The Mark of Bokryong Valley
The ever-calm and serene grounds of the Shaolin Temple had grown slightly bustling.
To outsiders, it might have seemed no different, but to those in the know, it was a monumental shift.
Such a massive incident had unfolded right on Shaolin's doorstep.
In the past few decades—no, centuries—even amid invasions by unorthodox forces or wars within the Central Plains martial world, Deungbonghyeon had always remained safe.
Because of Shaolin.
No one had dared to stir trouble in Shaolin's own home.
Shaolin was that formidable, its mere existence a guarantee of safety.
But that faith had been shattered.
Deungbonghyeon was plunged into chaos, and Shaolin into even greater turmoil.
It was a resounding alarm bell for Shaolin, which had long shunned the secular world and secluded itself on Song Mountain.
In the abbot's chamber of Shaolin.
This deeply secluded and quiet space within the temple was abuzz for the first time in ages.
The young novice monks assisting the abbot bustled about, serving the guests.
Besides Geomwang and Woo-gang, there was one unexpected figure in the chamber.
Sa Ma-gang himself, who had come to take direct command of the situation after reports confirmed the severity of the Deungbonghyeon incident.
Woo-gang paid Sa Ma-gang no attention, and Sa Ma-gang returned the favor.
With Woo-gang and Sa Ma-gang—their relationship undeniably awkward—in the same room, the atmosphere in the chamber grew even heavier.
Pour, pour, pour.
Only the sound of tea being poured by Shaolin's abbot, Sim Yeon, broke the silence.
Everyone received their teacups from Sim Yeon, but no one took the first sip.
They merely caressed the cups or stared into them, lips firmly pressed shut.
"This incident..."
In the end, it was Sim Yeon who spoke first.
"It is our Shaolin's failing."
Geomwang looked at him at Sim Yeon's words.
"Abbot, this is not a place for blame. It's for discussing what lies ahead."
"I know well. But to move forward, we must reflect on the past. Shaolin has been too complacent. We've grown complacent, thinking, 'We are Shaolin.' That mindset birthed this disaster."
"The Murim Alliance will handle the aftermath properly. Don't worry on that front."
Sim Yeon shook his head with a benevolent smile at Sa Ma-gang's words.
"That too is Shaolin's burden to bear. We're grateful for the Alliance's aid, but we'll resolve it ourselves as much as possible."
"Isn't that what the Murim Alliance is for? In return, please take the future threats more seriously. This isn't a passing event—it's the beginning. Those threatening the martial world are stirring. We need Shaolin's power."
Sim Yeon nodded at Sa Ma-gang's words.
"I wholeheartedly agree. Shaolin will open its eyes and ears wider and turn its gaze to the secular world once more."
"Thank you."
"No need for thanks. We're merely returning to our roots."
Sa Ma-gang took a sip of tea, visibly relieved at the abbot's words.
Though this incident had occurred, Shaolin was still Shaolin.
Whatever might come next, a reawakened Shaolin was worth a heavenly army of a million.
The Deungbonghyeon disaster was the pinnacle of misfortune, but it had spurred Shaolin to rise—a blessing in disguise.
"Found anything during the cleanup?"
Geomwang asked Sa Ma-gang.
Sa Ma-gang's expression darkened again.
"Only one thing."
"One thing's better than nothing. Out with it."
"A Bokryong Valley insignia was found on a corpse amid the inn's rubble."
At the words Bokryong Valley, Geomwang and Sim Yeon froze simultaneously.
"Did you say Bokryong Valley just now?"
"Yes."
"Amitabha."
"Hah! What madness grips the world!"
Sim Yeon chanted a Buddhist invocation, while Geomwang let out a sigh.
Woo-gang, clueless, merely frowned slightly, glancing between them.
"Bokryong Valley—a group that terrorized the Central Plains long ago. But we must verify if those you faced were truly from there."
Sa Ma-gang gave a brief explanation of Bokryong Valley.
But it fell short of capturing their full horror.
They left nothing but dust in their wake, wielding unimaginable might.
Their unstoppable advance had plunged the Central Plains martial world into crisis, with devastating losses.
Though the martial world had weathered many storms, back then, the fear was palpable—that Bokryong Valley might crush it entirely.
Yet for some reason, they vanished without a trace.
Like a relentless waterfall suddenly halting.
And now, traces of that vanished Bokryong Valley had resurfaced.
"So the Flame King's disappearance and the fake Ak So-cheon are all tied to Bokryong Valley?"
