Chapter 13

Chapter 13
Accompanied by Beon Saeng, Im Choong made his way straight toward the Heo Clan Sword House.

The master governing the compound was Heo-sa. In earlier days, the Heo Clan had reigned supreme as the premier force throughout Jeol-gang Province. That supremacy vanished when Shin-hwa-bang arrived on the scene with dazzling speed, abruptly knocking them down to second rank.

“What has driven the branch leader to visit our grounds?”

“A matter of serious consequence requires our discussion, which is why I sought an audience.”

“Go ahead and explain.”

“Are you conscious of the dreadful calamity that recently claimed the life of Great Hero Yang Chu?”

“Naturally. It was an appalling catastrophe.”

“I am here to determine whether any information regarding that tragedy has reached your ears.”

Heo-sa had never anticipated that Im Choong would come probing into this affair. To his eyes, the man was merely an insignificant outpost chief barely keeping a grip on his minor authority.

“It is a pity, but I possess no remarkable knowledge concerning the event.”

Im Choong had already guessed the man would not readily open his mouth. The moment had arrived to bring out his decisive card.

“To speak plainly, I suspect Shin-hwa-bang is directly tied to the slaughter.”

Allowing Wang Gon to walk free under these conditions meant facing guaranteed retaliation. If an inevitable clash loomed, it was far wiser to seize the initiative with an aggressive strike.

Hearing Shin-hwa-bang named caused Heo-sa to flinch noticeably. That involuntary shudder plainly indicated he held insight into the incident.

“We took him into custody earlier today. Yet lacking definitive proof, our hands are tied and we must set him loose.”

“Such an event truly transpired?!”

Suspicion flared in Heo-sa’s gaze. The Mun-seong Branch within his memory never possessed the daring courage or physical might required to place Wang Gon in chains.

“Are your statements genuinely truthful?”

“Why fabricate an account destined to be laid bare before long? If Shin-hwa-bang’s guilt comes to light, their downfall is absolute.”

Heo-sa looked hard at Im Choong. Whether driven by desperation or stoked by an uncharacteristic hunger for justice, this man bore no resemblance to the meek official of the past.

“For what reason seek me out?”

“Offer your assistance.”

“In what manner?”

Flames of unyielding determination danced in Im Choong’s eyes as he laid out his urgent appeal.

“Divulge every single detail you possess.”

—

Returning to the outpost, Im Choong and Beon Saeng walked directly toward Baek So-cheon.

“The Heo Clan Sword House handed over critical knowledge regarding Yang Chu.”

Im Choong spoke with a countenance flushed red by intense excitement.

“What sort of intelligence?”

“They revealed that Yang Chu had been secretly looking into Shin-hwa-bang’s latest enterprise lately.”

“By what means did the Heo Clan discover this?”

“Because they commissioned the task themselves. Recognizing that Shin-hwa-bang was setting up a massive undertaking, their house master Heo-sa personally engaged Yang Chu to dig into their affairs.”

It represented a remarkably solid piece of testimony—a vital clue to cracking the entire mystery. Embarking on espionage against a bitter competitor only to wind up dead? The connection generated immense, justified suspicion that Shin-hwa-bang orchestrated the execution.

“And what was this fresh enterprise?”

“Ah, the specifics would be unfamiliar to you.”

Im Choong laid out the nature of Shin-hwa-bang’s new venture situated in Mun-seong for Baek So-cheon. Now that the man was deeply entwined in the conflict, full transparency was necessary.

Taking in the full narrative, Baek So-cheon cocked his head thoughtfully.

“Their grand scheme involves erecting a colossal smithy right here in Mun-seong?”

“Their goal is to establish the grandest forge spanning the entire Central Plains.”

“That strikes me as exceedingly bizarre.”

Beon Saeng interrupted.

“What seems strange about that? Shin-hwa-bang openly claimed they intended to transition heavily toward the manufacturing of arms going forward.”

That was the very excuse Heuk-su had uttered previously.

“That exact reason makes it so strange.”

“What do you mean?”

“Erecting a manufacturing complex at the deepest southern rim of Jeol-gang Province? Distributing forged weapons throughout the wide Central Plains would demand a ruinous fortune in transportation. Had they truly aimed to dominate the market, establishing roots in Henan or Hubei would offer immense positional advantages.”

“Good grief! Hearing it broken down like that makes total sense!”

Beon Saeng turned a wide-eyed stare toward Im Choong, swayed by the sheer logic.

Im Choong presented a different angle.

“Could it simply serve their internal supply needs?”

“The sheer magnitude dwarfs any private demand.”

“Perhaps to bypass frictions with established regional smiths?”

“Shin-hwa-bang hardly possesses a reputation for being so polite and accommodating.”

Im Choong conceded the point with a slow nod.

Next, Beon Saeng raised another puzzle.

“Fine, granting that logic holds. I still fail to see the sense in it. Does merely prying into a blacksmith trade warrant slaughtering a person’s entire household?”

