#155. Black Flame Dragon Amidst Chaos (5)
After hearing Hye-seong and Jang Ujae's stories, I couldn't help but burst out laughing at the sight of the kids' faces turning pale.
'To think there's still an old monk out there using the Heart-Subduing Golden Command.'
The sound technique, blending the Apostle's Spirit-Control Heart and Lion's Roar, was shunned in Shaolin precisely because its roots lay in the Apostle's martial arts. On top of that, its very purpose was so insidious that even the monks hesitated to use it. This was a clear indicator of just how desperately this old monk Hye-seong craved power over others.
Not only the gold-silver-bronze brothers, but even Saryeon, Seong Moran, and Namgung Seonhwa—who had mastered the Namgung family's heart technique—were frozen stiff. It seemed he'd used the Heart-Subduing Golden Command quite frequently.
I scattered my Jade Pure Heavenly Star Force to dispel the technique's energy.
"Phew…."
"…What was that?"
"For a moment, it felt like I couldn't breathe."
As the kids' mouths loosened like that, a deep furrow formed between Hye-seong's brows.
"Jin Sowoon, you are insulting the Buddha right now. Do you realize that?"
I tilted my head.
"You were speaking casually to me earlier, but now you're suddenly formal? It's awkward."
"…."
"And the one insulting the Buddha is you, Great Master Hye-seong, isn't it?"
Hye-seong had no intention of getting involved in Akyang's affairs.
"What?"
"Isn't that right? What Jang Ujae asked for wasn't anything grand. He just wanted you to stop by the sect briefly and show that Yujangmun is an ally of the righteous Murim. Is that so difficult?"
Even his claim of returning to the Murim Alliance for a meeting was obviously a lie. For the Alliance, the annihilation of a mid-sized sect like Yujangmun provided the perfect justification. To reclaim dominance in Akyang later, they clearly intended to let the black path run rampant for now.
"I can't fathom why you'd stand by and watch when you know sacrifice is inevitable."
Hye-seong and the Jeongdo members shot me fierce glares. Ignoring their contemptuous stares, I pressed on.
"Or do their sacrifices just feel natural to you from the start?"
"…You bastard!"
"The things I hear!"
They didn't bat an eye at others' blood being spilled, yet they reacted furiously to anything that bruised their egos. Did they not see us as equals in their eyes?
"Enough!"
At Hye-seong's roar, the Jeongdo members couldn't hide their frustration.
"Jin… donor."
"I told you I don't like that title."
"…Heh heh."
Hye-seong flashed a leisurely smile for a moment before speaking.
"Even if you are a disciple of a Daoist sect, in the Buddha's gaze, you are no different from any other sentient being. The same goes for Donor Jang Ujae. Even if his sect isn't an official ally of the Murim Alliance, from our perspective, he walks the righteous path alongside us as a comrade."
As Hye-seong continued with a benevolent expression, the onlookers nodded unconsciously.
"As you say, I could step in myself. But what if that leads to greater casualties elsewhere?"
"And where exactly is this great disaster unfolding?"
As far as I remembered, no bloodier storm had ravaged the current Kangho than in Akyang.
"Sichuan Province."
You mad bald bastard.
Hye-seong glanced at Jang Ujae.
"I regret it too. But right now, beings hidden for decades in Sichuan are targeting the entire Kangho."
I stifled a laugh at Hye-seong's lie. You lot don't feel that crisis at all!
"Of course, I'm not unaware of the crisis facing Yujangmun and the other righteous sects in Akyang. That's why I'll do my utmost best."
"How reassuring."
As expected, an old fox's fangs were sharper than a young tiger's. Before I knew it, Hye-seong had spun a justification for their retreat, convincing everyone.
Jang Ujae, who had been listening, collapsed to his knees on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably, too exhausted to hold on any longer. Hye-seong, ignoring the sight, spoke up.
"Then how about this?"
"?"
Hye-seong looked at me with smug eyes.
"Your name, Jin Sowoon, already echoes across the land, doesn't it? You step in for this Akyang matter. And as the current representative of the Murim Academy, don't you have a duty to help your fellow student Jang Ujae?"
I let out a hollow laugh. So you're shoving the responsibility onto me like this?
"…."
Hye-seong grinned triumphantly. It was impressive political maneuvering, befitting someone who held an elder position in the Murim Alliance.
But compared to the Small Justice Squad bastards who constantly scammed their comrades out of monthly stipends, it was amateurish.
