Catching the Hidden Beast
As the second victim emerged, the atmosphere in the Four Black Alliances grew even sharper. Even the sporadic jokes and furtive drinkers vanished, everyone falling into a synchronized silence as they watched the situation unfold.
Ak Byeongbi, who had been receiving treatment at the infirmary, had no choice but to return to the lodgings. Though he still needed much more rest for full recovery, the black path martial artists barging in several times a day forced him out.
"The physician will visit once a day for now, so please don't worry too much."
"……."
Despite Ilmyeong's words of comfort, Ak Byeongbi couldn't easily open his mouth. No matter the outcome, the incident's root traced back to him.
Seeming to sense Ak Byeongbi's turmoil, Ilmyeong offered a small smile.
"What's done is done—there's no helping it. It wasn't the captain's fault to begin with. The real issue now is how we resolve it going forward, don't you think?"
Ilmyeong tried to console him, but the heavy mood stifled any response.
Then.
"Hmmm... it's not that simple, is it? The vibe around here feels off."
Yeom Gwi-bi's crisp voice shattered the silence. Her words poured oil on an already tense fire, yet no one contradicted her. As she said, the delegation faced its worst crisis yet.
"Hngh, and with things escalating like this, we can't even run anymore."
Yeom Gwi-bi paused, touching her lips before glancing at Dang Seo-hee.
"If we bolt now, every black path bastard gathered here will hunt you down like prey."
"……."
Dang Seo-hee's clenched fists began to tremble, but she held her tongue.
Since Blood Sword Sect's Dobong-su's death, the mood had turned murderous. Stones and hidden weapons flew at the delegation's lodgings by the hour, and crowds wielding weapons gathered beyond the walls, clamoring for their blood.
Ilmyeong stepped in front of Dang Seo-hee, blocking Yeom Gwi-bi's gaze.
"But Lady Yeom, you know she didn't do it."
The prime suspect in Dobong-su's murder was none other than Dang Seo-hee. No official announcement from the Four Black Alliances' leadership, no witnesses—but the single black hair needle found on the body had black path martial artists branding her the killer.
"You watched her all last night, so you can vouch she never left the lodgings, right?"
Yeom Gwi-bi nodded readily.
"Of course I can."
But her sharp eyes fixed on Ilmyeong.
"The question is, who would believe it?"
"……."
From the moment Ak Byeongbi was fingered for killing Gu Gye-ak, distrust in the delegation had peaked. With Dobong-su murdered and a black hair needle discovered, suspicion naturally fell on the Tang Clan, famed for hidden weapons and poison.
To make matters worse, flinging poison-coated black hair needles was one of the White Water Divine Maiden Dang Seo-hee's signature moves.
Every arrow pointed at the delegation, as if orchestrated.
Yeom Gwi-bi gestured toward Ak Byeongbi with her chin.
"Not sure if this comforts you, but the fastest way to fix this is for that captain to offer his head."
She brushed back her hair with slender fingers and spat bluntly.
"Otherwise, everyone dies."
"……."
Dang Seo-hee's eyes sharpened at Yeom Gwi-bi's words. Heavy silence enveloped the room.
"Jin Sowoon... where the hell is that guy?"
Ak Byeongbi, silent until now, finally spoke.
Ilmyeong answered immediately.
"He said he had business outside and left."
"Now?"
"Yes."
"……."
With tens of thousands of black path martial artists baying for the delegation's blood, what could be so crucial he'd risk his life for it?
But if it was that guy, surely...
He’ll find a way to get us all out alive.
Breaking through the Nine Great Clans' encirclement to reach Muhwan had been the talk of the Inspection Hall for a while.
Ak Byeongbi steeled himself, facing Ilmyeong with a detached expression.
"Ilmyeong."
"Yes."
"When Jin Sowoon returns, devise an escape plan."
"……."
Without waiting for a reply, Ak Byeongbi pressed on.
"I'll stay behind. Alliances and pacts are off the table now—find a way out without me. That's my final order as captain."
"……."
Ilmyeong shook his head at Ak Byeongbi's words.
"Sorry, but I can't obey."
"What?"
"Jin Sowoon already said so."
"What do you mean?"
Ilmyeong shrugged casually.
"If the captain says he'll stay behind or pulls some 'abandon me!' bullshit, knock him out with pressure points."
"……."
Ilmyeong smiled faintly at Ak Byeongbi.
"Jin Sowoon said he hasn't given up yet—and won't."
Ak Byeongbi bit his lip hard.
Then Dang Seo-hee's voice cut in, her composure regained.
"Command has already passed to Jin Sowoon. The captain has no authority left."
With even her saying it, Ak Byeongbi fell silent.
He couldn't fathom why Jin Sowoon would take such a thorny path.
Does he really see me as a comrade?
A strange tightness gripped his chest.
Ak Byeongbi couldn't understand it. If traveling with disciples from the Five Great Families he'd bonded with, he'd have ditched himself long ago.
And vice versa—he'd have done the same.
It's the rational choice.
No matter how close, you don't sink with a doomed ship.
Yet Jin Sowoon risked his life for him—a man who'd badly wronged him before, not even from a great clan.
Ak Byeongbi couldn't wrap his head around it.
Still.
A faint desire bloomed to grasp the hand Jin Sowoon extended.
"So rest for now, Captain. We'll all go back together."
"……Understood."
One who shirks responsibility forfeits the right to choose. To avoid being a burden, Ak Byeongbi clamped his mouth shut.
Then.
Knock knock—a knock sounded, and maids entered with food.
"I was worried about meals since we can't go out. At least that's sorted."
Yeom Gwi-bi stretched and sat at the table. Ilmyeong fetched porridge for Ak Byeongbi first.
As everyone lifted spoons to sate their hunger.
