#106. Abyssal Wailing Great Journey (5)
"Damn it, strutting around just because they barely scraped by with a dawn exemption!"
Nam Hwaseong of the Three Origins Sect huffed in frustration. It was clear the opponents had made a foolish, idiotic choice, yet for some reason, the irritation refused to fade.
"……."
"……."
This sentiment was shared by the others—no different at all. Especially those who had fixated on Namgung Seonhwa and Seong Moran, who looked effortlessly radiant even as if they'd just rolled out of bed, compared to Ha Yeongyeong, who had dolled herself up extravagantly to seduce the Black Flame Dragon with her charms. Their anger burned even hotter.
"Cheol-hyeong, seeing you flounder over a pretty face makes that rumor about your sharp mind seem like utter bullshit."
Even to Nam Hwaseong's jab, Cheol Sunjik offered no reply.
"……."
"Cheol-hyeong?"
"Yeah?"
"What're you thinking so hard about?"
"Nothing."
Cheol Sunjik replayed the recent events in his mind. He had made the offer, and Namgung Seonhwa and Seong Moran had sent a transmission to Jin Sowoon, seemingly conceding. Anyone would see it as them urging him to pick the Twelve Peaks instead.
In that situation, reluctantly playing along and choosing the Twelve Peaks would have been the natural, obvious course.
But he didn't.
No hesitation whatsoever. Rejected it like it was the most given choice in the world.
Was his sense of justice so strong that he couldn't abandon those who'd fought alongside him? With the number of entry plaques Tae-eul Gate now held, that didn't add up. Predicted entrants: four. Among the lower 108 Peaks sects, plenty couldn't even match that.
Passing up such a chance for loyalty? Even the Shaolin abbot would scoff.
Did he catch on?
The thought inevitably spiraled into absurd suspicions. The plans he'd intended after roping in Tae-eul Gate—solidifying alliances, balancing the 108 Peaks.
Letting four from Tae-eul Gate into the Murim Academy would ripple massively through the 108 Peaks. Chaos would follow, weakening their unity.
Better to offer a fair price, trim their entrants, and strengthen the Peaks' bonds long-term. Elevate the Black Flame Dragon as a Peaks hero, boost Tae-eul Gate's status, and shape opinion that the 108 Peaks truly lead Murim.
Of course, it'd reduce their obligation to hand plaques to Bi-pung Gate and Gwigung Gate too. One stone, three birds.
Yet one word from Jin Sowoon had unraveled it all.
"Problematic."
"What is?"
"Tae-eul Gate."
"I think so too. So damn arrogant."
"Not what I mean. I'm worried the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families will snatch the opportunity the Peaks finally grabbed."
Whether Jin Sowoon was there or not hardly mattered. Heroes could be made anew. But this was the Twelve Peaks' first shot at topping the Nine Great Sects for head admission.
If Jin Sowoon and his shaky crew let the Nine snatch those plaques here, it'd be back to endless waiting.
"But what can we do? They're throwing away their own fortune."
"Even if they refuse, can we shirk our duty? As one of the Peaks, we make them shoulder responsibility."
"How?"
"Send word to Bi-pung Gate and Gwigung Gate—no need to come all the way to Jeongju."
#
"……Why'd you do that?"
Seong Moran's cheeks flushed red as they left the reception room. For some reason.
Did I screw up? I'd thought I'd upheld loyalty properly.
"You keep calling me Black Flame Dragon. What's so great about that nickname?"
"……Young Master Jin."
"Obviously, I wanted to stick with you two."
"……."
"……."
I'd tossed in a joke to lighten the solemn mood, but it only made things more awkward. Were they pissed at the lame pun? Their ears turned scarlet too.
"……I'm not so heartless as to abandon the one who put us in this mess."
"……Even so, given the situation……."
"Besides, you two aren't so worthless I'd trade you for Murim Academy spots."
What if, in the coming Orthodox-Demonic War, the Namgung Family convinced Iron Sword Sect and Moyong Family swiftly? Far better than the sluggish response from his past life.
In that light, Academy entry mattered, but solidifying ties with them was crucial.
"……!"
"……!"
Seong Moran gaped at me wordlessly, and Namgung Seonhwa's expression mirrored hers.
Silence hung briefly.
"I-I won't give up, no matter what."
Namgung Seonhwa suddenly clenched her fists.
"Huh? Isn't that obvious?"
"No matter how tough it gets, I won't complain. No, I won't even think it's tough."
Had their rude behavior fired her up? Seong Moran sighed softly.
"Master Jin really is different. I won't complain about hardship either."
"Really? Good thing. It'll get tougher soon."
"Huh?"
Namgung Seonhwa and Seong Moran's faces twisted anxiously, their enthusiasm dimming.
Didn't they just vow to push harder?
