The Result of the Discussion - 3
Seojin, after ambushing and fending off his pursuers, hurriedly descended the mountain. When he arrived, disheveled and breathless, the guards at the gate were startled and asked,
"Master, what happened?"
"Sound the alarm immediately! Prepare for an attack! Quickly! And has Senior Brother Yeomin returned?"
"Yes, he came back this morning. He's likely in the Gold Hall."
Without wasting time, Seojin dashed to the Gold Hall. This was the residence for the top experts among the sect, containing large rooms for those of higher rank. Those of lesser skill stayed in the smaller rooms of Silver Hall, while those of even lower standing shared the larger rooms of Copper Hall. Seojin rushed into the Gold Hall and quickly opened the door to Yeomin's room. Yeomin, who had snuck out earlier and had been drinking, still smelled of alcohol as he lay asleep. Seojin urgently shook him awake.
"Senior Brother, there's been a disaster. Master has passed away!"
Upon hearing the news, Yeomin immediately sobered up, his eyes wide with shock.
"I didn't hear that his condition had worsened... Was everyone still at the cabin?"
He began hurriedly dressing as he asked,
"No, it's not that. He died after losing in a duel."
"In a duel? Who was his opponent?"
"A man who calls himself the Master of Ink Soul. He's an incredible expert. Master's last words were that it was an honor to have faced such a master from the Profound Realm. He left strict instructions that we are not to seek revenge under any circumstances."
"Not seek revenge? How could we not?"
"Everyone who tried was killed. By that one man. He's beyond anything we can imagine. A master of the Profound Realm, which we only knew from legends. We must prepare for his possible attack here."
"What about our eldest brother?"
"He has also passed."
"Even our eldest brother... hm..." Yeomin lamented with a sorrowful expression.
"Yes, Senior Brother's final wish was for you to be appointed as the head of the sect. Though I didn't witness his death, he told me to leave before the fight with the Master of Ink Soul started. He said we couldn't allow the Tyrant Sword to fall into the enemy's hands."
"Ugh... Is Cheongnyang there?"
A voice answered from outside.
"Yes."
"Tell all the disciples to gather and prepare for the enemy's assault."
"Everyone is already preparing. We've sent a few people up the mountain, but they report no signs of movement."
"Then you should take about ten men and head up the mountain to investigate."
"Understood."
"Now, tell me about Father's will and how all this happened."
"Yes, it was yesterday..."
Seojin reported everything to Yeomin. Once he finished speaking, Yeomin said:
"Father was up against a master who had reached a level so high that he was willing to risk his life. You focus on writing down everything you remember about their conversation. Father always mentioned that there were limits to the techniques in our manual. That conversation might hold the key to breaking through."
"Understood."
After about two hours, the scouting party returned. They hadn't dared to bring the bodies but had brought back the young girl in red, Miryeong, and the boy in blue, Isuk, who had been descending from the mountain. Their story matched what Seojin had told. Yeomin instructed Miryeong and Isuk to also record the conversation they had heard.
As he watched them head to their quarters, Yeomin turned to Cheongryang and said:
"Go and summon the undertakers and doctors. If all the bodies have been severed like that, they'll need to be stitched together. At least that way, Mother can see Father's body one last time before he departs. I trust you with this task."
"Understood. I'll be back."
Rapid Promotion
Mookhyang returned to the Demonic Sect and submitted a detailed report. The sect leader greeted him with a somewhat grim expression after reading the reports from the four experts who had accompanied him.
"I greet the sect leader."
"I have received the results of your mission. But why didn't you carry out the assassination and instead chose to face them head-on? It's fortunate that you won, but if you had lost, I would have lost an exceptional expert."
"I apologize, but after encountering such a skilled opponent, I wanted to cross swords, even if it cost me my life. I learned a lot from the experience."
"Haha, to speak so boldly... You're quite a brave one. Do you think you could defeat me if we fought?"
"If given the chance..."
"Hahaha! You're a cocky one. With the strength to kill one of the Three Sovereigns, you should have such confidence. So, is it the position of sect leader that you desire?"
"No. I only wish to improve my martial skills. I have been alone for a long time and do not feel confident in leading many subordinates."