“He no doubt stumbled onto a secret never meant to see the light of day.”

Im Choong replied.

“Even granted that, why obliterate the entire clan instead of eliminating Yang Chu alone?”

Im Choong found himself completely devoid of an answer.

Beon Saeng shifted his inquisitive gaze directly onto Baek So-cheon.

“Why do you keep throwing the questions at me?”

“Neither of us has a clue. You carry yourself like an all-knowing master.”

“I told you I know very little. If intellect was my gift, I would have pursued scholarly manuscripts rather than unsheathing a blade.”

“Claiming lack of wisdom while phrasing it like that only makes you sound wiser.”

“Drop the nonsense. Here is a plausible theory: they wished the massacre to be perceived as an act of raw personal hatred directed squarely at Yang Chu.”

Both Im Choong and Beon Saeng nodded in comprehension. Utterly wiping out an entire lineage bore the distinct hallmarks of a savage blood feud. Should that be their design, it exposed an appalling level of malice.

“Furthermore, it serves as a gruesome message to whoever backed Yang Chu from the shadows: ‘Defy our ambitions, and your kin will share their fate.'”

Assuming that was the intent, the intimidation had triumphed.

Jo Jin, the leader of the Jo Clan and a steadfast companion to Yang Chu, trembled in sheer dread. Even the Heo Clan Sword House offered quiet information while carefully refraining from taking direct action.

“They swore to provide additional proof and statements concerning Yang Chu if we can build a more solid foundation.”

“They are happy to assist from the sidelines, so long as their own throats remain off the chopping block.”

They had gained ground, yet every piece remained entirely circumstantial—not a single definitive proof in hand.

Right at that juncture, a different subordinate arrived to deliver news.

“Captain Cheon is demanding the presence of Warrior Baek.”

“Me?”

“Precisely. His orders were to escort you immediately into the interrogation chamber.”

Beon Saeng leaped in agitation.

“Why drag him into an interrogation room of all places?”

Baek So-cheon penetrated the underlying scheme instantly.

“A simple psychological tactic. Judging by how things are moving, Captain Cheon clearly aligns with their interests.”

“Refuse to go! Those chambers are built to make a man lose his composure and blurt out things he never should.”

Baek So-cheon let out a soft laugh at Beon Saeng’s panic. If the pair ever learned the brutal history behind his life, they would recognize the utter irony of the warning.

“There is nothing to fear. An interrogation room feels far more welcoming than my own sleeping quarters. I have walked through plenty of them over my lifetime.”

“You and your wild tales again! In my younger days, I sat down and shared liquor with the Ten Great Evils deep within the Murim Alliance’s subterranean dungeons!”

“Every last one of them rests in a grave by now. Barely two remain breathing, and one possesses an insatiable thirst for alcohol.”

“What are you babbling about? This is hardly an occasion for making jokes!”

Before he could finish his protest, Baek So-cheon had already crossed the threshold.

Left standing beside Im Choong, Beon Saeng voiced his deep anxiety.

“He will survive this without harm, won’t he?”

“There is no telling.”

Baek So-cheon clearly possessed exceptional martial prowess, yet internal maneuvering within the ranks was not settled merely by swinging fists.

Should Cheon Yang-ho hold damaging leverage or enforce the weight of his rank, deep trouble would follow.

“We ought to follow him.”

Beon Saeng’s distress mounted. Cheon Yang-ho was vastly different from softer figures like himself or Im Choong. What if the captain sought to crush Baek So-cheon?

Im Choong, having reached a quiet resolve, maintained his composure.

“Keep your head. That formidable elder brother of yours is far too resilient to perish from a mere snakebite.”

—

“You served in Cheol-geom-dan?”

Uncovering Baek So-cheon’s involvement had proven remarkably easy by questioning local outpost warriors. The man had actively participated during the capture of Heuk-su and stood present at Tae-jeong’s demise.

“That is correct.”

Since Cheon Yang-ho was not his direct commanding officer, he responded with deliberate nonchalance.

“Your previous standing?”

“Squad leader.”

“A squad leader belonging to Cheol-geom-dan.”

That detail cleared up several lingering questions. An elite combatant hailing from the Murim Alliance’s most formidable formation would certainly possess the capability to overwhelm an unprepared Heuk-su.

They claimed the fight concluded in a single strike. Rather than a vast disparity in inner power, it likely stemmed from overconfidence. Taking down Heuk-su was no light task even under normal circumstances.

“What led to your demotion to this remote territory?”

“Am I obligated to reveal that?”

“You stand squarely in the center of an unfolding inquiry.”

“I was cast down for defying command.”

His unyielding insolence matched the confession, Cheon Yang-ho mused.

“Very well. Moving forward: by what means did you identify the century-old snow lotus concealed within the chest?”

“Its scent reached me.”

“An extraordinarily sharp sense of smell.”

“My sight surpasses it.”

