Genius Martial Arts Trainer

Guiling Mountain

Having heard the entire story, Mu-jin asked with a stern expression.

“So, you’re saying that assassins from Salmak attacked early this morning?”

At Mu-jin’s question, Hye-dam, who had bandages wrapped around various parts of his body to treat his wounds, nodded with his characteristic stoic expression.

‘…So that’s why it turned into such a mess.’

It was astonishing in many ways.

The fact that they were able to clean up even this much in just a few hours after the battle was remarkable.

While there were still bloodstains here and there, there were no puddles of blood or corpses to be seen.

It was said that over two hundred assassins had died here, and yet…

Given that the assassins had used stealth techniques and weapons coated with poison, it was a small miracle that there were so few casualties compared to the damage Salmak suffered.

But that was just an objective perspective.

“…”

As there were at least some casualties, the atmosphere within the Shaolin Temple was extremely tense.

In this tense atmosphere, Mu-jin turned his gaze slightly to look at Mu-gyeong.

‘…So that’s why he was wearing that strange hero headband.’

When Mu-jin first saw Mu-gyeong with a shabby piece of cloth tied around his forehead with the words [Anti-Demon Unyielding], he thought Mu-gyeong was being bullied by Hye-gwan again.

But Mu-jin never expected that Hye-gwan would lose his life to Salmak.

Mu-jin was worried about Mu-gyeong in many ways.

Mu-gyeong always seemed to be bullied by Hye-gwan, but having lived together for nearly ten years, there was a bond of both love and hate.

Hye-gwan was not one to express affection with words.

Mu-jin knew that Hye-gwan’s bullying was, in essence, a way to teach Mu-gyeong, and Mu-gyeong likely realized this to some extent.

If Mu-jin and Hye-gwan’s relationship was like that of a grandfather and grandson, then Mu-gyeong and Hye-gwan’s was like that of a mischievous uncle and nephew who, despite their antics, enjoyed each other’s company.

Such a person had sacrificed himself to stop his own rampage.

Of course, Hye-gwan wouldn’t have considered it a ‘sacrifice,’ but Mu-gyeong likely thought of it that way.

While Mu-jin was pondering how to comfort Mu-gyeong,

Mu-gyeong, who had been quietly observing the situation, spoke up first.

“Head Monk, I have a request.”

“Speak.”

“What do you think about directly attacking Guiling Mountain in Guizhou Province, where Salmak’s base is said to be located, Head Monk?”

“!!!”

Surprised by Mu-gyeong’s suggestion, Hyun-cheon asked back.

“Mu-gyeong, I understand your feelings well. We are all deeply saddened by Hye-gwan’s death. However, going there for personal revenge is too dangerous.”

“It’s not for personal revenge. Though my teacher didn’t initially pursue Salmak, he eventually succeeded in finding their base. Salmak makes money by committing murders, living lives of great sin. I just don’t want the information my teacher died to uncover to go to waste.”

“…”

At Mu-gyeong’s response, Hyun-cheon silently gazed into his eyes.

He was worried that it might just be an excuse for revenge, that the boy might again be consumed by bloodlust.

However, despite having fought in a brutal battle with assassins last night, Mu-gyeong’s eyes seemed calm.

Still, even if Mu-gyeong wasn’t losing his sanity, not all problems were solved.

There were many issues involved in attacking Salmak’s base.

While Hyun-cheon and those around him were contemplating this issue,

An unexpected voice interjected.

“I think it’s not a bad idea. Hahaha.”

The voice belonged to Jegal Muhwan.

Having come to Shaolin with Mu-jin, he said this with a hidden face while gently waving his fan.

“Why do you think so?”

In response to Hyun-cheon’s question, Jegal Muhwan answered.

“The assassins of Salmak attacked Shaolin early this morning, so the news probably hasn’t reached their base properly yet. If we leave immediately, we might arrive just when they are trying to prepare.”

