Chapter 98 :

Chapter 98. The Third Checkpoint of the Hell Official Exam (1)

“We demand the truth about what happened on the Fuyang Plains.”

The Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families built branch-like facilities in every province.

Shaolin established temples, while Wudang and Mount Hua established Daoist compounds.

They claimed these compounds existed for people who lived too far away to visit the main sect directly.

In reality, however, they managed affiliated lay sects and commercial businesses across the country, so their function was not very different from that of a Martial Alliance branch.

The only real difference was that the Martial Alliance branches lacked cohesion because of complicated internal politics, while the branches of the Nine Great Sects obeyed the orders of their main sects absolutely.

“What truth are you referring to?”

The two men introduced themselves as the heads of the Wudang and Mount Hua Daoist compounds.

“A thousand people clashed on the Fuyang Plains, and nearly five hundred died. Is it not only natural that the truth behind such an incident be revealed?”

At the words of the head of Mount Hua’s Zhengzhou Daoist Compound, the middle-aged men standing behind him nodded in unison.

Judging by their different martial uniforms, they appeared to be senior members not only of Mount Hua and Wudang, but also of the sects whose disciples had died on the Fuyang Plains.

“To be precise, it was not a clash between a thousand people. A thousand people attacked a group of eighty.”

The head of Wudang’s Zhengzhou Daoist Compound stepped forward beside the Mount Hua representative.

“That is exactly what I meant. If a thousand people fought against eighty, how did only twenty of you die?”

At the Wudang representative’s words, the expressions of Namgung Seonhwa and Seong Moran slowly changed.

“Are you saying… that all of us should have died?”

“According to the natural course of events, would that not have been correct?”

Namgung Seonhwa’s and Seong Moran’s faces flushed red.

Had the speakers been anyone else, they would have immediately stepped forward and drawn their swords.

However, these men were the heads of the Wudang and Mount Hua Daoist compounds, so the two women could not act emotionally.

“Elders, Young Ladies of the Namgung Family and the Iron Sword Sect are present here. You should choose your words carefully.”

Even if they disregarded the Iron Sword Sect, their attitude was unbearably rude considering that the Namgung Family was also involved.

The head of Wudang’s Zhengzhou Daoist Compound glanced at Namgung Seonhwa before speaking again.

“If there is a problem, it can be resolved later. For now, solving the more serious matter must take priority.”

Realizing that further discussion was impossible, we attempted to enter the Martial Alliance’s Namak Branch.

If we continued wasting time here, there would have been no point in waking up early.

However—

“You may not enter until you reveal the entire truth of the incident.”

They ordered their warriors to block the entrance.

I released a quiet sigh.

Clues about the Demonic Cult’s movements had to begin spreading through official institutions.

Ordinary individuals would neither understand nor accept the story.

It would only create greater suspicion.

“Young Lady Namgung has already prepared separate materials to report to the Martial Alliance. You may hear the full account directly from the Alliance later.”

“I already told you. You will not enter until you reveal everything!”

“…”

My blood turned cold.

The deaths of disciples who were like brothers and sisters were undoubtedly tragic.

However, that was something everyone had to be prepared for when taking the Martial Academy entrance examination.

Despite that, these people believed in their own power and were attempting to force through an absurd demand.

It was the narrow-minded reasoning of those convinced that their rights were different from everyone else’s.

“…Are you obstructing the Martial Academy entrance examination?”

“We are trying to correct something that is wrong.”

“The regulations state that no conflict may occur within the region where the third checkpoint is held. Violating this rule will affect not only the people involved but also their sects. You are aware of that, correct?”

“Hmph! That is precisely why we came to find you. If not for that regulation, you would never have reached this place on your own feet.”

“There is truly no reasoning with you.”

I shook my head and drew my sword.

“What do you think you are doing?”

“You are free to suspect me, but I cannot allow the Namgung Family and the Iron Sword Sect to suffer because of me. My junior brothers and I will withdraw cleanly from the examination and escort the two young ladies inside.”

“Young Master Jin!”

Namgung Seonhwa’s and Seong Moran’s eyes widened.

“Do you truly believe you can oppose us?”

The heads of the Wudang and Mount Hua Daoist compounds, as well as the men claiming to represent the other sects, looked dumbfounded.

The martial uniforms of the two compound heads began swelling.

They slowly raised their internal energy, and the pressure they released prickled against the skin.

I also drew out all the strength I possessed without yielding.

“How strange. We are the people who killed five hundred with only eighty fighters. Are you not afraid to stand before us?”

The Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers formed a sword formation and drew their swords.

The men who had accompanied the Daoist compound heads had clearly not expected the situation to escalate this far and could not hide their alarm.

Shing! Shing!

Even Namgung Seonhwa and Seong Moran, who had arrived beautifully made up, drew their swords.

“You two should not interfere. If you become involved here, you may be barred from taking the entrance examination.”

“Do you seriously expect us to accept that?”

“The Taeul Sect is not the only one they insulted. They have insulted the great name of the Namgung Family. If I retreat because of the examination, my grandfather will never forgive me.”

When the two young ladies stepped forward, every warrior who had accompanied them also drew their sword.

“Y-You insolent…”

The face of the Mount Hua representative turned bright red.

The opposing group was far too powerful to suppress merely by invoking the names of Mount Hua and Wudang.

Now that the Azure Emperor Divine Sword had even been mentioned, an actual clash would cause a major conflict among Mount Hua, Wudang, and the Namgung Family.

And when blame was assigned later, it was obvious that the Daoist compound heads present here would be held responsible.

I wrapped Side Dragon Sword in sword energy.

From this point onward, it was a test of courage.

The one with nothing to lose would win.

When I boldly stepped forward, the heads of the Mount Hua and Wudang compounds flinched.

“Wait!”

At that moment, a middle-aged man emerged from inside the Martial Alliance’s Namak Branch with several guards.

“He is the branch leader of the Martial Alliance’s Namak Branch. Everyone, put away your swords.”

“What is the meaning of this disturbance?”

“…”

“If you interfere with the examination, your sects will undoubtedly suffer consequences as well. Are all of you prepared for that?”

The middle-aged man introduced as the branch leader approached and exchanged glances with the Daoist compound heads.

It appeared that some discussion had already taken place among them, as the two men subtly lowered their heads.

“Everyone, return to your places. The third checkpoint of the Martial Academy entrance examination must now be conducted.”

“We cannot do that!”

“Hundreds were harmed on the Fuyang Plains!”

“We must uncover the full truth of the incident!”

As the gathered men spoke over one another, the branch leader released a quiet sigh.

“I have also heard about what happened on the Fuyang Plains. A report has already been sent to the Martial Alliance, and the Alliance will organize and dispatch an investigation team.”

“But that will take time! Time! What good will an investigation do after all the evidence has disappeared?”

“The parties involved in the incident are standing right here. Why must we wait for the Martial Alliance’s investigation team?”

Voices criticizing the branch leader rang out from every direction.

“Enough.”

The branch leader infused his voice with internal energy and spread it throughout the area.

The commotion immediately died down.

“The Martial Academy entrance examination is meant to provide everyone with a fair opportunity. You cannot interfere with the examination for personal reasons.”

“Therefore, stop this. If you have suspicions, the Alliance will resolve them without fail.”

Just as the situation appeared to be settling, the head of the Mount Hua compound stepped forward.

“The matter is far too serious for that.”

A faint look of contempt appeared around the branch leader’s eyes.

He had attempted to end the dispute while allowing them to save face, yet the compound head was beginning again.

However, the man’s next words caused the crowd to erupt once more.

“There is suspicion that sorcery was used on the Fuyang Plains.”

“…”

The branch leader’s eyes trembled faintly.

“Pfft!”

Seong Moran burst out laughing.

Everyone turned toward her, but she did not stop.

“What do you find so amusing, Young Lady Seong Moran?”

Surprisingly, the branch leader knew who she was.

“How could I not laugh when these people have dug their own graves?”

“What do you mean…?”

“The next thing you intend to say is that the Taeul Sect must be connected to sorcery, correct?”

Seong Moran pointed toward the heads of the Mount Hua and Wudang compounds.

Their faces became so red they seemed ready to explode.

“Someone once made the same foolish accusation against our Iron Sword Sect. Because of it, we even lost the Ninefold Sword passed down from our great-grandmaster. Is there anyone here who does not know about that incident?”

“Hmph! Seeing you stand beside such people proves that you have no sense of shame.”

“The Iron Sword Sect and the Namgung Family were also present on the Fuyang Plains. Can you confidently claim that sorcery was used by us?”

“…”

Unlike the head of the Mount Hua compound, who remained silent, the Wudang representative stepped forward this time.

“I have never believed that the Iron Sword Sect or the Namgung Family were connected to sorcery. However, the Taeul Sect’s martial arts were so astonishing that they hardly seemed like the original martial arts of the Taeul Sect. That suspicion must be resolved.”