"Hmm, while you may be able to walk the world alone, it seems world domination is beyond you. Do you not wish to conquer the martial world?"
"It's hard enough to manage my own life, so how could I take control of the entire martial world? Besides, I have no desire to do so."
"My son is not as skilled in martial arts as you. Although you are young, you've reached a level where you could challenge me. I intend to pass on the position of sect leader to you. What do you think?"
"I refuse. The duties of a sect leader would leave me with no time to train in martial arts."
"Haha, the world is full of strange people indeed. I heard from Yoo Baek that your martial arts are not centered on demonic techniques but orthodox ones. What do you think?"
"It's true that demonic techniques are not the foundation, but neither are orthodox ones. I have incorporated elements of both. As an assassin, I must leave no trace, so I have learned various orthodox techniques, not because I thought they were superior to demonic arts."
"I also heard that from Yoo Baek. After discussing with the vice leader, we intend to appoint you as the vice leader. How do you feel about that?"
"As long as I am granted sufficient free time, I am fine with it."
"Of course, you will have plenty of time. According to our sect's principles, the vice leader does not command subordinates. Instead, you will have an independent guard of about five people. Since there will be no trivial duties, it seems like an ideal position for you."
"That sounds good."
"How would you like to choose your guards? Do you have anyone in mind?"
"Please select them for me. However, I would prefer people who do not exude demonic energy."
"I'll send them later. As for your residence..."
"Apologies for interrupting, sect leader, but I would prefer a small, secluded thatched cottage with just one person to prepare meals for me. I find it hard to concentrate if my residence is in a busy place."
"Do as you wish. Let me know the location, and the chief steward will handle it. Now that everything is settled, you may leave. The formal appointment as vice leader will take place in a month. Choose a sword for the ceremony. There are several suitable swords in the Heavenly Demon Treasury, so pick one. I will tell the guards to let you in."
Mookhyang pointed to Mookhon and said, "This is enough for me."
"No, it won't do for the vice leader of our sect to wield a common iron sword. People would mock you."
"But I am accustomed to this type of sword and do not wish to use anything else."
"Hmm, in that case, I'll have a new one made for you. It will take some time, but I'll instruct Mu Ryang to handle it. Tell him when you're ready."
"Thank you for your consideration."
"You must be tired, so you may leave."
After bowing to the sect leader, Mookhyang went to speak with Yoo Baek. Yoo Baek was the only person in the sect who had grown close to him and cherished him as much in return. Yoo Baek warmly welcomed Mookhyang and, to celebrate his return as vice leader, they drank all night. During their conversation, Yoo Baek did not forget to offer advice.
"You've been living in isolation within the sect, so you may not know this, but there are several places within the sect that store martial arts manuals. The Heavenly Demon Treasury is where those ranked within the top 100 can enter. It contains various supreme demonic arts and orthodox techniques that were seized. The Demonic Supreme Vault is accessible to those ranked within the top 2,000. Then, there are four other vaults: the Heaven East Vault, the Earth West Vault, the Dark South Vault, and the Yellow North Vault, all of which store the same books. These vaults are for lower-ranked experts and contain demonic techniques used by them."
"Why were they split into four?" Mookhyang asked.
"To prevent the risk of losing all the manuals at once. Also, with so many people using them, it's better to distribute the manuals across multiple locations than to keep all four copies in one place. Since you can enter all the vaults, you'll be able to study any martial art that catches your interest. Among them, you should definitely take a look at the Beiming Divine Art in the Demonic Supreme Vault. It's one of the three techniques that requires the sect leader's permission to access. While the sect leader likely won't allow you to view the other two, he should approve the Beiming Divine Art. You should try requesting it sometime."
"Understood."
Yoo Baek took a sip of alcohol and continued, "All high-level experts in our sect learn the Black Maitreya Demonic Art. Have you heard of it?"
"No, I haven't."
"What about the Diamond Body Technique?"
"I've heard of it."
"The Diamond Body Technique originates from the Shaolin Sect's Vajra Immortal Art. It strengthens the body, making it as hard as steel. There is also the Withered Wood Divine Art, which hardens the body like wood, making it impervious to most weapons. In response, our sect created its own martial arts. One of these is the Black Maitreya Demonic Art, which not only toughens the skin like the Diamond Body Technique but also strengthens the blood vessels, acupoints, and bones, making them as resilient as steel. It protects against fatal injuries from most attacks. You should definitely master it."
