“…Muk Geom?”

“Yes, Master.”

It’s not just the Martial Alliance Leader who resides in the Martial Alliance.

Beneath him, there is also the Elder Council to watch over the Martial Alliance Leader. But is it still performing its role today?

Dan Ri Jin Su, a member of the Martial Alliance’s six Elders and known as the Heavenly Sword Saint, shook his head at the question he posed to himself.

The chill set in. Even though it was created by his one and only disciple, his throat felt parched.

In today’s martial world,

Are there really proper martial artists left?

Amidst all this, the news of a new holiness was sickeningly fresh.

“A being known as Muk Geom… exposed the corruption of Kunlun? And even the farce of the Four Heavens Clan…? They say he even took down the infamous Divine Power Overlord. A rare figure has emerged in the current martial world.”

“That’s what the rumors say, but…”

Dan Ri Jin Su’s disciple, Myochoa, shook her head.

“I’m not sure, Master.”

“…If you’re doubting it, there must be something to it. Who spread those rumors?”

“The First Elder of Kunlun, Hyeon Do-gwang.”

“Hyeon Do-gwang!”

Even amidst the corruption of Kunlun, there was a glimmer of light. That name must be Hyeon Do-gwang.

He’s someone who mixed in rumors.

“If it’s Hyeon Do-gwang, he’s someone we can trust. He wouldn’t have spread false rumors.”

“Master. The important thing is not whether the rumors are true or false, but how they were created.”

Myochoa gently refilled her empty cup.

Dan Ri Jin Su asked.

“What do you mean by how?”

“It means we cannot know his intentions for revealing Kunlun’s corruption and the Four Heavens Clan’s farce. The current Martial Alliance Leader is cunning. Having power is not everything. He uses those around him and establishes his own position through that… I think we cannot completely exclude the possibility of his intervention. Muk Geom could be a hero crafted by the Martial Alliance Leader.”

“A crafted hero…”

The Martial Alliance Leader Namgung Hyuk.

Dan Ri Jin Su mulled it over.

“…You’re right. It’s not entirely dismissible. The strongest martial family of the martial world is still the Namgung family he belongs to, but the Nine Great Families and the other Five Great Families are also gathering strength… Before they become a threat, they might have borrowed someone else’s hand to feign justice and crush their momentum. Have you looked into this Muk Geom?”

“Yes. But I couldn’t find out much. Do you remember that incident? The Martial Alliance Leader unilaterally recalled all the spies he had planted in the Demon Cult.”

“…Of course, I remember.”

That was also the time when the Elder Council and the Martial Alliance Leader had a huge fight.

It would be strange if they didn’t have reservations about that sudden large-scale recall order.

“That present Jeok-un, known as Muk Geom, was one of those spies in the Demon Cult. But he didn’t return that day.”

“…What? So he’s been in the Demon Cult this whole time?”

“I couldn’t find out any more information. As you know, the spies for the Demon Cult were managed by the previous leader, and the current Elder Council has limited records they can look into.”

Spies who remained in the Demon Cult.

And his delayed return to the fold.

“…You’re right. Choa.”

Dan Ri Jin Su nodded.

“The Martial Alliance Leader’s sword, which has stayed in the Demon Cult for a special purpose… might be finally returning.”

“Master, I know the current tenure of the Martial Alliance Leader is coming to an end. To change the current martial world, we need to start from the top. For that to happen…”

“I know. Master. To ensure the plan goes smoothly, there must be no variables.”

Myochoa lowered her head.

“I’ll keep an eye on that person. For the sake of restoring the old justice.”

“That’s a good attitude. Then… I also have to make my move.”

Dan Ri Jin Su stood up.

“The one called Muk Geom must be coming, so I should see what kind of person he is, even if I have to use force. If I see him with my own eyes, I can at least get a rough sense of his character.”

…

“Muk Geom?”

“Yes, Leader.”

The Martial Alliance Leader Namgung Hyuk donned his outergarments. The military officer, Jegeol Soak, handed him a cup.

“Do you remember the incident when you recalled all the spies you had planted in the Demon Cult?”

“How could I forget? Naturally, I remember. It was my doing. Why bring it up now?”

“Current Muk Geom was one of those bait pieces you used back then.”

“…Oh. The light ones I spread to draw out the heavy ones? Then he should have been dead… how did he return?”

“Here is the report.”

Namgung Hyuk read it without hesitation. After finishing, he chuckled.

