Once the Saber Is Drawn
The greatest concern of the Central Plains Murim was fixed upon the movements of the six great families.
With the full truth of the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident officially laid bare before the martial world, everyone was guessing which of the six still concealed a piece of the Cheonhwangdo Map.
"Those damned Namgung bastards…"
Irritation thickened both the expression and the voice of the white-haired old man whose hair was bound neatly behind him. He belonged to one of the Namgung Family's eternal rivals — the Hebei Peng Family, known as the foremost lineage of the saber.
The white-haired elder was none other than Peng Ga-u, Family Head of the Hebei Peng Family and the man called Bukcheon Dowang, the Northern Heaven Saber King.
While Namgung Hu had already passed the seat of family head to his son Namgung Cheonwu, Peng Ga-u still sat firmly upon the throne of the Hebei Peng Family. Ever since the Namgung Family had revealed the truth of the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident, he had felt the weight of countless watching eyes turning toward the Hebei Peng Family.
"Father, set your mind at ease."
A middle-aged man approached Peng Ga-u. With his jutting cheekbones and thick jawline that gave him a fierce, powerful impression, he was Peng Hu, Grand Hall Master of the Honwon Martial Force Hall.
With a soft gurgle he filled the empty cup before Peng Ga-u and set the wine bottle down.
"The Namgung Family may have announced it without consulting anyone, but I do not think this affair is entirely to our disadvantage."
"What do you mean by that?"
"We no longer have any reason to move in secret while searching for the Cheonhwangdo Map, do we?"
"That is one way of looking at it."
"The Namgung Family certainly did not take the map with them. That means the family that secretly stole it from the Baekcheon Sect must be one of the remaining four."
"Of course the Cheonhwangdo Map is important. But that is not the problem right now. Don't you think those who have been eyeing our family have just been handed a perfect pretext?"
Was the Murim not a world of the strong devouring the weak, where a single moment of carelessness or a single exposed opening meant being swallowed whole? Though the prestige of the Hebei Peng Family stood high within Hebei Province, countless rivals still hungered to become the greatest and would gladly tear them down to do so. The instant one turned one's back in complacency, sharp teeth would sink into the throat without hesitation.
"You mean Seok Manor?"
"Exactly. Those people have always regarded our family as a thorn in their side, desperate to become the supreme power in Huabei."
"They will no doubt stir public opinion and refuse to sit quietly this time."
"Knowing them, they are more than capable of it. But unless Seok Manor moves first, we cannot pick a fight ourselves. You know what they are connected to, don't you?"
"I know they maintain close ties with Myeongseon Palace. But if the justification for the fight is clear, even Myeongseon Palace will not dare move recklessly. The moment Seok Manor acts will be our chance to demonstrate our strength."
"You cannot be so certain of that. Myeongseon Palace is neither unorthodox nor truly orthodox. To them, 'justification' is no more than dog shit lying on the ground."
Peng Ga-u shook his head. His son Peng Hu's plan was not a good one.
"If it becomes a burden for the family, Father, you need only step back. I will take the field myself."
"…"
"Or else, under the name of the Northern Heaven Saber King, do not leave unpunished those who dare provoke our family."
Peng Hu's gaze was clear and decisive.
Hah. So he has already decided to fight if the chance presents itself.
The spark had been struck by the Namgung Family. Or perhaps it had been lit the very moment the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident itself was set in motion.
Peng Ga-u spoke in a hard voice.
"Once you draw the saber, you must cut down even your own life if death does not stand in your way."
"I know that well, Father. I am concerned, yes, but our family's strength is greater now than it has ever been."
"Naturally."
A ferocious force began to boil up through Peng Ga-u's frame. Once the Hebei Peng Family decided to move, it never stopped.
"If we are going to begin, we must first find the family that secretly stole the Cheonhwangdo Map from the Baekcheon Sect."
"Do you have a suspect in mind?"
"Heh. Nothing certain. But there is a place I find suspicious."
"…!"
This was the first Peng Hu had heard of it. Never once until now had his father mentioned that any particular family had drawn his suspicion.
"Only the family heads entered the Baekcheon Sect. The sect master claimed he knew nothing at all. He even threatened to petition the Wulin Alliance, and in the end the Namgung Family left first. I still felt a lingering regret and meant to search one last time before departing myself. While I was searching, someone suddenly announced that they had found the sect master's secret chamber. And there was one man who entered that place before anyone else."
"Who was it?"
"The Family Head of the Moyong Family."
"Moyong…? Did he find the Cheonhwangdo Map? Did you search his body?"
"He offered to be searched first. Nothing of any kind was found, so I could not detain him further. After that he declared there was nothing more to find and left the Baekcheon Sect. The Moyong Family is known for its tenacious nature. There was no reason for them to leave so abruptly, and I found it strange — yet I had no justification to hold them."
"That is indeed suspicious. The Moyong Family would have remained until they found something."
"I thought the same. And the very next day, the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident occurred."
Peng Ga-u paused a moment before continuing.
"If I had to name one among the six families, I am certain it would be the Moyong Family."