I stared at the Wudang representative and asked,

“Can you take responsibility for what you just said?”

I released my killing intent without restraint.

“Gasp.”

“Wh-What kind of killing intent is this?”

The heads of the Wudang and Mount Hua compounds, as well as the middle-aged men standing behind them, frowned simultaneously.

“I will ask again. Can you take responsibility for those words?”

“You bastard! Do you know who I am to behave in this manner?”

“I have never allowed anyone who insulted my sect or my fellow disciples to go unpunished.”

That had been true before.

It remained true now.

And it would continue to be true in the future.

Had Jegal Cheongi from my previous life seen me now, he would have cursed me for doing something pointless instead of freeing myself from the burdens in my heart.

I did not care.

No matter how much harm or pain it brought me, I was no longer as weak as I had been in my previous life.

Without hesitation, I walked toward the head of the Wudang compound.

The Wudang Daoists standing behind him moved forward and blocked my path.

“Th-That bastard!”

The head of the Wudang compound pointed at me with a face flushed crimson.

The Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers moved beside me, prepared to swing their swords at any moment.

I filled my voice with internal energy.

“Say it again! Does Wudang truly claim that the Taeul Sect used sorcery?”

“Y-You bastard!”

My voice thundered throughout the Martial Alliance’s Namak Branch.

Even people passing along the road stopped and turned toward us.

“Guh.”

The face of the Wudang representative twisted like crumpled paper.

When he still did not answer and I was about to scatter the Twin Heaven Sword Art—

“Great Hero Jin Sowoon of the Taeul Sect did not use sorcery.”

A new voice interrupted.

Everyone in the area turned simultaneously.

Dozens of people who appeared to be receiving treatment for severe wounds were approaching from the direction of the voice.

The relieved branch leader asked,

“Wh-Who are you?”

The man standing at the front spoke.

“I am Muk Jeongho of the Kunlun Sect. I am a participant in this examination and someone who fought against the Taeul Sect on the Fuyang Plains.”

“I see. If you were present, then you must know the truth of the incident.”

“I do not know who delivered the story, but it is true that someone there used sorcery.”

“See? The Taeul Sect—”

“However! Great Hero Jin Sowoon of the Taeul Sect was the man who saved us from those who used that sorcery.”

“What?”

Now that he had come closer, I recognized him as the examinee who had shouted furiously because he was ashamed that I had saved him.

“When we fought the Taeul Sect, those who attacked us under cover of darkness did not possess human forms. The Martial Alliance unquestionably needs to investigate them. However, there is no doubt that Great Hero Jin Sowoon was not one of those culprits.”

“How could you possibly know—”

“Have some shame!”

“What?”

“Great Hero Jin Sowoon saved those of us who had come to attack him from unknown assailants. He did so solely because we belonged to the same righteous faction.”

Muk Jeongho pointed toward the people standing behind the Daoist compound heads and continued.

“Moreover, when the warriors hired for the sake of your disciples were dying, he personally stepped forward and administered emergency treatment. Yet the people who hired those warriors have come here to persecute a righteous hero! Can you still call yourselves pillars of righteous faction sects?”

“He is right!”

“Have some shame, you bastards!”

Those who had accompanied Muk Jeongho were warriors who had received emergency treatment on the Fuyang Plains.

Every one of them cursed without hesitation at the people who had hired and abandoned them.

“Have some shame!”

The Kunlun Sect was ranked at the tenth peak of the Hundred and Eight Peaks.

Considering the influence of Mount Hua, Wudang, and the other sects gathered here, speaking to them this way should have been unimaginable.

Nevertheless, Muk Jeongho did not hesitate to rebuke them.

“I, Muk Jeongho of the Kunlun Sect, guarantee that Great Hero Jin Sowoon of the Taeul Sect did not use sorcery.”

“I agree!”

“I agree as well!”

As the voices among the warriors grew louder, the faces of the heads of the Mount Hua and Wudang compounds darkened.

At that moment, a warrior whispered into the branch leader’s ear.

The branch leader then looked toward Namgung Seonhwa.

“Young Lady Namgung Seonhwa, I heard you prepared a report for the Martial Alliance.”

Namgung Seonhwa took a scroll from inside her clothes and handed it over.

“Even you did not properly take our side, Branch Leader. Do you truly believe the existence of one corpse will erase all suspicion?”

“…Guh. That stings.”

