Chapter 93

Chapter 93
Baek So-cheon made his way over to meet Cheon-geuk.

Inside the kitchen, she was fully occupied with boiling and preparing tea. Thanks to the massive wave of travelers pouring into Wuhuan, both the local taverns and Daroo Tea House were utterly packed with patrons.

Under such overwhelming conditions, most proprietors would have shut their doors or brought in additional help, yet despite the surrounding madness, she continued to personally brew every single pot of tea.

Stepping quietly across the kitchen’s threshold from behind, Baek So-cheon spoke up.

“Could you use an extra pair of hands?”

“Oh, you’re here? I certainly wouldn’t say no to some help.”

“Where should I begin?”

“If you wouldn’t mind, start clearing that pile of dirty tableware over there.”

“Consider it done.”

“I appreciate it.”

Rolling up his sleeves, Baek So-cheon set to work scrubbing the mountain of soiled bowls and cups.

Settling down together like this, just the two of us…

He deliberately halted that line of thought, refusing to let his mind wander any further in that direction. There was no question that he cared deeply for Cheon-geuk. However, sharing a life under one roof was entirely different.

His vision of future happiness had always been tethered to absolute independence and personal liberty. How could he ever indulge his wandering impulses or roam the world on a whim if someone else was tethered to his side?

Moreover, the obstacle wasn’t solely on his end; she carried immense responsibilities of her own. As the supreme commander of an entire shadow organization, she had far more obligations to sacrifice than he ever would.

“Your life-and-death duel is only two days away, yet you seem remarkably relaxed.”

“I don’t have anything pressing to handle.”

“Yeom Sa-won paid me a visit earlier.”

“Just looking to stir up trouble, no doubt. He left in quite a foul mood.”

Baek So-cheon could vividly imagine the haughty young man storming off in frustration, and a quiet chuckle escaped him.

“So, what brings you to my establishment today?”

“I figured I’d help you earn a decent sum of silver.”

“Excuse me?”

Cheon-geuk turned toward him, her eyes wide with surprise.

“What are you getting at?”

“Surely you’ve heard about the heavy wagering surrounding the upcoming match?”

“Naturally.”

“Go ahead and place your wager. Put it on my victory.”

“I already have.”

“Wait, really?”

Baek So-cheon looked at her, visibly taken aback.

“Did you honestly think I would let such an effortless windfall pass me by?”

“Since when did you take up gambling?”

“I don’t gamble. This is actually my very first time. I constantly lecture the younger operatives that an assassin who turns to wagering has sunken to the absolute lowest gutter of existence.”

“Then what prompted this?”

“This isn’t a gamble in the slightest—it’s essentially picking up free silver scattered across the road. Besides, nobody understands better than I do that you will emerge victorious.”

Her unshakeable conviction momentarily caught him off balance, leading him to challenge her reasoning.

“How could you possibly foresee the outcome with such certainty? I might end up losing.”

“You won’t lose. There is simply no way.”

“What if he reveals an unforeseen, lethal technique?”

“You will still prevail. Even if a lightning bolt struck you down in the middle of the arena, you’d still win.”

“Where does such blind faith come from?”

“Just how much did you wager?”

“Ten thousand nyang.”

The sum of ten thousand nyang carried a special, symbolic significance for her. While a part of her had contemplated staking everything she possessed, doing so would cross the line into genuine gambling. Instead, she had withdrawn that precise amount from her private savings—the exact figure she mentally associated with Baek So-cheon.

She tilted her head and asked,

“Would you like me to submit a ticket on your behalf?”

“Me? Am I even permitted to wager on my own fight?”

“Of course you can. Placing restrictions on the combatants is completely futile anyway, since anyone can easily hire an intermediary.”

“That’s fair. Otherwise, the two duelists might secretly conspire to fix the entire outcome.”

“Precisely. That is why seasoned gamblers remain vigilant against match-fixing. But in this case, everyone knows it’s a genuine clash of life and death, so astronomical fortunes are pouring onto the tables. There is a mountain of profit to be claimed. Hand over your coin, and I’ll lay the bet for you.”