Dang Seo-hee suddenly flung black hair needles left and right.
Ting—ting—ting!
Yeom Gwi-bi scowled, dropping her spoon from the needles' impact. Ak Byeongbi stared blankly at her, porridge spilled.
"What the hell?"
Irritated from confinement, Yeom Gwi-bi raised faint killing intent, but Dang Seo-hee's gaze stayed on the table.
"Lady Dang..."
"……."
Dang Seo-hee silently approached, stabbing a long needle into the meat dish Yeom Gwi-bi had nearly eaten.
"……!"
The needle turned black. Even without words, Yeom Gwi-bi understood.
"Poison!"
Dang Seo-hee tested the rest. All dozen-plus dishes and rice turned the needles black.
Only after confirming everything did she stand and murmur to the group.
"……We must be careful."
Her usual flat tone sent chills down their spines nonetheless.
# Every step I take draws hostile glares. Some grind their teeth. Others grip knife hilts. One man swelled his robes with inner energy...
His comrades hurriedly restrained him upon spotting my companion.
Watching it all, Hyeoltu clicked his tongue.
"...You're either suicidal or insane."
Am I? In my past life, I often wished for death. Especially after the Upright-Demonic War, waking amid Small Justice Squad and Alliance corpses, I'd desperately hoped never to open my eyes again.
A bitter smile tugged at my lips unbidden.
"That how it looks?"
"You think it'd look any different?"
But what let me bury that death wish deep and press on was rage.
Rage at the Murim Alliance, tallying our lives like mere numbers.
Rage at the elites who deemed us expendable compared to themselves.
Above all, rage at the Demonic Cult, who thought they could toy with our fates.
That fury sustained me. Even if my heart was ripped out or head severed, I'd gouge an eye in return. Even in death, I'd leave them scarred.
That malice fueled the Small Justice Squad's survival.
In this life, I'll unleash it freely.
"Doesn't matter how I look. Obsessing over appearances is exactly what the beast wants."
That's why I strut like a madman offering my neck.
He wants us cowering like criminals.
Trembling in fear, fleeing.
If that's his desire, parading with neck bared defies it.
If he hates it, I'd streak naked through the Four Black Alliances.
Entering the largest eastern hall, the boisterous interior froze instantly.
A communal space for those from weaker Alliance sects—packed with more black path martial artists than anywhere else I'd visited.
Pushing through the crowd, a hulking man blocked me, hand on his saber hilt.
"Black Flame Dragon, eh!"
He scanned me top to bottom, face twisting.
"The balls to come here?"
"I have business. Step aside."
"Hmph! Who're you killing this time?!"
I couldn't help chuckling.
"Even if I were the beast, would I parade in broad daylight, neck out, just to kill a rat like you?"
"What?! You little—!"
The giant lunged for my throat with his left hand, needing no more words.
I brushed it off lightly, grabbed his collar, and unleashed Snowflake, slamming him headfirst through the floor.
Bam!
He cratered the wood and passed out. Black path martial artists drew weapons in unison, ready for battle.
Clang clang clang!
On the verge of another brawl.
A deep sigh came from beside me.
"Haa..."
Thud.
Hyeoltu stomped, and surrounding martial artists crumpled one by one, unable to hold stance.
Oh my. What technique was that? These were no slouches in the jianghu.
Yet they buckled like jelly-legged.
The more I saw, the more impressive he seemed.
Surveying the cleared room, Hyeoltu growled low.
"Didn't you hear the order? No reckless bullshit."
"……."
Grumbling faces all around, but none dared retort after his otherworldly display.
With order restored, I moved on. Hyeoltu asked incredulously.
"What the hell are you even doing here?"
"Can't handle it alone. Here for help."
"Help?"
"Yeah. When it's too much solo, ask for backup, right?"
Hyeoltu let out a hollow laugh.
"That was your idea of asking nicely?"
I shrugged lightly.
"In black path murim, the strong do as they please, no?"
"……."
The iron rule of black path murim: survival of the fittest.
Once seemed unfair; now, in this pinch, nothing more convenient.
If you're tough, no need to negotiate with idiots.
Per black path rules, I strode inward confidently.
And there.
"Welcome."
At a table, Gun Yu-hyeon awaited with a smile that lifted spirits just seeing it.
Utterly nonchalant. No ordinary guy.
"Knew I'd come?"
"Seemed likely."
Just predicting my visit made seeking him worthwhile.
I cut to the chase.
"Can you help us?"
"Hm..."
Acting with me now could bring grief in the Four Black Alliances later. Hyeoltu might, but a disciple from a minor sect like Cheon-gwan Gate? Tough sell.
Yet...
"Am I truly essential?"
If pressed, yes.
I chose words carefully.
"Without you, Gun Yu-hyeon, I doubt we solve this properly."
He pondered, head bowed.
Should've asked somewhere private?
Too many eyes; no helping it.
But his unexpected reply came.
"I'll help."
Straight-faced.
"Really... you sure?"
I'd asked, but hadn't expected quick yes.
"It's for the Four Black Alliances and Murim Alliance alike, right? Of course."
"Grateful."
I cupped fists. Gun Yu-hyeon added apologetically.
"But first, may I get Chief Strategist Dam's permission?"
Why him suddenly?
"He's dear to me; hate to upset him."
Fitting for Gun Yu-hyeon's character.
I nodded readily.
"Naturally. Even if not, I'll remember your words today."
His bright smile returned.
"Thank you for understanding."
I left Gun Yu-hyeon behind, exiting with Hyeoltu.
"Smiling in this mess..."
Hyeoltu grumbled at my mutter.
"What're you on about?"
I shook my head.
"Nothing."
"Done with the crazy shit?"
"Yes."
Preparations complete.
Time to hunt the hidden beast for real.