The branch leader looked toward the Daoist compound heads.

“With this, no one can claim that the Taeul Sect practiced sorcery.”

“…”

While reading Namgung Seonhwa’s report, the branch leader looked at me.

“It says here that you obtained a portion of the culprit’s corpse. Is that true?”

“Yes.”

“Will you show it to us?”

I signaled Geumpyo with my eyes.

Geumpyo took out the arm of a Dark-Side Soul-Severing Corps member, wrapped tightly in cloth.

“Gasp!”

“What is that?”

“Is that a sword protruding from its palm?”

“Is that not bone?”

Only after seeing the remains did the branch leader’s face become rigid.

“Why did you not show this earlier? The matter could have been resolved more easily.”

I shook my head at the reproach in his voice.

I approached the head of the Wudang compound.

The Wudang disciples raised their swords to block me, but I instead sheathed my own sword and spoke.

“Do you still believe the Taeul Sect used sorcery?”

“Answer me.”

“Answer me!”

“No…”

“Then apologize.”

“What?”

“I told you to apologize.”

“…Do you know who I am—”

“If you refuse to apologize, I will submit a formal complaint about this matter through the Martial Alliance.”

After hesitating for a long time, the head of the Wudang compound released a deep sigh.

He lowered his head and offered a martial salute.

“I, Song of Wudang, formally apologize to the Taeul Sect.”

Quiet gasps arose from throughout the area.

The onlookers could hardly believe what they had witnessed.

“Consider yourself fortunate that you belong to Wudang. Had I, a member of the Taeul Sect, accused Wudang of using sorcery, the matter would not have ended with a mere apology.”

The branch leader spoke again.

“Will you hand over those remains so we can report them to the Martial Alliance?”

Evidence was necessary to properly identify the culprit.

The branch leader’s hand naturally moved toward the remains.

“No.”

The instant I answered, Geumpyo moved the arm away from the branch leader’s hand.

“…Y-You refuse?”

“We require the evidence to resolve your suspicions…”

“Have those suspicions not already been resolved?”

“…This is a serious incident. If beings capable of hiding within darkness truly exist, then it is unquestionably a matter the Martial Alliance must handle.”

“It may be a matter for the Martial Alliance to handle, but that does not mean you absolutely require the evidence.”

“What do you mean?”

“All by-products obtained while taking the examination are considered the property of the examinee. That is the regulation.”

“…”

“I intend to send this to my sect and have the Taeul Sect investigate it directly.”

“…But the Taeul Sect…”

The branch leader began to speak, but swallowed his words.

He had just witnessed the price Wudang had paid for making a careless statement.

I continued.

“However, if you truly require these remains, Branch Leader, you may purchase them from me.”

“What?”

“Hmph!”

“As expected of someone from a sect with no proper roots.”

I heard the head of the Mount Hua compound click his tongue, but ignored him completely.

“How much do you want?”

“Ten gold nyang.”

“What?”

The branch leader, Namgung Seonhwa, and Seong Moran all looked shocked.

“Use that money to pay for the funerals of those who died on the Fuyang Plains and the treatment of the wounded. If you do that, I will hand over the remains.”

Their surprise only deepened.

The heads of the Wudang and Mount Hua compounds looked as though they had tasted filth.

“Will you accept those terms?”

“Haa…”

After releasing a long sigh, the branch leader finally spoke.

“If that is your condition, I will accept it.”

“Geumpyo, give it to him.”

“Yes, Eldest Senior Brother!”

Unlike usual, Geumpyo deliberately added “Eldest Senior Brother” before handing the remains to the warrior beside the branch leader.

A thunderous cheer immediately erupted.

“Waaaaah!”

I offered Muk Jeongho a martial salute.

“Thank you for helping me. Take care of yourself.”

“…Great Hero Jin, let us meet again.”

As we passed through the crowd and entered the branch, the warriors behind us began shouting in unison.

“Jin Sowoon!”

“Jin Sowoon!”

“Jin Sowoon!”

“Side Flame Dragon! Jin Sowoon!”

“Side Flame Dragon! Jin Sowoon!”

“Side Flame Dragon! Jin Sowoon!”

For some reason, Seong Moran and Namgung Seonhwa walked with their shoulders straightened as though they themselves were receiving the cheers.

The Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers also walked more closely beside me than usual.

“Why are you crowding around me like this? And lower that flag already.”

“What are you talking about, Eldest Senior Brother? I was already thinking that the flagpole was too short, so I intend to prepare a longer one.”