“But, in a situation where a civil war among the orthodox sects could break out soon, attacking Salmak is too dangerous.”

To Hyun-cheon’s words, Jegal Muhwan snapped his fan shut and replied.

“That’s a matter of perspective.”

“Perspective? What do you mean?”

“On the surface, it’s a civil war among the orthodox sects, but in reality, it’s a war against that ‘Shinchun’ faction, isn’t it? Head Monk. And that Shinchun faction has already extended its reach into the unorthodox sects. If a civil war among the orthodox sects breaks out, the Sa-doryeon will likely seize the opportunity to attack Shaolin.”

“!!!”

“So, it’s actually necessary to preemptively eliminate Salmak for future safety. And more importantly.”

Jegal Muhwan paused for a moment, then smiled a cunning smile as he continued.

“In times of war, military strategists like me fear not brave enemy commanders, but such assassins. Hahaha.”

Mu-jin internally marveled.

He wondered why that guy was suddenly helping Mu-gyeong, but it turned out he wanted to eliminate Salmak to save his own life.

As expected, he greatly valued his own life.

However, Hyun-cheon didn’t easily fall for Jegal Muhwan’s words.

“No matter if the Sa-doryeon intervenes later, we don’t have the resources to send to Salmak now that a civil war is imminent.”

“You needn’t worry too much about that. Hehehe. The Shaolin Dragon has already planted the seeds.”

“???”

“???”

Both Hyun-cheon and Mu-jin looked at him with puzzled faces.

‘Seeds? Me?’

Seeing everyone’s confused expressions, Jegal Muhwan began to explain.

“In the fights of the orthodox sects, justification is everything. Do you know why?”

“Isn’t it because they want to pretend to be the good guys?”

Mu-jin answered, to which Jegal Muhwan snapped his fan open and replied.

“That’s right. Then, why do you think they want to pretend to be the good guys?”

“…So others won’t criticize them?”

“Well, put simply, that’s correct. More specifically, there are two main reasons. First, because the orthodox sects are not a single unified organization.”

“???”

“Think about it simply. No matter how strong the Nine Great Sects or Five Great Families are, can they win a war against all the small sects spread throughout the Central Plains?”

“Ah…”

Mu-jin finally understood what was being discussed and let out a faint sigh of admiration.

A war involving Shaolin and all the small and medium sects across Zhongyuan? Shaolin’s defeat was inevitable. The same applied to the other Nine Great Sects and Five Noble Families.

Even though the Nine Great Sects and Five Noble Families might have more masters, the difference in numbers was simply too great.

“That’s why justification is important. If we keep acting recklessly without justification, we risk alienating all of them. And the second reason is similar: to make our allies believe they are in the right. When people believe they are right, they can be as ruthless as necessary. On the other hand, when they have reservations, they tend to hesitate.”

Mu-jin, after listening to his counterpart’s explanation, had a puzzled expression.

It wasn’t that he didn’t understand the explanation. It was just that he didn’t understand why this was being discussed now.

“Why bring this up now?”

He didn’t see the relevance of the discussion at this moment.

“I wanted to emphasize how important justification is in the orthodox faction. Currently, there are two conflicting justifications in the orthodox faction, thanks to the seeds left by the Shaolin Dragon when he confronted the Four Divine Units.”

“Ah…”

Mu-jin finally understood what seeds were being referred to.

On his way to confront the Four Divine Units, he confidently declared his innocence.

Moreover, since allies like Jegal Jin-hee remained there, there was an opportunity to widely promote their cause among the smaller sects.

“When justification is significantly divided like this, the orthodox faction can’t move recklessly. Each sect needs time to clarify their stance, and only after some order is established can war begin. This means we have a few days to strike Salmak.”

“Striking Salmak would also bolster our justification.”

“Exactly, Master. As an orthodox sect, what could be more righteous than attacking the assassin group, Salmak?”