"Didn't you hear? Bi-pung Gate and Gwigung Gate are two days away."
"……Yeah? But how's that make it tougher?"
"Aren't they prime plaque stealers?"
"……."
"So, who's the juiciest prey in their eyes?"
"Uh…… Tae-eul Gate?"
Namgung Seonhwa was dodging reality.
"No. Tae-eul Gate with Namgung, Moyong, and Iron Sword backing it."
Seong Moran, listening, paled and muttered with mouth agape.
"We're screwed."
#
The Great Journey. Compared to the distances for First and Second Passes, the Third Pass route was short. Yet it was called the Great Journey not for length, but brutality.
So vicious that some quipped "Head-Smashing Journey" fit better—top sects like the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families fell prey too.
For examinees who'd lived for the Academy alone, this was their final shot. Desperate ones clung to alternates like men without tomorrow.
"Hm?"
Something odd caught my eye. Warriors from different sects mingled in formation.
"……That formation looks……."
Gang Seopyo answered my doubt.
"Moyong Family warriors aren't used to White Tiger Sword Formation yet, so they're mixed in."
"Possible?"
Iron Sword, Moyong, Namgung—all prided themselves on sect arts. Most knew how the Alliance dismissed the formation, yet they mingled to learn it?
"If they wanna eat, they do it."
Jegal Cheongi's genius White Tiger Sword Formation, reduced to guarding rice bowls. I could only grimace bitterly.
"Um, Young Master Jin……."
Gang Seopyo spoke with uncharacteristic gravity.
"From now on, give us orders directly."
"Pardon?"
I thought I'd misheard and asked again.
"Exactly as I said. Until Muhwan, bypass others—command us straight."
"……."
Our chain had me briefing Namgung Seonhwa, Seong Moran, even new joiner Moyong Jaehwa, who relayed to their sects' warriors.
"Doesn't relaying slow response?"
"Will it work?"
Fine by me, but would the warriors accept?
"Any who don't listen, I'll smash their thick skulls."
"No need to go that far……."
"The young ladies, young masters, First Captain, and Captain Baek already agreed."
I glanced around—those who'd overheard nodded one by one.
"Got it. I'll take responsibility."
"Thank you."
"Should be me thanking you."
"No…… truly, thank you."
"Hm?"
Then Chob Mu-bin, riding beside, chimed in.
"Thanks to you too."
Unsure why, I glanced at Seong Moran, but she deflected.
"A-anyway, which way? Obviously Sosil Peak, right?"
To cross to Hubei from Jeongju, we pass Song Mountain. Paths to Taesil Peak or Sosil Peak.
Taesil Peak—infamous even among Song Mountain's Five Peaks for rugged peril.
I asked Moyong Jaehwa instead of answering.
"Where would you go?"
"……Pardon?"
"Taesil or Sosil—which path?"
"Uh……."
Namgung Seonhwa smirked at flustered Moyong Jaehwa.
"Jaehwa loved wandering as a kid, skipped all strategy books."
"S-Seonhwa-unnie!"
Blushing, Moyong Jaehwa pondered, then stammered.
"I-I'd take Taesil Peak."
"That idiot……."
"Ugh……."
Expected reaction. Speed mattered most to us anyway.
"Then Taesil Peak it is."
"Huh?"
"Young Master Jin!"
"H-hyungnim!"
Even opinion-giver Moyong Jaehwa paled, protesting.
"From now on, forget chasers behind. Mind the ambushers ahead."
"Ah……."
"But for them, an easier path? Taesil's disadvantageous for us too."
"My worry's Gwigung and Bi-pung among stealers."
Stealers. Vultures targeting plaques, who'd skipped the exam to lurk the Journey long-term. Conserving strength, prime terrain would let them crush any foe.
"Why would they pop up?"
"Cheol Sunjik said they'd join in two days. Song Mountain's exactly two days from Jeongju. And Sosil Peak's archer heaven. Right?"
"Y-yes, yes."
"Sounds like she answered blind."
"M-Moran-unnie! I knew and answered."
As Song Mountain neared, pursuers latched on.
"Twelve Peaks."
"On horses—short decisive battle, as you said."
"Speed up?"
I shook my head.
"No need. They won't close till we hit Sosil Peak."
Few in number, but Five Great Families were Five Great. Risking damage against us meant vultures tearing in. Best for them: wait till Sosil.
"Let's go."
At fork—wide flat or steep narrow—we took narrow steep without pause.
Behind, Twelve Peaks hesitated visibly.
"Young Master Jin! They stopped."
"Speed up now."
"But carriages can't keep up?"
"Leave 'em. Straight across Taesil, hit Bi-pung and Gwigung from behind."
No telling next encounter—might as well smack Cheol Sunjik's face while at it.