“Confine your statements strictly to what I ask.”

“Understood.”

Cheon Yang-ho dismissed the insubordination as typical arrogance inherent to an elite veteran of Cheol-geom-dan. Such pride was standard among high-ranking soldiers. That very presumption blurred his judgment.

“Word spreads that you distinguished yourself remarkably over at Shin-hwa-bang.”

“I shall accept that remark as a compliment.”

“Save your gratitude for another time. They may very well lodge a formal grievance against you regarding excessive brutality.”

“Let them proceed.”

Baek So-cheon instantly launched a retaliatory strike.

“Rumors circulate that Shin-hwa-bang has been funneling corrupt funds into the pockets of Jeol-gang Branch operatives. Does that ring any bells?”

“No, I harbor no knowledge of such conduct.”

Cheon Yang-ho’s voice wavered minutely—the unexpected counter had shaken his rhythm.

Baek So-cheon was simply casting out a calculated deduction.

If bribes had reached Im Choong, others were surely tainted as well. Cheon Yang-ho’s overt eagerness to suppress the investigation practically announced his complicity in accepting illicit coin.

“From what quarter did you gather such talk?”

Baek So-cheon held his gaze without flinching.

“Does the origin truly matter?”

“The validity of the accusation must be substantiated.”

“Substantiation comes through internal inspections, not through unmasking confidential informants. Do you honestly imagine the guilty parties will remain idle while being exposed?”

“A fair assessment.”

“The instant Wang Gon’s guilt is laid bare, every bribed agent tied to him will be dragged straight into the mire.”

“Undoubtedly.”

Cheon Yang-ho sensed the reins of authority slipping entirely out of his hands.

‘This fellow is no ordinary brat.’

A regular junior warrior would be squirming, terrified to meet his direct gaze. He had summoned the man here to exert overwhelming dominance, only to find himself cornered and cross-examined.

“We shall conclude our talk for today.”

Cheon Yang-ho pushed himself out of his seat. He had extracted enough context; stretching out the confrontation would only place him in greater jeopardy.

‘Wang Gon managed to tread upon an exceptionally venomous thorn.’

As Cheon Yang-ho swept out into the corridor, Beon Saeng and Im Choong slipped inside the room.

“What did he demand?”

“He mentioned the possibility of a report accusing me of excessive brutality.”

Im Choong declared firmly from behind.

“That will never come to pass.”

Holding the rank of branch head, he was determined to stand as an impenetrable shield for Baek So-cheon and Beon Saeng.

Beon Saeng voiced his lingering dread.

“Judging by the overall atmosphere, if we fail to unearth concrete evidence, both Wang Gon and Heuk-su are going to walk out completely unscathed.”

“I am prepared to put my entire official station on the line to keep them confined for a few more days.”

Beon Saeng exhaled a heavy breath steeped in bitter self-condemnation.

“It stems entirely from my failure. Raiding Tae-jeong-pa dragged us into this disastrous swamp.”

Baek So-cheon, already stepping toward the exit, halted at the threshold and looked back.

“I am well aware that you are a natural-born pushover, but never proclaim this catastrophe to be your fault. The entire weight of this rot belongs strictly to those vile maggots.”

Cheon Yang-ho had undeniably revealed himself to be one of those very maggots.

“They act purely out of insatiable greed, so what reason do you have to tear yourself apart? Remain a harmless pushover if you must—just avoid degenerating into a total fool.”

The words carried an abrasive edge, yet they washed over Beon Saeng like deep reassurance. He gave a fierce, emphatic nod.

“I hear you loud and clear, elder brother!”

Baek So-cheon had already vanished into the distance.

Beon Saeng shifted his gaze toward Im Choong.

“Just a few short days ago, who could have ever imagined we would be caught in the middle of such madness?”

“Nobody could have guessed.”

“If our elder brother had not appeared, our lives would have ended in ruin.”

“I doubt that would have been the outcome.”

“What do you mean?”

Beon Saeng peered toward Im Choong. The branch leader gave a faint sigh, rising to his feet.

“Nothing whatsoever would have taken place.”

The volatile crises that should have exploded into the open would have simply been smoothed over and forgotten.

Baek So-cheon stepping into their quiet existence had thoroughly disrupted the foundations of their lives.

Even so… did they truly possess the strength to weather the coming storm? Both he and Beon Saeng were merely ordinary mortals—easily manipulated, fragile, and quick to suffer harm. Baek So-cheon belonged to an entirely different realm.

Drowning in these quiet deliberations, Im Choong halted his steps just beyond the interrogation building.

Beon Saeng caught up quickly, falling into step beside him. He understood precisely what Im Choong had intended when saying “nothing whatsoever would have taken place.”

“Because of that… I intend to seize this very opportunity to transform my destiny.”

Im Choong offered a gentle smile and inclined his head.

Throughout the entirety of their shared year together, they had never once exchanged thoughts of such profound weight. These turbulent days had bound them closer than ever before.