“I think I’ll pass.”

“Well, that figures.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Nothing at all.”

“You were just thinking to yourself, ‘What a rigid, self-righteous old hypocrite from the orthodox sects! Who honestly cares about clinging to the moral high ground in a situation like this?'”

Cheon-geuk broke into an amused smile.

“Are you telling me you’ve learned to read minds now?”

“Haha.”

If that was the impression she held of him, he was content to let it stand.

“Still, I’m not completely behind the times, am I? At least I don’t force my principles onto you or drag anyone else down with me.”

Detecting the faint hint of vulnerability regarding his maturity and traditional habits, Cheon-geuk offered a reassuring reply.

“You haven’t reached that extreme just yet. If you ever genuinely start acting like an unbearable relic, I promise I’ll tell you straight to your face.”

“I’ll hold you to that. You’d better.”

Without someone candid like her around, nobody would dare speak honestly to him. He would eventually grow old and completely oblivious to his own eccentricities and stubborn dogmas.

“You do realize that if you perish out there, my entire syndicate will mobilize, right?”

“I am going to win.”

“That’s what I like to hear.”

“Now that you stand to make a sizable fortune thanks to my match, I have a small favor to ask.”

Cheon-geuk blinked, a bemused look crossing her features.

“Wait just a moment. Your reasoning sounds a bit flawed. Didn’t I just explain that I placed my wager well before you brought it up?”

“You did.”

“So?”

“Without my participation, this entire spectacle wouldn’t be happening in the first place.”

“Whenever you begin acting this shamelessly, it usually means the matter is dead serious.”

To tell the truth, Cheon-geuk genuinely appreciated this trait in him. Individuals who strictly conformed to rigid expectations were utterly suffocating to be around. Although Baek So-cheon belonged to the orthodox righteous path, he possessed a wonderfully unorthodox, practical edge.

Perhaps that very contrast explained why someone like Yeom Hwa-sin took such an intense fascination in him.

“I suppose nothing in this world is truly without cost.”

She chuckled softly, fully indulging his brazen attitude.

“That’s the spirit—one should always take the greatest advantage of those closest to them. So, what do you need me to do?”

“I need you to tail a specific individual.”

“Name him.”

“A martial artist named Pa-jeong, who serves as a shadow guard to Myeol Ji-ryun. The man almost detected my presence while I was concealed.”

Cheon-geuk’s eyes widened in genuine surprise.

“Are you serious?”

Baek So-cheon gave a firm nod, reinforcing the gravity of the situation.

“Because of that, there’s no need to close in on him. Simply monitor his movements from afar. Take note of every destination he visits and every person he comes into contact with, regardless of how insignificant the interaction might appear.”

“That shouldn’t be much of a problem.”

For virtually anyone else, tracking a target of that caliber would be nearly impossible. It was only feasible because the task was being assigned to someone with her exceptional prowess.

“Aren’t you at all anxious? What if this Pa-jeong manages to spot me?”

“I am concerned. My primary worry is that you’ll lose patience and slaughter him on the spot.”

A playful laugh slipped past her lips.

“Aren’t you overestimating my capabilities a little too much?”

“I am well aware of what you can do, better than anyone alive. It isn’t an overestimation at all.”

“Then I shall accept that as high praise.”

“I’ll take my leave now.”

Baek So-cheon stepped out of Daroo Tea House. In reality, he harbored no real worry regarding her safety. If anyone had cause to be protective, it was Cheon-geuk fretting over him. In addition to her martial mastery, she possessed razor-sharp discernment and an unshakeable mastery over her own temperament.

—

Another full day came and went.

With only a single night remaining, the dawn of the fateful contest was fast approaching.

Baek So-cheon sought out Je-gal Hyeon inside the central strategic pavilion.

“I’ve come to make a request of you, Sir.”

“Speak freely. What is on your mind?”

“Would it be possible for me to borrow the Dragon Scale Armor you previously entrusted to me, just once more?”

“Naturally, you may. However, what prompted this sudden request?”

“Yeom Sa-won was personally gifted the Black Dragon Divine Armor by Yeom Hwa-sin.”

