NOVEL NEXT Chapter 56
Chapter 56: Responsibility Without Pleasure
In the Seat of the Seomun Family.
The Great Master of Hwakyung, Jincheongyeomwang Seomun Hyeon-cheon, who occupies one of the seventeen pillars known as the “Heavenly Shocking Seventeen,” resides here in Gansu Province, managing affairs from his royal chamber—Jincheon Temple.
As expected of the Seomun Family, following the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, this place is styled like the hall of a distinguished scholar. Seomun Hyeon-cheon was diligently practicing his internal arts.
A middle-aged man with a massive, muscular build that fit his title of “Jincheongyeomwang”—the Sword King of Heaven—sat down after taking care of his practice.
“Master, are you there? It’s General.”
“Come in.”
Drrreeeek.
The sliding door opened, and his younger brother, Gunja-gyeom Seomun Pung, entered the royal chamber.
“What are the movements of the Gongdong Sect disciples?”
“Same as yesterday. Apart from continuously demanding high-quality pork dishes, they are merely staying inside Hobin Pavilion without any further movements. There are no complaints or demands for meetings with the main house.”
“Hmm…”
Seomun Hyeon-cheon pondered after hearing Seomun Pung’s words.
The duel between the Heukryongbang and the Gongdong Sect.
Upon hearing the news that the duel had been established between the two factions, Seomun Hyeon-cheon was shocked.
If the duel proceeded as planned, it would not only see Hwajeong County fall into the hands of the Heukryongbang but also ruin his grand strategy to strike the Heukryongbang under the pretext of a Gongdong Sect vendetta.
It was the result of a legitimate duel conducted in the presence of an impartial witness.
No matter how weak the Seomun Family’s position might be, being one of the six major factions meant that questioning the outcome of a legitimate duel was impossible.
In contrast, the opposition was the Heukryongbang, part of the Sado Palmun.
A baseless justification would never work against them.
Truly, it was a dilemma.
‘The only way to resolve this situation is to make the Gongdong Sect abandon the duel.’
Jincheongyeomwang understood that the Gongdong Sect’s victory was laughable.
Thus, all that was left was to obliterate the duel itself.
A duel, especially a public one like this where there were stakes involved, could not be conducted without an impartial witness.
If the Gongdong Sect could not present a witness, then the duel could not take place.
However, not just anyone could serve as a witness; only esteemed figures respected in the martial world could take on that role.
And all the factions and martial artists in Gansu that could serve as such witnesses were under the influence of the Seomun Family.
If he could rein them in, the Gongdong Sect would never be able to secure a witness.
In reality, Seomun Hyeon-cheon was already applying pressure across the entire Gansu martial scene.
Whether they were aware or not, Gongdong Sect disciples were coming to the family’s doorstep with their grievances.
‘If they continue demanding a witness… I might have no choice but to offer them something.’
This would not only degrade the Gongdong Sect’s dignity but also allow him to prevent losses—a two-for-one strategy.
Payment would entail lending money under the guise of assisting the reconstruction of the Gongdong Sect, naturally binding the sect to the Seomun Family through debt.
The thousand-year-old Gongdong Sect joining the Seomun Family would be a greater humiliation than extermination for them, while it would yield the best outcome for Seomun Family.
Of course, such a plan wouldn’t unfold easily.
If the Gongdong Sect adamantly demanded a witness, he would have little justification as the dominant force in Gansu to refuse.
So, if he ultimately found himself in a position where accepting a witness was inevitable…
He would have to extract some conditions from the Gongdong Sect in return.
The enemies would seize Hwajeong County? Even if they gained it, he could make it feel like they achieved nothing.
‘In exchange for accepting a witness, I should request to establish a secret branch of the Seomun Family on Gongdong Mountain.’
Gongdong Mountain, owned by the Gongdong Sect, could not be infringed upon without permission.
Yet, if permission was granted by the Gongdong Sect themselves, it could be arranged. Usually, that would be impossible, but given the current circumstances, it could happen.
Once a secret branch of the Seomun Family was established on Gongdong Mountain, when the Heukryongbang invaded Hwajeong County, he would bide his time to reveal that branch to the world.
Even after the Gongdong Sect shut their doors, the Heukryongbang would merely gain the facade of Hwajeong County.
The conditions of the duel were to eliminate the Gongdong Sect’s influence—there was no rule against establishing a family sub-branch there.