An clumsy monk, huh? Let's see if I can grind you down.
"You sure that's okay?"
Hye-seong's smug grin froze, his eyes widening at my question.
"People will gossip that a Tae-eul Gate disciple solved what even Shaolin couldn't—something from the black path. You really okay with that?"
"…."
Quickly masking his stiffened expression, Hye-seong replied.
"It's for the peace and safety of Kangho. If safeguarding sentient beings tarnishes Shaolin's name, the Buddha would rejoice at nothing more."
He wasn't an easy opponent. In my eyes, Hye-seong belonged in Beijing, not on Mount Song. How could a vegetarian's tongue roll so smoothly?
"I'm just worried, though. Yujangmun's fate now rests in your hands, Donor Jin. I pray you don't fail. Otherwise, not only Yujangmun, but your representative position might be in jeopardy."
What a load of insincere crap. Doesn't he worry about hell for all those lies?
Well, let's push it to the end.
"Somehow, that doesn't sound sincere."
"…Huh?"
"Are you actually hoping I fail?"
Hye-seong looked around, laughing in disbelief.
"Why would I? As I said, it's just a shame."
"Actually, wouldn't it be better for Shaolin if mid- and small sects like Yujangmun vanished?"
"…."
"That way, Shaolin can march into black path-dominated Akyang later to 'uphold justice,' right?"
Hye-seong's face began to twist slightly.
"How dare you speak such blasphemy…."
"Then make a promise. No matter what happens, Shaolin won't advance into Akyang—say it right here before Kangho's comrades."
"…."
Hye-seong stared at me with a cold face, forgetting the onlookers.
"That's really too much for you, huh?"
A scoff escaped me.
"…What nonsense. Above all, I wish for the safety of Yujangmun and Akyang's righteous sects."
"But you still won't promise?"
"…."
Now his lips were twitching.
I might end up in hell before him at this rate.
"Then pray for Akyang's righteous sects with that holy prayer of yours."
Hye-seong, refusing to back down, clasped his hands in a devout pose I'd never seen before.
"Amitabha."
It was the least sincere "Amitabha" I'd ever heard.
#
'It's just like that day.'
Jang Ujae, collapsed and sobbing, didn't even wipe his messy face, overwhelmed by déjà vu.
The first day he'd seen the rumored Black Flame Dragon. He had been furious at the injustice.
He'd pawned his brother's future for a hard-won academy pass, only for Jin Sowoon to casually toss dozens onto the floor and shout:
"If even the Murim Alliance forgets fairness and becomes a group chasing self-interest!"
Right before the elders—the pinnacle of Kangho's power.
"I won't enter your academy as you wish. No—even if you tell me to, I won't!"
The shocking scene left Jang Ujae frozen for a long time. Considering his origins from Tae-eul Gate—ranked below even Yujangmun—no one, not even him, would dare speak such words.
A bold declaration only a true man could utter.
From that day, Jang Ujae's goal was Jin Sowoon. To become a man as upright—or at least similar.
At the academy, he desperately rallied unaffiliated students, building a force to represent their interests and stand with him.
Despite being one of the 108 Peaks, he never joined the 12 Bongseong. Despite ties to Namgung Seonhwa, he shunned the Baekdo Association.
He knew it would be tough, but he clashed with the Jeongdo Association, relentlessly pushing his goals.
He always wanted to stand with that upright man, but reality was harsh.
"The black path factions in Akyang are growing. With Wudang withdrawn, Jeomchang is reasserting itself—try to make connections there."
The letter from his sect made him realize he couldn't chase only his dreams.
Facing cold reality, he couldn't advance as boldly as Jin Sowoon.
He hadn't approached during Jin Sowoon's hardest times. He hadn't supported him when everyone turned away.
'And yet… why….'
Shame brought fresh tears.
This time, he'd raised his voice against Shaolin's Hye-seong—not for himself, but for others. He hadn't held back before the strong.
And that made Jang Ujae feel even more ashamed.
From the conversation with Great Master Hye-seong, he'd half-expected it: Yujangmun would vanish from Kangho. Neither Hye-seong nor the Jeongdo Association would act.
All he could do was watch his sect and family fade into history.
"Then you step in for this Akyang matter. And as the current Murim Academy representative, don't you have a duty to help student Jang Ujae?"
His disappointment grew at Hye-seong shoving academy rep duties onto someone for what even Jeongdo and the Alliance avoided.