"I will keep that in mind."
"And in your case, you generally handle strong energy well, so there shouldn't be any problems, but in the case of the combat technique, nothing beats the Simple Hand Magic, or the Blood Hand Magic. The Simple Hand Magic is extreme yin, while the Blood Hand Magic is extreme yang. The arm that uses that magic will shine either white or red, making it impossible for swords to penetrate, and it's said that the coldness or heat emanating from it can inflict fatal wounds on the enemy. It's the optimal martial art for attacking close-range enemies. Some top-tier masters may have learned one or both of them. It would be good for you to learn as well."
"I will keep that in mind."
"There are numerous other martial arts as well. In the case of the sect leader, he has fully mastered the Self-Turning Magic, and you've seen it too, right? The sect leader's face takes on a purplish hue, making him look bizarre..."
"Yes."
"I've heard that the power of the Self-Turning Magic is tremendous. It's also quite difficult to learn, being an extreme yang magic. You can't expect to see effects unless you master it well, but once you reach level 8 or higher, its power is remarkable. Of course, for you, it might be a bit difficult, heh heh..."
Suddenly, Yoo Baek laughed, and Mookhyang felt an odd sensation. There's no need to laugh so quietly.
"Why are you laughing like that?"
"Haha, you are someone who keeps women at a distance... But women are essential for mastering the Self-Turning Magic."
"Essential? What do you mean?"
"It's such a powerful yang martial art that you can't control that yang energy. It will constantly incite desires. If you don't engage in intimate relations several times a day, there's no way to suppress that lust. In doing so, you naturally absorb the feminine yin energy to balance it. Otherwise, your blood vessels will burst and you'll die. Now do you understand? Hehe..."
Hearing those words, Mookhyang slightly flushed and replied tersely, But there's nothing I can't master, right?
"You spread rumors that you're learning the Child Technique to prepare for future situations, but if you learn that, all your efforts until now will be in vain."
"Oh, I hadn't thought of that point. I apologize."
"In addition, it would be worth learning the Formless Magic. There are three types: Soft Demon Fist, Demon Shadow Finger, and Demon Yin Palm. All three are formless and silent, making it extremely difficult for the opponent to defend. Generally, they have the disadvantage of being somewhat weaker, but they excel in surprise attacks. Furthermore, if you master it to level 10, you can turn the opponent's internal organs into powder, or so I've heard."
"But I can already perform something similar."
"Still, it's good to take a look. It will help you understand how your technique differs from theirs."
"Understood."
"Take a look at the Black Killing Palm as well. I wouldn't recommend mastering it, but it's a martial art with immense power. If you are hit by its technique, your flesh will blacken and rapidly rot, which is how it got its name. Even a small wound will start to rot from that spot, and if you let your guard down even slightly, that's the end. Moreover, if mastered to the extreme, it can be released in the form of energy. It's a terribly malicious martial art, and very difficult to master, but its power is astounding. The only person known to have mastered it to that extent is the former vice leader of the Dark Magic Sect, the Black Killing Mage, Jang In-geol. It's a martial art that's extremely difficult to master above level 9. You must be very cautious if you meet him next."
"Yes, I will engrave that in my heart."
After drinking all night and talking, Mookhyang visited Muryang early the next day. Muryang is an outstanding craftsman responsible for the weapons manufacturing facility known as the Heavenly Demon Workshop. Many renowned magical soldiers have been created by him, and those ranked within the top 500 would personally ask him to make weapons for them. The Heavenly Demon Workshop is well-known as the weapon production site for the main forces of the Demon Sect. Other general magical warriors used weapons produced at the Demon Battle Workshop.
As soon as he arrived, Muryang greeted him warmly. Muryang was a proud old man, looking over fifty, not particularly handsome but with a rugged expression and a thick tiger's mustache.
"Welcome, Sect Leader! I received the notification."
Mookhyang unsheathed Mookhon from his waist and handed it to Muryang.
"Can you make it like this? Light and sharp..."