It might seem a bit forced, but if it was first proposed by the Gongdong Sect, they would lose much face while the Seomun Family would suffer little.
Above all, Qingcheng, Ami, and Tangmun, who were all allied to the Heukryongbang, would not be keen on the expansion of their influence, thus actively supporting the Seomun Family.
‘Perfect. The plan is flawless.’
All contingencies accounted for.
Whichever way it went, it was all in favor of the Seomun Family.
The Gongdong Sect was thoroughly ruined, and they had no resources left, but just in case, he mobilized the information network from the family’s intelligence organization, the Bisag (Secret Pavilion), but found no trace of the Gongdong Sect sending requests for witnesses to other sects.
Of course.
All the trade houses and post offices in Sichuan were aligned with the Seomun Family, and the Beggar Sect in Gansu was also close with them. If they had sent a letter to another sect outside Gansu, it would surely show up within the Bisag’s network.
Hao Mun? Not even worth considering. As a rogue sect, they wouldn’t give the Gongdong Sect the time of day. Moreover, getting their assistance would require funds, which the Gongdong Sect simply did not have.
The only option for the Gongdong Sect was the Seomun Family.
That’s why Jeonyeong had sent two disciples to the Seomun Family, right?
“Are they pretending to be calm on purpose? Decent for their age, but they won’t find any escape routes. Keep watching.”
“Yes, Master.”
As the two exchanged words, suddenly.
“Master! General!”
Drrreeeek.
A martial artist donning plain, unadorned meeting garb burst in.
“What is it?”
“It’s urgent news. Please forgive my rudeness. This is information acquired just now through our Bisag’s field agents.”
The martial artist presented a letter with a reverent demeanor.
“Hmm…”
What level of urgency could this be?
As Seomun Hyeon-cheon unrolled the letter, his expression twisted like that of an angry ghost.
His face flushed with rage.
[A letter requesting entry for a duel witness from the Gongdong Sect has arrived at the Shaolin, Wudang, Mount Hua, Zhongnan, Ami, Qingcheng, Kunlun, Zhongnan Mountain, Hengshan, as well as from the Namgung Family, Moryongsega, Habu Pyeongga, Sichuan Tang Clan, Zhuge Family, and the Beggar Sect. Qingcheng, Tangmun, and Ami have already decided to accept the witness. The remaining sects are considering the same. All factions are expected to send representatives to the duel venue.]
[A rumor of unknown origin is rapidly spreading throughout the world. The confrontation between Gongdong Sect and Heukryongbang is seen as a battle between justice and evil. The victor will dominate the martial world for the next century. The sentiments of the world are boiling after 50 years of peace following the Justice vs. Evil War.]
Seomun Hyeon-cheon’s hands were trembling.
Gunja-gyeom remained silent, acutely aware of the danger in provoking Seomun Hyeon-cheon at that moment.
“Justice vs. Evil? All the Eight Factions and six major families are sending representatives, and Qingcheng, Tangmun, Ami have already decided to accept the witness?!”
It was the moment when all his plans came crashing down.
Though it sounded like mere rumors, it meant that the entire martial world was considering this duel not just a simple match, but a pivotal battle between justice and evil.
No way would the Eight Factions and six major families move for a mere duel between factions.
Once this matter grew to the scale of a battle between justice and evil, the Seomun Family had only one choice left.
Accepting the witness.
There would be no chance for bargaining.
With Tangmun, Qingcheng, and Ami already deciding, there was no path forward that didn’t involve the witness.
Even without the participation of the Seomun Family, the duel would take place.
It would be stranger for the Seomun Family to not be in the witness list.
Regardless, they were the top faction in Gansu; even for the sake of face, they must have some involvement in what happens locally.
Especially in the case of a critical issue like this.
The problem was that with things being like this, there would be no gain for the Seomun Family; instead, they would incur losses.
All the dirty aftermath would fall squarely on the shoulders of the Seomun Family, taking the blame as well.
It was truly a responsibility without pleasure.
The mind of Jincheongyeomwang boiled over with rage.
“This cannot be, this cannot stand! What the hell did those wretched Gongdong Sect rascals do?!”
How?
Did they send letters to other factions?
How on earth did they spread the rumors?
“Hao Mun? Must be them. Those Gongdong Sect bastards have definitely allied with those rotten rogues! There’s no other way they could orchestrate such a damned situation!”