No matter how great Jin Sowoon, he couldn't possibly step up. He was just a disciple of tiny Tae-eul Gate. Volunteering would mean shouldering huge risks for no gain.
Yet.
"You sure that's okay?"
Once again, he shattered expectations.
"People will gossip that a Tae-eul Gate disciple solved what even Shaolin couldn't—a black path matter. You really okay with that?"
And he embraced it. As if it were his own affair. Without hesitation.
'Why….'
Something massive welled up from his chest. For showing such a shameful sight. For his past cowardly actions. Because he, unlike himself, still shone brilliantly.
He couldn't lift his head.
Even after the Jeongdo group left and the crowd dispersed, Jang Ujae kept his head bowed.
"Student Jang Ujae."
His voice rang out—firm, confident, weighty.
"Get up."
"…."
He lacked the courage to show his face. Understanding, Jin Sowoon wrapped it gently again.
"You won't save your sect lying there."
Jang Ujae bit his lip and slowly rose. Face a mess of tears and snot, but he didn't care.
"Will you really help?"
"Aren't the other students here to help you too?"
"But… I didn't stand with you when you needed it most. I don't deserve help."
"Haha, what're you saying? You weren't the only one who turned away then."
His casual tone shamed him more.
"And who could easily step up in that situation?"
Then why could you? Why so easily this time?
The question rose to his throat but stayed unspoken.
"…."
Just his words made everything feel secure. Like all worries were resolved. Relief flooded in.
Now at the empty pier, a clear voice like jade beads on a silver tray sighed deeply.
"Phew… I knew it'd end up like this from the start… but you did have a plan, right?"
At Seong Moran's words, the academy students' eyes turned to Jin Sowoon.
The genius who shattered Ma-ryeong Plateau's Soul-Exterminating Formation. The prodigy who passed the Murim entrance exam with just his juniors. The administrative genius running the massive academy alone.
What would such a man say? They held their breath, staring.
True to expectations—or not—
"…Uh, let's assess the situation first."
"…."
"…."
Jang Ujae shook his head, shaking off thoughts. He'd cried too much, exhausting himself into hallucinations.
"No way… you stepped up without a plan? Against Mokhyeolbang?"
Jin Sowoon pursed his lips tensely.
"…But we couldn't just back down."
My Jin Sowoon wouldn't act without thought. No way….
Jin Sowoon scratched his head sheepishly.
"…I do have a rough plan. Don't worry too much."
"…."
"…No, really. You think I'd jump in without thinking?"
His tone didn't inspire confidence. The secure feeling melted away like snow.
#
Ilgak, walking at the rear, glanced back several times before approaching Hye-seong with resolve.
As Ilgak hesitated, Hye-seong spoke first.
"Speak."
"…Pardon?"
"You have something to say. Out with it."
"…I was thinking maybe I should show my face there briefly."
Hye-seong stared silently, and Ilgak hurried on.
"O-Of course, I'll return on time. If I hurry…."
"You mean to go there?"
Ilgak offered his prepared excuse.
"…If Yujangmun survives by some chance, won't people mock Shaolin? If I at least show up…."
"Do you think Yujangmun will survive?"
"With help from various places…."
Hye-seong scoffed self-mockingly.
"Do Mokhyeolbang and Heukbu Palace seem like pushovers?"
As Ilgak looked puzzled, Hye-seong continued.
"Do you think they've been cowering because of Jeomchang's watchful eye?"
"Pardon? What do you…."
"Black path sects who've dominated Akyang for over fifty years. You think they're mere street thugs?"
"…."
"What they feared wasn't Yuyue Sect backed by Jeomchang, nor distant Jeomchang itself."
Then what had kept the black path Murim suppressed in Akyang?
"The Murim Alliance."
"…But if they feared the Alliance, why act now?"
"Tsk tsk. That's why I always say at the main temple not to just teach kids meditation."
Grumbling, Hye-seong chided.
"The tide has shifted from righteous to black path. They know the Alliance can't easily appear in Akyang now."
"…."
"Predicting tides from one wave only keeps you dry."
"…."
"To conquer the true ocean, read the world. Understand?"
"…I'll keep it in mind."
Hye-seong chuckled lightly.
"After Sichuan, you'll likely take the representative seat. Prepare ahead."
"…What?"
"Jin Sowoon… that kid will be swept away by this current."
Hye-seong stated it with certainty.