"Yes, Sect Leader, you've sent me Hyeoncheol. However, since Hyeoncheol itself has weight, it can't be made too light."
"In that case, make the blade as thin as possible."
"Hyeoncheol is so strong that I can make it thin, but it won't be extremely thin. Would it be alright if it takes some time?"
"I don't mind. Even if I can't use it in my lifetime, take your time and make it as you wish."
Muryang examined the hilt of Mookhon carefully and said, "You've cut this part of the hilt. Should I make the hilt this length? And the scabbard is very simple, and there's no blade guard."
"Don't make a blade guard, and the hilt should be exactly that length, and the blade length should remain the same."
"Then what will be the name of the sword?"
"Engrave the name '墨魂' (Mookhon) on the blade in relief."
"Are you planning to sell this sword? The blade is very clean. Even though it seems to have been used for a long time, it appears you've taken great care of it. Is there really a need to have two swords with the same name and shape?"
"I'm planning to sell it. One sword is enough. There's no need for too many."
"Understood. Please wait a moment."
Then Muryang went inside and brought out a heavy chunk of Hyeoncheol, handing it to Mookhyang.
"Please breathe a little bit of Jinhwon Energy into this."
Mookhyang asked, somewhat puzzled. Jinhwon Energy is not something that just comes about. In the martial world, it is as precious as life, to the point that even sharing it with family members is often avoided.
"Jinhwon Energy? Why do I need to do that?"
"Jinhwon Energy represents the character of each martial artist. If you breathe that into the sword, it will come out exactly to the owner's liking. The more dreadful the demon, the more incredible the magic sword that is produced, so it will create a magic sword that the vice leader will surely love."
"Understood."
Mookhyang bitterly smiled and breathed Jinhwon Energy into the chunk of Hyeoncheol. Seeing this, Muryang asked again, "Since the Mookhon sword is short and thin, it won't take much Hyeoncheol to make it, so there will be some leftover. What should we make with that? Should I make a few shurikens?"
"No, make me a thin and small dagger similar to the Mookhon sword. I can use it for cutting up a deer if I catch one while camping."
"Understood. Then..."
After glancing at Mookhyang, Muryang continued, "Do you go out dressed like this all the time?"
"Why, is there something wrong with my appearance?"
"From what I see, it doesn't look like you use any magical techniques."
"I don't use any magical techniques. I don't even have a dagger, so when I catch a big deer, I use the Mookhon to cut it up and grill it, but using a sword seems bothersome."
"Using a sword to cut up deer meat... I see. I'll make sure to create a dagger for you."
"Thank you. Please contact me when it's finished."
"It won't be quick. It will take about half a year. In the meantime, please use this one."
With that, he handed the Mookhon back to Mookhyang. Mookhyang strapped the Mookhon to his waist.
"Got it. Then I'll trouble you."
Afterward, Mookhyang ordered the construction of a small house in a secluded area on a mountainside far from the headquarters of the Demon Sect. It was a small house with two tiny rooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen, almost identical in structure to the one Soyeon had lived in with her mother.
Once the house was completed, Mookhyang continued to stay there. Other than the occasional visits from Yoo Baek, no one came to Mookhyang's house. He was a figure who had achieved sudden success without going through the usual stages that others did, and as a former assassin, he hardly had any acquaintances. Moreover, since he had a sort of secret weapon-like personality, very few knew about his rise to the position of vice leader.
Formation of the Four Gentlemen
Mookhyang was able to meet his four independent bodyguards at the time of his appointment as vice leader. There were fewer than thirty people attending his appointment ceremony. At this moment, Mookhyang received a small jade pendant depicting a living dragon, symbolizing his vice leadership. Originally, he was supposed to receive a weapon from the sect leader, but since it wasn't completed yet, he substituted it with the Mookhon sword.
His bodyguards consisted of three men and one woman, all skilled fighters who did not emanate any magical energy, as per Mookhyang's request. This indicated that they were certainly not practitioners of orthodox magic arts. They were likely individuals who had worked in various fields such as assassins or spies. The sect leader introduced them as Okran, Hwan-su, Masik, and Jinchun. Mookhyang, showing little interest, led them to the small house and asked, "Do you have any names?"