“Looks like a lucky guy. So? Why is he called Muk Geom?”

“I heard he helped clean up Kunlun’s ties to corruption. An Elder from Kunlun has verified this.”

“Verified? Why would he verify what should be buried?”

“The one who revealed it is Hyeon Do-gwang.”

Hyeon Do-gwang. That name was familiar.

He was called the only conscience of Kunlun.

Was revealing his own disgrace a warning for those who are not entangled in corruption? Namgung Hyuk smirked.

“What a foolish act.”

It was no different from cutting into his own flesh.

“That’s actually good. Kunlun’s reputation was slowly growing. While the Nine Great Families could be helpful, going too far with their strength is dangerous.”

“You’re right.”

“So? Is that the end of it?”

“No. I heard this time he also single-handedly uncovered the farce of the Four Heavens Clan.”

“The farce of the Four Heavens Clan? What does that mean?”

“I heard that during a territory battle with Cheongsung, the Four Heavens Clan infiltrated and released some prisoners of Cheongsung. They intended to pressure Cheongsung by feigning ignorance of this incident, but it seems Muk Geom recaptured the Divine Power Overlord and revealed that it was the doing of the Four Heavens Clan to everyone.”

“I dug my own grave. I was too hasty. If it were me, I wouldn’t have done that.”

“Because of that, Cheongsung’s influence is starting to reach inside the Four Heavens Clan, and internal conflicts in the Four Heavens Clan are becoming stronger. They probably won’t be able to harbor other ambitions for a while.”

“Hmm…”

Namgung Hyuk stared into the mirror.

“Such a righteous person. What is this Muk Geom’s real name?”

“I heard it’s Jeok-un.”

“I’ve heard stories about the Divine Power Overlord before. They say he’s quite formidable… Is that someone who was just a bait piece able to take him down?”

“I’m also curious about that. It seems he gained a fortuitous encounter while in the Demon Cult…”

“Uncertainty remains, then.”

“Yes.”

Namgung Hyuk gazed into the mirror. As he fiddled with the appearance that was no different from when he was young, he spoke.

“Muk Geom, huh? It seems he’s quite famous if even I’ve heard of him.”

“It seems Kunlun and Cheongsung are backing him.”

“If it’s the current Kunlun and Cheongsung, then they are some of the most prickly people in the martial world. They cherish justice and seek to eliminate the wicked… Gaining their support is to say that he has some usefulness.”

“I agree with you, Leader.”

“Speak your mind, military officer.”

“Among the current Nine Great Families and the Five Great Families, there are those who have suddenly started to expand their influence, right? The end of your current term is approaching, and while your influence may be increasing, it hasn’t diminished at all… We need to prepare for the next term.”

“That’s right. If I’m not the one to hold the position of leader in the martial world, then who else would?”

“You’re right. The current martial world is basically the most proper balance, so it’s crucial to suppress those expanding their influence to maintain peace during the next election. Moreover…”

The military officer, Jegeol Soak, lowered his voice.

“I can see that some factions are moving under the reputation of the Martial Alliance’s six Elders, Dan Ri Jin Su. Although they have not publicly revealed themselves, it seems they are preparing for the next Martial Alliance Leader election. To keep them in check, it might be important to preemptively establish relations with the factions and families associated with Dan Ri Jin Su.”

“It seems that your opinion aligns with mine. Continue.”

“Yes.”

Jegeol Soak clasped his hands together.

“Since Muk Geom’s actions are righteous, how about utilizing that? It’s almost the same as saying that there’s not a single clean place in the current martial world… If we stir corruption among those who are expanding their influence, their uproar will inevitably lessen.”

“And I get recognition for that. I will now be known as the one who controls Muk Geom, the one who fights corruption… A name worthy of the next leader.”

“That’s right. So I believe it would be wise to verify Muk Geom, who is now approaching the Martial Alliance, and appoint him as the Martial Alliance Inspector.”

“Will most of those missions fall to you?”

“Yes. I will dispatch them to the factions and families connected with Dan Ri Jin Su. Muk Geom will obtain what he desires, and in silence, we will also achieve what we want.”

“Haha! You’re sharp! This is why I like you so much!”

Namgung Hyuk sat in his chair, lightly tapping the table.

“But you know, to plan all this, Muk Geom’s individual strength is the most important thing. Isn’t that right?”