Jegal Muhwan, having successfully persuaded Hyun-Cheon, wore his characteristic fabricated smile.

To Mu-jin, it seemed Jegal Muhwan was pleased because attacking Salmak would extend his lifespan.

* * *

Ultimately, Jegal Muhwan’s persuasion led to the decision to attack Salmak’s headquarters at Gwiryeong Mountain.

However, it was not a decision to launch a full-scale invasion.

A large force would inevitably attract attention, so they decided to dispatch an elite strike force.

Hye-gwan and Mu-gyeong had already killed nearly a hundred assassins, and during the recent attack on Shaolin, over two hundred more assassins were killed.

Given the significant damage Salmak had already suffered, it was determined that a strike force of elite masters would be sufficient.

Additionally, there was no need to give Salmak time to prepare, so the strike force was assembled quickly.

“Sajo-nim, I will return safely.”

Once again part of the strike force, Mu-gung bowed to his Sajo, Hye-dam, as he left Shaolin.

It felt strange.

At first, he thought it was because his always steadfast Sajo was now covered in bandages.

However, despite his near-patient appearance, Hye-dam was still Hye-dam. He stood firm as if the injuries meant nothing.

So, what felt so strange?

“Return safely.”

Hye-dam responded in his characteristic deep tone to Mu-gung’s bow.

‘???’

It was odd. The normally taciturn Sajo would usually just nod silently instead of offering such well-wishes.

And that wasn’t all.

“In place of me, who must stay and guard Shaolin, eradicate the villains. I will bear all the sins you accumulate.”

Only upon hearing those words did Mu-gung realize what felt strange.

It was the eyes of Hye-dam, which always seemed indifferent.

Even when scolding him, those eyes felt devoid of emotion, making them even scarier. Now, Mu-gung sensed a sliver of emotion beyond them.

Having spent years together, Mu-gung vaguely understood the nature of that emotion.

“…I will eradicate all the villains and return safely.”

At Mu-gung’s resolute vow, Hye-dam silently nodded.

* * *

Shaolin’s strike force left Songshan.

The force consisted of about twenty members, most of whom were first-generation disciples, except for the Muja Quartet and a few exceptional second-generation disciples.

Instead of heading directly to Guizhou Province to the southwest, they first moved south using Qinggong.

After traveling for about half a day, they arrived near Tianzhong Mountain in the southern part of Henan Province. From there, Mu-gyeong led the group.

Soon after, Mu-gyeong stopped in front of a small, protruding mound hidden in the mountain path’s underbrush.

“Sajo-nim, I apologize for being late.”

Mu-gyeong opened a liquor bottle he had brought and began pouring it over the mound.

The bottle was the one Hye-gwan had given to that woman during their last battle. It was Hye-gwan’s last keepsake.

The small mound was the temporary grave Mu-gyeong had hastily made for Hye-gwan during their urgent retreat.

“…”

Without saying a word, Mu-gyeong poured the liquor and silently looked at the grave.

Although they were in a hurry to attack Salmak, no one rushed Mu-gyeong.

In fact, everyone silently bowed and paid their last respects to Hye-gwan.

After about an hour, Mu-gyeong, having composed himself, turned around and bowed to his senior brothers and the elders.

“Forgive me for the delay.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“We also needed time to compose ourselves.”

With the elders’ kind responses, Mu-gyeong bowed once more.

Once the final farewells were made, two second-generation disciples approached the grave.

“Now, let us take Sabaek Hye-gwan back to Shaolin.”

“Do so.”

They had come not to attack Salmak but to guide Hye-gwan’s body back to Shaolin.

The two second-generation disciples moved Hye-gwan’s body, along with the surrounding earth, into a coffin and headed towards Shaolin.

Watching Hye-gwan’s body being taken back to Shaolin, the strike force finally turned towards Guizhou Province.

Although time had been delayed, it might have been a blessing in disguise.

Their faces, now turned towards Guizhou Province, were filled with a new determination.

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