Jinchun answered on behalf of everyone, "No, we don't. We haven't officially been active, so we don't have any."
"Then is it okay to ask about your previous professions?"
"Yes, both Okran and I were part of the Volunteer Corps until recently. We are now retired."
Masik added, "I was working in the Law Enforcement Department."
Finally, Hwan-su said, "I was part of the Black Death Squad."
Mookhyang was pleased to hear Hwan-su's words. "I was also part of the Black Death Squad. It's nice to meet you. What a coincidence to meet another assassin... But how about we call each other by something different rather than our names?"
"I will follow your lead."
"I'm not planning to force you. Still, since there are four of you, how about we designate the name 'Four Gentlemen'? You can each choose one: Plum (梅), Orchid (蘭), Chrysanthemum (菊), or Bamboo (竹)."
"It's customary for the master to determine the name of the independent bodyguards. You must know that the sect leader's bodyguards are called 'Ten Blood Dragons' and wear red clothes with their ranks written on red hoods. 'Four Gentlemen' sounds good. But it feels a bit too unorthodox, doesn't it?"
"That's alright; it's a very nice name. If someone tries to pick a fight, let them come to me. I'll peel them like a fruit. How should each of you decide on your names?"
Then the only woman, Okran, spoke up. "I will take the name Orchid."
"That sounds good," Mookhyang agreed, and Masik quickly added, "Then I will take the name Bamboo. The rest sound too masculine..."
In response, Jinchun quickly added, "I will take the name Plum. Since it's a tree, I think it'll be better than Chrysanthemum." Mookhyang looked at Hwan-su and asked, "Are you okay with being called Chrysanthemum?"
"I don't mind at all."
"Then it's all decided. I'm going home now to cultivate martial arts, so you all should go back and rest. You don't need to be on guard; do whatever you want, whether it's practicing martial arts or drinking."
"No, that can't be," Mei replied. "We are still the independent bodyguards for the vice leader…"
"What could possibly happen within the sect? Let's do this: guard me only when I go outside. Also, if there's a chance I'll be entrusted with something, I might have to face powerful opponents, so you should all work hard on your training. I don't want to see my subordinates die in front of me on our first mission."
"I will keep that in mind."
A month later, Mookhyang summoned the Four Gentlemen. They came to him, curious about what might have happened. Seeing them, Mookhyang said, "I just remembered something I forgot, so I called you. I want to check how skilled you all are. Follow me."
Mookhyang led them to a spacious area. There, he instructed each of them to take out their weapons. The first to step forward with a weapon was Mei.
"I will use a dao (sword)."
"Unleash all your abilities. Feel free to use any techniques or methods, including magical energy, and don't hold back in your attack."
The two began their sparring. Mei's martial arts were quite good, but not extraordinary enough to be part of an independent bodyguard. They sparred diligently, and after 70 seconds of fighting with Mei, Mookhyang said, "Mei! You are indeed skilled. However, you still have many immature points. Now that I understand your abilities, I want to see Orchid's skills next."
Orchid stepped forward. Her martial arts were slightly inferior to Mei's, but her lightness technique was somewhat superior. She possessed excellent swordsmanship as well as outstanding stealth skills. The next person to step forward was Bamboo. As expected from someone from the Law Enforcement Department, he had the most outstanding martial arts among the Four Gentlemen. Chrysanthemum, being from the Black Death Squad, excelled in hiding killing intent and assassination techniques, but his martial arts were the weakest among them. However, his unconventional killing swordsmanship had reached a considerable level.
After finishing their sparring, Mookhyang took a moment to gather his thoughts and spoke, "Your martial arts are all at a similar level. However, Bamboo is the most outstanding, so you shall be the leader."
"Thank you."
"Your martial arts are not below the standard of ordinary independent bodyguards. That's because I didn't ask for those with excellent martial arts to be sent, but rather for those who emanate less magical energy. So, starting now, I will help you improve your lacking martial arts. Come to me one by one in the morning, and I will teach you martial arts while sparring for about two rounds. The rest, you'll have to train on your own."
All of them were overwhelmed with gratitude and exclaimed, recognizing that receiving guidance from such a remarkable master was a rare honor, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"Thank you for your kindness, Vice Leader."