Bang!
As Jincheongyeomwang slammed his hand on the table, the sturdy wooden table splintered in half.
He hadn’t seen it coming.
Not from the Gongdong Sect he had belittled.
There was no escape to be found.
Gunja-gyeom paled at the words of Jincheongyeomwang.
He pieced together the contents of the letter and the status of the Seomun Family.
“Is there evidence that Hao Mun and the Gongdong Sect have teamed up?”
Seomun Pung asked.
That was their last sliver of hope.
The Gongdong Sect was utterly ruined. There couldn’t be an information network at all.
Thus, they must have relied on an information network unknown to the Seomun Family, most likely collaborating with Hao Mun.
The intuition felt solid.
The issue was that mere intuition wouldn’t suffice. The Seomun Family was aligned with the White Path; action required justification.
They needed conclusive evidence that the two factions had allied.
If only they could get that proof, then…
“…We’ve already looked, but there are no traces. Even the Beggar Sect in Gansu couldn’t find anything.”
The martial artist’s words shattered the last hopeful shreds for the Seomun Family.
This was surely a direct undertaking by Sado Ryeonju and Hao Munju.
There would be no evidence left behind.
Unbeknownst to that fact, Seomun Pung’s face went stiff.
“…Pung, what should we do?”
“…There’s no sharp solution, older brother. For now… accepting the witness request might be the best option…”
Seomun Pung’s voice trailed off.
There was no way out.
A massive family like the Seomun Family, which had a Hwakyung master, was utterly toyed with by a mere Gongdong Sect.
Of course, the real culprit was Lee Cheol-soo, a cunning schemer capable of befriending even those from the ranks of divine beings like Gwangsin, but neither Gunja-gyeom nor Jincheongyeomwang had any knowledge of that fact.
After confirming that reality, Jincheongyeomwang swallowed his anger.
More rage wouldn’t help.
The water had already been spilled.
No matter how much a Hwakyung master and the head of the Seomun Family one had been, it was beyond his control now.
Jincheongyeomwang rubbed his forehead.
“Huu.”
He exhaled a heavy sigh while repressing his anger.
“Call the Gongdong Sect disciples.”
“Yes, Master.”
Gunja-gyeom nodded and took the martial artist with him as he left.
Thud.
Confirming the sliding door was closed, Jincheongyeomwang yelled.
“UAAAAAARGH! Gongdong Sect bastards!!”
His rage echoed throughout the royal chamber, with nowhere else to vent it.
*
Led by Gunja-gyeom, we arrived at Jincheon Temple—the royal chamber of the Seomun Family.
Jincheon Temple.
The plaque inscribed with its name hung prominently, and this central structure was among the tallest, grandest, and most magnificent buildings in Seomun Family, which was already lined with beautiful structures.
“Please, enter.”
Gunja-gyeom said stiffly as we reached the outer chamber.
The warriors stationed on either side opened the sliding doors.
Drrreeeek.
The door opened.
I entered the royal chamber with my slightly anxious disciple, wearing a calm demeanor.
Thud.
The door closed behind us.
Before me sat a robust middle-aged man.
This was none other than Jincheongyeomwang Seomun Hyeon-cheon.
The absolute figure of Hwakyung who had elevated the Seomun Family from a mid-tier martial clan to one of the six major families.
But to me, he was just like a monkey in the palm of Buddha.
“It is an honor to meet the esteemed head of the renowned Seomun Family, a giant of Gansu martial arts and a member of the Five Righteous who protect the Orthodox Martial World, Jincheongyeomwang Seomun Hyeon-cheon. I am the Gongdong Sect’s Yi Cheol-soo.”
I performed a polite bow while smiling at Seomun Hyeon-cheon.
The moment he saw my smile, his eyes twitched.
It felt like watching officials scrambling before being exiled.
This is why teabagging is so exhilarating.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Master Jincheongyeomwang Seomun Hyeon-cheon. I am Yujinhwi of the Gongdong Sect.”
“No need for flattery. Do sit.”
Jincheongyeomwang waved his hand dismissively as he gestured for us to take our seats with a sullen expression.
Though he feigned nonchalance, as a master of political maneuvering, I could see right through him to the restless agitation within.
My disciple and I took our seats.
On the table were aromatic tea and snacks set out, as a courtesy.
“Let’s get straight to the point. Why are you so intent on holding this duel?” Seomun Hyeon-cheon asked, looking directly at me.