"We can't say that yet. All we've confirmed is the Flame King's vanishing links to his sect. If Bokryong Valley has truly revived, we need to check if they're allied—or if something else is at play."
Geomwang sighed softly at Sa Ma-gang's response.
"I can't make sense of it all."
Sa Ma-gang nodded in agreement.
His mind was a tangle, refusing to sort itself.
"Your instincts matter here."
Geomwang turned to Woo-gang.
"No one here has faced Bokryong Valley firsthand. Legends may exaggerate ancient tales, but it's fact they nearly annihilated the Central Plains martial world. Direct comparison's impossible, but if they've revived, they're still formidable."
Woo-gang shook his head at Geomwang's words.
"If Bokryong Valley were truly that strong, those I fought weren't from there."
"Why think that?"
"I'm unscathed, aren't I?"
"Hm..."
Geomwang let out a low groan at Woo-gang's reply.
It made sense upon reflection.
The shock of "Bokryong Valley" had clouded judgment, but if they were genuine, Woo-gang wouldn't be without a scratch.
And he'd safely extracted Ak So-cheon too.
Geomwang glanced at Sa Ma-gang, who nodded.
"Fair point. Not dismissing him—if they were real Bokryong Valley, young Yeom Woo-gang here would be laid out after facing several. And they wouldn't have died from a collapsing building. I lost my composure."
Geomwang and Sim Yeon sighed in relief together at Sa Ma-gang's words.
"You must stay calm at all times. If your judgment falters, we'll bleed rivers in a real crisis."
"I know."
Sa Ma-gang replied curtly.
"They're masters of impersonation, so they might be faking Bokryong Valley."
Geomwang frowned at Woo-gang's words.
"But why Bokryong Valley of all things? What do they gain?"
Sa Ma-gang fielded that one.
"Assume they succeeded. 'Bokryong Valley revives, claims Sword King and Flame King's disciples.' That alone would sow chaos—no, terror—across the Central Plains martial world."
"A ploy to shake the martial world?"
"What else? Greater chaos means bigger gaps to exploit."
Geomwang scowled at Sa Ma-gang's answer.
"They're playing every angle, those bastards."
"We'll dig into that angle hard. But Ak So-cheon is key. They went this far to kill him—he holds vital clues."
"The delay was unforeseen, so we hurry. Sigh... hope nothing like this happens en route."
"It will. And they know your skills, Sword King senior, and Yeom Woo-gang's. They'll plan accordingly."
Geomwang sighed deeply at Sa Ma-gang's words.
"What a pain in my old age."
"If you're truly worried, I can assign your son."
"No need."
Sa Ma-gang smirked at Geomwang's retort, then spoke.
"Figured as much, so I've made other arrangements. No worries."
"Other arrangements?"
"You'll see upon departure. I've notified the Dang Family too—they'll come farther to greet you."
"Got it. We'll know soon enough. Abbot."
"Speak."
"We must take our leave. One final plea."
"Speak."
"Don't blame yourself too harshly for this."
Sim Yeon met Geomwang's gaze.
"But let it wound your pride. How lightly they must view Shaolin to pull this here?"
Geomwang offered stern counsel.
Yet Sim Yeon's expression remained unchanged.
"Of course. This monk is a disciple of Buddha, but also a warrior. A warrior without wounded pride is no warrior. Everyone at Shaolin feels the same."
Sim Yeon's smile faded slightly, revealing the fierce blaze in his eyes.
Seeing it, Geomwang nodded, reassured.
Those eyes burned too hot for a mere monk.
Not long after descending Song Mountain and setting off for Sichuan again, the true nature of Sa Ma-gang's "arrangements" revealed itself.
"Sending more escorts?"
Blocking Woo-gang's group's path were Han Seo-yeon and Bing Palace warriors.
After leaving the Murim Alliance for their own investigations, they'd come at Sa Ma-gang's request following this incident.
"Long time no see."
"Heard there was trouble, but glad you're all intact."
"Can't afford to die or get hurt here."
Han Seo-yeon smiled at Woo-gang's reply and turned to Geomwang.
"Greetings, Sword King. I am Han Seo-yeon, young lord of Bing Palace."
"No need for names—the chill radiating off you says it all. Joining us to Sichuan?"
"At the literary leader's request."
"That guy sends my own kin away and foists guests on me."
"Wouldn't that feel awkward?"
Han Seo-yeon glanced at Woo-gang as she spoke, and Geomwang nodded.
"Fair enough. Stay sharp, all the same. They're no pushovers."
"Of course. Looking forward to traveling together."
Han Seo-yeon bowed to Geomwang once more, and so their companionship began.