Je-gal Hyeon’s gaze sharpened, his eyes reflecting his alarm. The peerless protective resilience of the Black Dragon Divine Armor was legendary across the martial world. In practical terms, facing an opponent clad in such gear meant having to land twice as many decisive strikes to inflict normal damage.

“Knowing that Yeom Sa-won will take the stage in such divine protection, are you confident you can manage? We hold the authority to enforce tournament regulations and prohibit all external armor entirely.”

“No, let him wear it. I shall simply don the Dragon Scale Armor as well.”

“I see. Maintaining an equilibrium is certainly prudent.”

“It isn’t about evening the odds. It is so that once I claim victory, neither he nor his faction can offer the excuse that it was solely due to protective equipment. If both sides are equally fortified, there can be no grievances concerning the outcome.”

It was a tactic conceived solely around absolute triumph. Though it sounded preposterous to ordinary ears, at Baek So-cheon’s current realm of cultivation, defensive garments served merely as trivial accessories.

“Understood. Take it at once.”

Je-gal Hyeon promptly instructed an attendant to retrieve the Dragon Scale Armor.

“Watching you operate, one could easily envision you thriving as a grand military strategist.”

“You flatter me far too much. Compared to your profound wisdom, Sir, I am merely relying on shallow, opportunistic schemes.”

“Not at all. Had you devoted your life to statecraft and strategy from the very beginning, your achievements would have been extraordinary.”

“I am honored by your generous words, Sir.”

Baek So-cheon replied with complete sincerity. Devising clever maneuvers during isolated emergencies was an entirely different matter from dedicating one’s whole existence to the rigorous study of grand strategy. The sheer depth of those who faithfully walked that path was something no one could ever dismiss lightly.

Just as they finished speaking, an attendant returned carrying the armor.

“My sincere thanks.”

At that exact second, Sa-ma Il-jung rushed into the war room, his face pale with urgency.

“A dire development has occurred!”

“What has happened?”

“Read this immediately, Sir.”

Je-gal Hyeon accepted the emergency missive thrust toward him, his expression rapidly growing somber. The slender cylinder was coated in deep black lacquer and trimmed with pure gold foil—the undeniable emblem of the Black Heaven Alliance.

Unrolling the parchment and scanning the text, Je-gal Hyeon let out a sharp breath.

“This is inconceivable!”

“What does it say?”

“An official dispatch from the Black Heaven Alliance.”

The information proved so earth-shattering that Je-gal Hyeon remained struck dumb, his eyes fixed on the calligraphy. At last, an unbelievable announcement spilled past his lips.

“Yeom Hwa-sin will personally be gracing this arena to observe the proceedings.”

“What did you say?”

Even Baek So-cheon could not conceal his astonishment.

“Isn’t the duel scheduled for tomorrow?”

It was entirely outside their calculations, deliberately timed so that the orthodox forces would be caught entirely flat-footed.

“He acts with full certainty that none among us would dare instigate an assault during an official public engagement.”

Herein lay the perennial dilemma faced by the righteous path when dealing with unorthodox figures. Had the roles been reversed, would Ak So-gun ever have been permitted to walk away unscathed from a grand ceremony hosted deep within the Black Heaven Alliance’s domain?

Yet there was another reason driving such brazen audacity.

Even if an unexpected melee broke out on the spot, the man held supreme confidence in his ability to fight his way out and preserve his life.

The genuine dilemma lay in his true purpose.

Did he intend to witness his own flesh and blood perish before his eyes, using that grief to ignite a full-scale conflagration?

Or did he plan to intervene at the precipice of defeat to preserve the boy’s life?

The thoughts of Yeom Hwa-sin remained entirely unfathomable.

Furthermore, another grave dilemma weighed heavily on Baek So-cheon’s mind.

What if the flow of battle forced him to secretly unleash his internal energy? While lesser martial artists might fail to discern the subtle manifestation, could he truly hope to deceive the keen perception of Yeom Hwa-sin?

Just picturing the sheer might of that man conjured a chilling dread akin to staring into the unfathomable abyss of the deepest ocean.

