Chapter 351: Everything But Breathing is a Lie

TL: FoodieMonster007

Bi Sayin ate at his usual inn. The Thirteen Evil Wolves scattered nearby, guarding Bi Sayin as always.

A martial artist approached First Wolf, gave a report, and left. First Wolf then relayed the message to Bi Sayin.

"It's a report from the Young Cult Leader."

He had already heard that assassins were pursuing Geom Mugeuk and Pyo Jigwang. Bi Sayin wasn't worried because Geom Mugeuk was their protector. The outcome was just as he expected.

"The assassins have been annihilated."

First Wolf provided the details. "We checked the bodies. The assassins were from the Nine Lakes Society. All of them are dead, so the organization has suffered a major blow."

Bi Sayin wasn't angry that they tried to kill Pyo Jigwang. He was furious they did so knowing Pyo Jigwang was under Bi Sayin's protection.

Geom Mugeuk wore the uniform of the Thirteen Evil Wolves while guarding Pyo Jigwang. The enemy knew one of Bi Sayin's subordinates was on guard, yet they sent assassins anyway.

They dared to try and kill my subordinate as well?

This was a direct challenge to his authority as the Young Alliance Chairman.

"Is it impossible to find out who hired them?"

First Wolf shook his head with a troubled look. "The Nine Lakes Society is famous for taking any client and for not conducting background checks."

That was why the organization was so popular in the world of assassins. Their popularity had allowed them to become one of the largest assassin groups in the Central Plains.

"And the Young Cult Leader?"

"He vanished with Pyo Jigwang."

Bi Sayin knew Geom Mugeuk couldn't be defeated by assassins. He was likely with Pyo Jigwang somewhere safe.

The Evil Alliance Chairman had not ordered the creation of the child-using organization. This made the information Geom Mugeuk would bring back crucial.

"We shouldn't have left it all to the Young Cult Leader," First Wolf said.

Bi Sayin did not reply. He did not need to explain his beliefs to First Wolf. His friendship with Geom Mugeuk was something he might have to carry alone in his heart for his entire life.

Just then, Geom Mugeuk sent Bi Sayin a telepathic message.

[Don't say such things. You should say, 'I trust my friend, the Young Cult Leader.']

A smile formed on Bi Sayin's lips. He had been waiting for this message while he ate.

[Why didn't you just come here instead of sending a telepathy message? You're a proper member of the Thirteen Evil Wolves too.]

It was a rare joke from Bi Sayin, but the situation was too serious for humor.

[I'd like to, but I can't for now. They sent assassins as soon as they found out Pyo Jigwang contacted you. Now that they've failed, they'll be watching you closely. They might be monitoring you right now, suspecting you know the secret.]

Bi Sayin's expression hardened. This fight was different from the ones he fought to become the successor. The opponent's provocation felt even worse.

[Let's meet at the cliff later.]

[Let's do that.]

[Come carefully, and watch out for a tail.]

Geom Mugeuk's presence vanished. Bi Sayin put down his chopsticks and stood. He had finished all the side dishes, even the ones he normally skipped.

Dozens of martial artists ran across the Evil Alliance Pass training ground. They used only their basic stamina, not their inner arts.

As they ran past their limits, people began to collapse.

"You applied for the Black Dragon Brigade, didn't you? If you give up here, you can't get in."

Instructor Hwang Seokgyeong spoke as he looked down at a martial artist gasping on the ground.

To enter a desired organization, one needed not only martial skill but also the required physical and mental fortitude. Failing this test meant assignment to a lower-ranked organization.

"I can't do it anymore. I'm sorry."

Hwang Seokgyeong whispered in the man's ear. The nearly defeated martial artist immediately got up and started running again.

His colleague, Instructor Cha, watched and then approached him. "What did you tell him this time?"

Hwang Seokgyeong smiled. "I told him if he acts weak, another guy will snatch his fiancée back home."