A natural authority exuded from him like a ruler ready to dominate.
This wasn’t an easy aura to ignore. He was a master of Hwakyung. He wouldn’t waste his energy engaging with mere disciples of the Gongdong Sect.
At least not now, at this stage.
He was probably intending to intimidate us with his commanding presence as a Hwakyung master of a prominent family in Gansu with utmost authority.
Had it been anyone else, they might have backed down, but not me.
I was the one who once sat at the top of the Great Desolate Empire.
The pressure from a mere faction leader was not enough to faze me.
As I absorbed his aura, I reached out and picked up a snack from the table, savoring each chew with a calm smile.
Watching me, Jincheongyeomwang’s beard quivered.
“Naturally, it is to uphold the spirit of the martial world. The rogue sect dares to try to encroach upon the sacred ground of the righteous.”
I recited my noble reasoning, making sure to keep my poise. “As a member of the White Path, I simply could not stand idly by. The followers of Samawido must never set foot in Gansu.”
Jincheongyeomwang’s expression hardened as he listened to my reasoning.
As I swallowed the sweet, high-quality snack that was far superior to street candy, I couldn’t help but appreciate it.
Today, these snacks tasted exceptionally good.
Ah, how lovely the Seomun Family is!
Everyone I meet sings my praises so earnestly.
“Spirit, sense of justice. Those are all good words. However, such ideals need to be backed by strength. The current Gongdong Sect is clearly a fallen faction. A powerless cooperation is mere recklessness. Abandon the duel now. If you do, I will inform my main house and instruct them to assist in your reconstruction.”
Seomun Hyeon-cheon pressured us to abandon the duel, as expected.
He must have seen this as his only escape route in this tricky situation.
However, I was sadly not inclined to comply.
Assisting in the Gongdong Sect’s reconstruction?
It was plainly a trap.
They’d lend us money under the pretext of helping, only to ensnare the Gongdong Sect into lifelong servitude through debt.
It was clear that this was the machinations of a political cesspool.
“It’s not recklessness; it’s because I am confident of victory that I assert it. If I feared losing, I would never have sent the Martial Arts Competition Document to the Heukryongbang in the first place.”
Seomun Hyeon-cheon paused, absorbing the weight of my words.
“Your name was Yi Cheol-soo, wasn’t it? A child thinking of himself as invincible? I will personally enlighten you on the vastness of the world, as your senior in the martial world today.”
The moment Seomun Hyeon-cheon uttered those words.
Gooooooo!
His robes flared as an overwhelming aura washed over me.
Great Desolate Domination Technique.
The aura emanating from him was rooted in the advanced inner workings of the Seomun Family’s lineage.
It felt like facing a steep cliff. My whole body was being crushed by a hydraulic press.
An oppressive force swirled around me, shaking the heavens in resonance with the title “Jincheon.”
Truly a master of Hwakyung, even a minuscule fraction of his power was enough to leave me feeling overwhelmed.
And I had anticipated this exact response from him.
Ultimately, positioned at an impasse, Seomun Family’s only course of action was to assert their martial might.
And naturally, I had a countermeasure in line.
Although slightly reckless, since he was testing me by only exerting a fraction of his strength, this was something I could deal with if I pushed myself.
Just as I was about to utilize the Reverse Flow Blood Technique…
“Master Seomun.”
Bang!
My brother stood and positioned himself between us.
Gooooooo!
The thundering aura of the Three Yin True Formula from my brother intertwined with Seomun Hyeon-cheon’s aura, clashing directly in the air.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
The energies collided, sending shockwaves radiating outward.
Seomun Hyeon-cheon’s eyebrows creased.
“Further disrespectful words towards this sect will not be tolerated. Even if our family is fallen, there is still enough strength to deal with Samawido’s followers.”
My brother spoke politely yet with a hint of anger as he glared at Jincheongyeomwang.
[Senior brother, are you okay? No injuries? No internal damage like last time? I’m worried…]
His voice resonated in my ear with concern.
A mental message.
Wait, is he already this skilled in using mental messaging?
The Heavenly Body truly is a cheat.
As I was admiring the capabilities of the Heavenly Body, my brother delivered a cheesy line like a protagonist in a shounen manga.
[From here on out, I’ll protect you… as your senior brother… So trust me with your strength.]
The slightly corny declaration tugged at my heart.
Ugh.