"So that is why… you planted a spy within the Moyong Family?"
Only then did Peng Hu understand. For a long time his father had poured his heart's blood into winning over someone from the Moyong Family.
"Precisely. That was the reason."
"Then we have our most likely target. As expected of you, Father. What should we do now?"
"We must force the Moyong Family to show an opening. First we should call a gathering so that all six families meet in one place. If we prod them carefully there, a gap may appear. Don't you agree?"
"Yes. We can send word that a meeting is needed to discuss the matter of the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident."
Just as Peng Hu was about to rise from his seat, Ha Ujo, the Escort Captain, approached.
"What is it?"
"Hall Master, a letter has arrived from the Namgung Family addressed to the Family Head."
"From the Namgung Family?"
Peng Hu accepted the letter and immediately passed it to Peng Ga-u.
As he unfolded the letter and read, a smile curved Peng Ga-u's lips.
"Keh-keh-keh. So the Namgung Family Head has had the same thought as us."
"What do you mean, Father?"
"Word has come that he wishes the six families to gather once more. He means to shake them down thoroughly, no doubt."
"That works well for us."
"Indeed. The place is the Zhuge Family Residence, on the first day of next month."
"The first of the month — we still have ample time."
"They have carefully calculated enough time for the Moyong Family to arrive as well."
"Will you accept the Namgung Family Head's proposal?"
"Of course we must meet. Send a reply by swift dispatch that we accept the Namgung Family Head's intent."
"I will see it done at once."
Peng Ga-u looked at Peng Hu once more.
"While I am away at the Zhuge Family, Seok Manor may decide this is their chance and move."
"Do not worry. The moment they act, I will make them regret it."
Peng Hu raised his voice with full confidence.
I've been found.
Dokjeonhwa moved in urgent haste. All the way across the mountain range he had been as careful as he could, yet at some point he began to feel pressure closing in from every direction. He wanted to identify his pursuers, but they only followed in concealment, never showing themselves.
As time passed, the presence of those following him only multiplied. He could now draw upon a measure of his inner energy again. Sadly he was still in no condition for a proper fight, but he was certain he could at least use his movement arts well enough to break free of the tail.
Yet the longer he kept moving, the stronger the pressure became.
The encirclement is tightening.
He raced on, but it was clear that the entire net was shifting with him as one.
Damn it… the Beggars' Sect? Or another assassin hall?
Had they meant to show themselves, they would already have done so. Instead the pursuers never appeared ahead of him; they only kept closing the circle as they moved. Dokjeonhwa thought he understood why.
They're waiting for me to exhaust myself.
That meant he could not stop to conserve his strength. The moment he did, they would strike. So Dokjeonhwa had no choice but to keep moving — a true dilemma of advance and retreat.
First I need to slip into a town and hide my presence.
He unfurled his movement arts and sped toward the nearest village.
"Heh. Wolyeonggwangheun knows how to use his head. Planning to lose himself among a crowd of people, is he…? We'll see whether that works out the way he hopes."
A middle-aged man whose dry, brittle hair hung down past either side of his jaw muttered to himself. He was Bu Jung, Branch Leader of the Hwanggang Branch, who had received word that Wolyeonggwangheun had entered Hubei Province.
A subordinate hurried up to him.
"Branch Leader, word is that he is heading for Gwakshan County."
"Not bad at all. Already as far as Gwakshan… but that place is already prepared. Isn't that so?"
"Your prediction was correct, Branch Leader. You said at once that he would come into a crowded town rather than the deep mountains."
"Hahaha! Send a yellow urgent dispatch. We will seal Gwakshan completely and take Wolyeonggwangheun!"
"Yes, sir!"
Uncheon shifted the bundle on his shoulder behind him and carefully followed the Beggars' Sect disciples. Suddenly the surrounding presences began to move with far greater speed.
So they've found his trail.
The saying that beggars of the Beggars' Sect were scattered across every corner of the Central Plains was no empty claim. Uncheon decided to follow them and respond as the situation demanded. One thing was certain: the man had been encircled by the Beggars' Sect.
Hmm… how am I supposed to get him out of this?
With the Beggars' Sect as the other party, rushing in blindly would be a heavy burden. In particular, he had no proof that Yu Gonggae was trying to kill the man. No one in the Beggars' Sect would believe a word he said, and if he rescued Dokjeonhwa right in front of them, trouble between the sects was inevitable. The Beggars' Sect was not some minor school — they would have more than enough leverage to make trouble for a great family. And yet he could not simply stand by and let the man die.
If I hadn't read his thoughts, I wouldn't even have to care about this.
Uncheon grumbled inwardly, but his body still followed the Beggars' Sect disciples toward Gwakshan.
Dokjeonhwa entered the town and at once cut swiftly into the crowded marketplace.
Somewhere… I need a place to hide.
He scanned his surroundings carefully as he slipped between people.
The Beggars' Sect…?
Almost at once he spotted beggars sitting along the roadside turning their heads as if searching for someone.
What now?