Instructor Cha was impressed. "As expected. You've even memorized the personal details of all the new members who joined this time."

This was why Hwang Seokgyeong was known as the best instructor. He knew everything about the dozens of new martial artists who joined each month. He memorized their hometowns, families, personalities, hobbies, and which organization they had applied to.

He was known as the Brawling King for many reasons, but the most decisive one was his intelligence. He was strong because he was smart.

"Hey, Instructor Hwang. You don't get a higher monthly salary for working this hard. Just take it easy."

Hwang Seokgyeong simply smiled his good-natured smile.

Instructor Cha had no idea. He did not know how different this instructor persona was from Hwang Seokgyeong's true nature, that everything but his breathing was a lie.

When the training ended, the martial artist who had heard the whisper ran over to thank him.

"Thanks to you, I didn't give up. Thank you."

With a kind face, Hwang Seokgyeong patted his shoulder. "You have to succeed and return home in glory."

"I'll do my best."

To any observer, he looked like an instructor who cherished his juniors.

The moment Hwang Seokgyeong left the training ground, he was no longer an instructor. He was the Brawling King. A telepathic message reached him from somewhere.

[The assassins are all dead, and Pyo Jigwang has disappeared.]

He stopped walking for a moment at the unexpected news.

[Didn't you say one of the Thirteen Evil Wolves was protecting him?]

[That is correct.]

[And all the assassins are dead?]

[Yes, that is correct.]

The Brawling King started walking again. He had a bad feeling, which was why he had used external assassins instead of his own people.

[Did the Young Alliance Chairman set a trap? If so, he might have already figured out my existence.]

The Brawling King's judgment was accurate.

[Get them ready.]

[Who is the target?]

He then made a decision that would determine the fate of the unorthodox sects murim, without a shred of hesitation.

[Bi Sayin.]

Late that night, Bi Sayin found Geom Mugeuk sitting on the edge of a cliff.

Bi Sayin sat beside Geom Mugeuk. "Where is Pyo Jigwang?" In the past, Bi Sayin would have stood, but now he naturally sat next to his friend.

"I sent him off to live his second life."

Bi Sayin looked at Geom Mugeuk with a questioning expression. "Don't tell me Commander Pyo left?"

Geom Mugeuk nodded.

"As of now, isn't he the only person who knows who's behind this?"

Pyo Jigwang must have had a reason for leaving, but Bi Sayin could not understand it. Geom Mugeuk, more than anyone, should have known that fact.

Soon, Geom Mugeuk revealed a reason that shocked Bi Sayin. "He told me who the mastermind was before he left."

Bi Sayin stared at Geom Mugeuk without a word.

Yes, he had believed Geom Mugeuk would find the person behind it all. That was why he had him protect Pyo Jigwang. He just had not expected him to find out in a single day.

If it had been anyone else, Bi Sayin would have thought it was a lie obtained through some evil art.

But Bi Sayin was certain. He was sure Pyo Jigwang had genuinely wanted to tell Geom Mugeuk.

"You really are…"

Bi Sayin could not think of the right words to describe him. Of course, Geom Mugeuk did not miss the opportunity.

"Your amazing friend."

Bi Sayin could only hope this feeling would not change. He still lacked the confidence to defeat this man, now or ever. His pride no longer even stung.

His surprise was only just beginning.

"Who is the mastermind?"

"Do you know someone named Hwang Seokgyeong?"

Bi Sayin turned to face Geom Mugeuk completely. The name was completely unexpected.

"Are you talking about Instructor Hwang of the Evil Alliance Pass?"

"So you know him."

He had considered several potential masterminds, but Instructor Hwang was not one of them.

"That's hard to believe. Truly hard to believe."

Hwang Seokgyeong was an instructor who represented the Evil Alliance Pass. He had a good reputation, good skills, and a good personality.

Geom Mugeuk understood Bi Sayin's surprise. He himself had found it unexpected, so Bi Sayin must be even more shocked.