“Of course. If someone who calls himself the Martial Alliance Inspector has no strength, he’ll naturally perish without a sound in a foreign land, so individual strength is paramount.”

“Since he captured the Divine Power Overlord, he should at least have the basics down. But you know what? Military officer. That’s not all that needs to be done.”

“Yes?”

“A watchful eye needs to be placed on him, right? Even if he acts recklessly because of his sense of justice, we have no idea how far he might stir things up… At the very least, those supporting me should not be touched.”

“You’re absolutely right, Leader.”

“Assign someone you can trust to the inspector’s position. If things go sideways, they should be able to subdue him with force… you understand?”

“Of course. It’s only right to eliminate any uncontrolled variables in the middle.”

“Naturally, your insight is profound. That’s why you serve in the Martial Alliance military. Excellent!”

“You’re too kind.”

Namgung Hyuk propped his feet on the table, swirling the cup filled with water as he murmured.

“But verification is essential. I should see his face personally. Ah, military officer. Has that person conveyed anything in particular?”

“Not yet.”

“Nothing, huh… I’d like to meet him at least once… There’s no way to request a private audience, is there?”

“Unless he extends a hand first, there’s no way to make contact with him, Leader.”

“Waiting is the only option, I suppose… There’s nothing else unusual happening?”

“A request for support came from the Cheonryong Association.”

“Are those morons still causing trouble?”

“Yes. They are still in a territorial dispute with the Sado Clan.”

“Honestly, they just love to make a fuss. Even though they shout about justice in the Martial Alliance, aren’t they really just busy protecting their own interests? Every troop sent over gets wiped out, making sending more forces feel regrettable. But we can’t completely ignore them either…”

While stroking his chin, Namgung Hyuk casually asked.

“This Muk Geom fellow… if he does well later, wouldn’t he gain quite the reputation?”

“That’s right. He’ll gain quite a bit of fame.”

“That fame could perhaps threaten my position, so it would be wise to deal with that later.”

“How…?”

“The conflict between the Cheonryong Association and the Sado Clan has been ongoing for three years, and every warrior sent for support has been killed by the Sado Clan…”

Namgung Hyuk chuckled darkly.

“Once I’ve used him thoroughly, I can simply send support to the Cheonryong Association. I can kill him off without getting my hands dirty, making for a perfect conclusion.”

“…Though he’s called the greatest mind of the Martial Alliance, it seems the Leader surpasses me even more. I’m impressed.”

“Well, you know… even I think this time I was a bit clever. Hahaha! Heaven truly helps me!”

…

The title Muk Geom felt strangely ticklish on my ears.

It’s not like I did something extraordinary, yet another name is attached besides my original one.

Gwangyang and Narin were cheering wildly.

“That’s my master!”

“Muk Geom! Muk Geom!”

“…Please.”

I was summoned by the Martial Alliance. Once my preparations were complete, I headed straight to the Martial Alliance with the items I had brought.

It had been a while since I last saw the building, and many things had changed here and there. As the most prosperous city, most of the memories I once held had vanished.

Well… considering it has been a few years, maybe that’s to be expected.

Even so, there was a path I remembered. A well-paved road leading to the center, lined with several buildings.

I merged into the bustling crowd, walking along the road that has now turned from a hometown into a strange place.

“What brings you here?”

“I have an appointment for an audience with the Martial Alliance Leader.”

“Ah… Please wait a moment.”

I moved deeper inside. The presence of people faded, leaving only silence.

Among dozens of buildings, the innermost one welcomed me.

This place…

Was somewhere I could never have entered before.

The leader’s chamber.

The gathering place of power in the Martial Alliance, where the Martial Alliance Leader resides.

“You may enter.”

The doorman bowed his head. I too nodded in respect.

I opened the door. Eyes surrounded by an air of stillness met mine.

It felt heavy.

The air itself.

But I pressed on bravely. I was no longer a sinner. Rather, I was akin to a hero who had successfully completed a mission and returned safely.

I took out the documents I brought and bowed deeply.

A trembling atmosphere. The inherently emitting presence.

The one who reigns over all spoke.

“Lift your head.”

The Martial Alliance Leader, known to everyone as the invincible sword, was Namgung Hyuk. He looked down at me and grinned.

“It’s foolish for one who has achieved something to bow their head. Now, show me what you brought. Muk Geom Jeok-un.”

…Already, the rumors had spread this far.

I handed over the documents I had brought.

 

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