If he had not been branded a public enemy of the Murim, he would have revealed himself to the Beggars' Sect of his own accord. But he had been marked as the one who killed Yeo Jugae.
If I meet them and tell them honestly that I didn't kill him, would they believe me?
Dokjeonhwa found a house that seemed deserted and moved toward it at once. Without making a sound he slipped inside. The place looked as if its occupants had been gone for a long time; a light blow against the wall might have brought it down.
…Here, at least for a while, I can hide without being found.
When he opened the door, the stench of rotting mold rose to meet him, but Dokjeonhwa sat down with a look of relief. Catching his breath, he peered out from within. The house stood a little way off the roadside; unless someone walked right in, they would never find him.
He let himself fall backward onto the floor. All the way down to Gwakshan he had forced his inner energy even though his body was unfit for it. Now his energy was nearly spent. Circulating it, however, would be a risk. If any of the Beggars' Sect disciples were sensitive to qi, he would be discovered.
Will he come looking for me?
The one Dokjeonhwa waited for was the man in the golden mask — the one who had told him the truth of the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident.
He said he could find me no matter where I was.
If it was the golden-masked man, he would be able to resolve this situation.
They've sealed the town. So he's inside it.
From the very entrance Uncheon could feel the Beggars' Sect pressure surrounding the entire village.
If he's in there… he won't be able to escape without a fight.
Stepping into a town where every Beggars' Sect gaze was concentrated was itself a burden. While he watched, he spotted Yu Gonggae moving into the village — the man who intended to kill Dokjeonhwa. Now that he had shown himself, Uncheon would have to enter the town if he meant to help.
Even if I can't get him out, I have to stay close enough to make sure Yu Gonggae can't kill him.
Uncheon unfurled his movement arts and carefully slipped into the village.
Bu Jung, Branch Leader of the Hwanggang Branch, clasped his fists and bowed toward Yu Gonggae of the Filthy Clothes Hall of the Beggars' Sect main branch.
"I pay my respects to Elder Yu Gonggae."
"Bu Jung. It's been a while."
"About three years, I believe. My congratulations on rising to the rank of Five Knots."
"One rises when the time comes. It is nothing worth celebrating. You too, Bu Jung — work a little harder and you will rise as well."
"I will ask for much of your guidance. I will follow diligently."
"Heh-heh-heh. Do that."
As they moved into the village together, Yu Gonggae asked,
"Is it certain that Wolyeonggwangheun is hiding inside the town?"
"It is. Once our sect has laid a siege, there is no escape."
"You've done well. Then we must dig out the rat that is hiding."
"My men are searching already. The rat will show itself soon enough."
"Haha! The very idea of thinking one can slip the eyes of our sect is proof of a dull mind."
Yu Gonggae and Bu Jung entered the village. The townsfolk grew uneasy at the sudden appearance of so many beggars. These were not the ordinary beggars they were used to seeing.
"Are those… beggars of the Beggars' Sect…?"
"Quiet. Call them beggars to their faces and you'll die under a Dog-Beating Staff."
"Ah… I understand…"
They could not even speak properly and could only watch in silence, wondering what was happening. Meanwhile the Beggars' Sect disciples went through the town asking whether anyone had seen a suspicious person. Before long they heard that someone had been seen entering a house that had stood empty for years.
A disciple hurried to Yu Gonggae and reported.
"Elder Yu Gonggae, we believe we have found Wolyeonggwangheun."
"Lead the way at once."
"Yes, sir!"
The front gate exploded with a tremendous crash. Dokjeonhwa, who had been lying on the floor in the inner room, snapped his eyes open and shot to his feet. Pressing his face to a crack in the wall, he looked outside.
Beggars of the Beggars' Sect.
Through the shattered gate, Beggars' Sect disciples poured in.
"Wolyeonggwangheun! We know you are hiding in there! If you do not come out quietly, you will not like what happens next!"
Yu Gonggae's voice rang out.
There was nowhere left to run. Dokjeonhwa opened the door and walked out slowly. For an instant killing intent flashed in Yu Gonggae's eyes and then vanished.
"I am Yu Gonggae, Vice Hall Master of the Filthy Clothes Hall. I will hold you to account for the murder of our sect's Yeo Jugae!"
"I did not kill Yeo Jugae."
"This is not the place for such words. The truth will come out once you are at our headquarters. I will seal your inner energy. Do not resist."
"…"
Dokjeonhwa hesitated at the demand that he surrender his energy. Yet he had no choice but to comply. With his present strength he could not overcome the Beggars' Sect disciples surrounding him.
"Yu Gonggae, I will go with the Beggars' Sect. I was on my way to the sect with Yeo Jugae in any case. There is no need to seal my energy."
"That will not do. Until the culprit is clearly identified, you stand as a murderer. Refusal will do you no good."
Dokjeonhwa knew they would force the seal upon him whether he agreed or not. Yu Gonggae raised his hand to signal the disciples — and at that moment a young man's voice cut in from behind.
"Wait a moment."
Who?
Yu Gonggae frowned as he looked at the young man approaching from the rear.