about demonic arts.
Having sorted his thoughts, Mu Yun spoke.
"The Somen family is probably just fishing. How about this?"
"How?"
"If the vice bangju dies, it cleans everything up nicely."
Ju Son-hak blinked.
"...Me?"
"Faking your death in a fight with me would raise more suspicion otherwise. I have a hideout in mind."
Gong Ya-seong immediately thought of one.
"Eun-gwang?"
"Safe in the mountains, with plenty of spots to hide if needed."
After some thought, Ju Son-hak nodded too. He had an addition.
"Cutting off the tail as you say is best. I have a prepared identity: a shadowy figure called Jong-sa-gwi, whose death no one knows of. With his sword and erotic manual, we can pass me off as him."
"Perfect. Spread a rumor through Haomun, and it's airtight."
"I'll talk to our bangju."
Mu Yun had heard the story but had to ask again.
"Are you sure? With everything ahead?"
"After I saved his family from bandits, he treated me like an older brother. When we reunited and I explained, he wouldn't hear of letting me go—said he'd die too if exposed. That's why we're here. He's like blood kin now."
Mu Yun nodded.
"If you're that close, we can trust him. Let's do it."
"Agreed."
As their detailed discussion wrapped up, Mu Yun's eyes sparkled looking at Ju Son-hak.
Perfect opponent.
Ideal to test his efforts and aid future training. His best prior foe was Yeon Sa-gu, fresh into peak Jeol-jeong mid-stage. His own Che-gi Bal-gyeong realm from two months ago equated to Cho-jeol-jeong on lower dantian terms. No better matchup for full power.
Working together ahead meant revealing strength. Plus, maxed hyper-senses made victory possible. Today, though, he'd hold back appropriately.
"One request."
"What?"
"Spar with me."
Ju Son-hak guessed.
"Want to test your skills, eh?"
"Yes."
"Fine. Won't take long."
Mu Yun had to say this.
"Just so you know, I'll fight to win against you, elder."
Ju Son-hak chuckled lightly.
"Haha! Young man, I..."
"You're Cho-jeol-jeong. I know."
Surprise filled Ju Son-hak's eyes. He'd gauged the elder's aura earlier, estimating the realm.
"You know that and still challenge me? You seem freshly past Jeol-jeong yourself."
"Correct."
"Haha! I haven't a clue what you're on about. Explain plainly."
"I have something unique. You'll see."
"...?"
A moment later, facing Mu Yun, Ju Son-hak's gaze sharpened.
Even hiding something, no one mistakes Cho-jeol-jeong for Jeol-jeong and boldly declares victory.
We'll see.
For now, treat him as a warrior.
"Fists?"
"Sword's not ready yet."
"Got it. Come at me."
Mu Yun shut his mouth instead of replying. Better to show, talk later.
Il-bo's advancing stance bridged the gap as they squared off.
Pap!
Ju Son-hak's eyes widened slightly.
Fast!
No novice Jeol-jeong speed. And fists gleaming blue with aura.
But mere surprise at that level. His own sword aura rose, chilling the air with sharp intent.
Sararak!
As the straight-thrust fist split the air with a sonic boom, Ju Son-hak's sleeve fluttered—and sword light flashed.
Papap!
Frost-like sword qi sprayed toward the foe. But the startled one was Ju Son-hak.
Damn!
The blade neared an inch from his body, yet the opponent didn't flinch.
He urgently surged inner power to parry—Mu Yun shifted direction.
Hwiiik! Tadak!
Ju Son-hak stepped back a pace, brows furrowing in fury.
"What was that?!"
"I told you I have something. To do this right, I have to move like that. No need to draw your sword."
So calm a voice—light gleamed in Ju Son-hak's eyes.
"You can dodge?"
"Watch and see."
Ju Son-hak's gaze turned fierce. True or not, no more holding back. If real, counter; if not, a hard lesson.
"Very well."
A storm-like aura erupted from Ju Son-hak's body.
Woo-woong!
“My Friend, the Heavenly Demon”