Just what sort of scheme is that monster harboring?

—

The morning of the decisive encounter finally arrived.

Though the duel was slated to take place at midday, massive throngs of spectators had gathered around the perimeter of the Murim Alliance since the break of dawn.

Had word leaked out that Yeom Hwa-sin had traveled here in person, the crazed mob might well have torn down the gates to catch a glimpse of him. Despite how feared the unorthodox tyrant was, the martial world’s curiosity to lay eyes on such a legendary figure ran dangerously deep. Consequently, the leadership maintained total secrecy regarding his presence, resolving to announce his entrance only moments before the combatants stepped into the ring.

Rising with the first light, Baek So-cheon cleansed himself and completed a series of gentle stretching routines.

Without warning, an overwhelming, suffocating presence manifested directly behind him. Across the entire world, only a single individual possessed such terrifying atmospheric weight.

He actually arrived!

Right on cue, a booming, familiar voice resonated from the courtyard boundary.

“Did you enjoy pleasant slumber?”

Turning around, Baek So-cheon spotted Yeom Hwa-sin casually resting atop the high stone perimeter wall, staring down at him with an amused gaze.

“It seems the brazen habits of the unorthodox never truly fade.”

Beaming broadly, the colossal figure descended from the parapet, deliberately planting his boots with such force that the surrounding courtyard rumbled as though struck by a localized tremor—an unmistakable declaration of his arrival.

“What bizarre notions are running through that head of yours now?”

“Greeting a weary guest with immediate accusations? At the very least, offer a traveler a cup of cold water first.”

Drawn outside by the violent shaking of the grounds, Beon Saeng stepped into the yard.

“What under heaven was that noise?”

Catching sight of Yeom Hwa-sin’s gigantic physique, Beon Saeng froze in his tracks, instinctively shrinking back in intimidation.

Addressing the bewildered man, Yeom Hwa-sin demanded,

“Fetch me a single bowl of water.”

“Ah… understood, right away, Sir.”

Scrambling backward, Beon Saeng hastily fetched a full cup from within the residence.

Taking the offering, Yeom Hwa-sin drained the water in a single massive gulp before returning the empty wooden cup.

“In exchange for your hospitality, I shall allow you to keep your life.”

Beon Saeng let out an awkward, nervous chuckle.

“Haha, quite the amusing jest, Sir. Why is it that everyone in my circle loves making such terrifying jokes? I happen to have a female companion who frequently spouts identical lines.”

“I am not joking.”

“Haha, yes, she insists on the very same thing. Hmm, come to think of it, your face seems remarkably familiar… that towering stature… wait, near Jung-kyeong… Oh, heavens above.”

Recognition finally washed over Beon Saeng as he realized the identity of the giant before him: none other than the Lord of the Black Heaven Alliance, Yeom Hwa-sin.

He had caught a fleeting glimpse of the man exchanging words with Baek So-cheon along the outer borders of Jung-kyeong. Never in his wildest nightmares could he have anticipated finding the legendary tyrant casually standing in his personal courtyard.

“…I must be hallucinating from an acute lack of sleep. I will return to bed at once.”

Backing away with a twitching, terrified expression, Beon Saeng bolted back inside the living quarters.

Good grief! To think I just personally served water to the supreme master of the Black Heaven Alliance!

Yeom Hwa-sin let out a hearty laugh, turning his gaze back upon Baek So-cheon.

“Perhaps you should reserve some of that tender consideration for your own flesh and blood. Did you not bother checking on your son before paying a visit here?”

“I did indeed. But after all, aren’t you considered my son as well?”

“You—!”

Grinning broadly, Yeom Hwa-sin appeared thoroughly amused by the youth’s sharp tongue.

Baek So-cheon took several deliberate strides forward until they stood within arm’s reach of one another, his piercing gaze dissecting every subtle shift upon the warlord’s face.

“I have only a single inquiry for you. Answer me with absolute honesty.”

“Ask whatever pleases you.”

Baek So-cheon looked him dead in the eye and delivered his question without hesitation.

“Do you truly intend to stand idly by and permit your own son to be slaughtered by my hands?”