The problem, however, was not that an instructor was the mastermind. The problem was that the mastermind was the Brawling King.

"I observed him secretly today. He was hiding his martial arts."

Geom Mugeuk did not say it vaguely. He stated it as a fact. This was an opponent Bi Sayin also had to be extremely careful with.

"Then he must be a member of that shadowy faction you mentioned."

"I believe so."

"I will capture and interrogate him at once."

Geom Mugeuk stopped Bi Sayin, who was about to stand.

"His skills are no ordinary matter. You must never face him alone. I think it would be difficult even if you and the Thirteen Evil Wolves attacked together."

"!"

Bi Sayin stared at Geom Mugeuk in disbelief. He wondered if it was a joke, but Geom Mugeuk's expression was more serious than ever.

"The problem isn't just him. The master of the Flowing Sword Sect said they gave them concessions, so powerful figures within the alliance must have joined Instructor Hwang. It could be one person or several. There's no need to be so surprised. The one who infiltrated the Murim Alliance invested ten years. I don't think this one is much different."

Bi Sayin realized this matter was far more serious and dangerous than he had thought. Without Geom Mugeuk, this conspiracy would have continued to unfold. The thought sent a chill down his spine.

"By now, he must know that the attempt to kill Pyo Jigwang failed. Won't he run away then?"

Another person might have. However, the Brawling King possessed overwhelmingly superior martial arts and great pride in his skills. He was not the type to run away from a problem.

"Considering the time he's invested in the Evil Alliance, he won't back down easily. He'll be watching to see what you do."

The thought of people plotting against the Evil Alliance made fighting spirit boil in Bi Sayin's chest.

He had to remain calm. Geom Mugeuk had said Instructor Hwang's skills were far superior to his own.

If the opponent was such a master, the wisest choice was to ask the Evil Alliance Chairman for help.

Realistically, it was the best course of action. Emotionally, it was the worst. It was the same as asking the Evil Alliance Chairman to handle something he could not.

Another problem was his collaborators. He had to find out who they were. He would not be able to sleep soundly with such people nearby.

"If we capture him alive, will he confess who he's working with?"

Geom Mugeuk shook his head at Bi Sayin's question.

"He won't confess. No, considering his skill level, capturing him alive will be impossible in the first place."

Geom Mugeuk once again emphasized the Brawling King's skill. He was warning Bi Sayin to be careful, as he was now directly involved.

After a moment of thought, Bi Sayin spoke cautiously. "Could you help me one more time?"

"For the Young Alliance Chairman of the Evil Alliance, I can gladly invest. Pay me back later with hefty interest. What can I help you with?"

Bi Sayin made a truly unexpected request. "Would you like to take a tour of the Evil Alliance Pass?"

He wanted Geom Mugeuk to enter as a new recruit and approach Instructor Hwang.

"New martial artists enter the Evil Alliance Pass every month. If it's you, couldn't you approach Instructor Hwang and find out who he's working with?"

This was not a request one could make to an ordinary person. He probably could not have even asked Jin Hagun, the master of the Demon Slaying Brigade.

The mission itself was extremely difficult, with no telling how long it would take. It was something Bi Sayin could not do himself, and something no one else could do.

Unless, perhaps, it was the man who had made Pyo Jigwang talk in a single day.

"He'll be focused on my movements. He won't expect someone to approach as a new martial artist, so you can dig in from the inside."

Geom Mugeuk always gave a positive answer, telling Bi Sayin to trust him. This time, however, he shook his head.

"I'm not confident I can do that."

He had some idea of what kind of person the Brawling King was. He was smarter than anyone. In this situation, a conspicuous new martial artist would definitely arouse suspicion. It would be anything but easy.

Bi Sayin wore a strange expression.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"It's just that I'm realizing you're human too."

"You didn't see me as human until now?"

"You've never shown a human-like side before."

"I've been pestering you to be friends all this time, and you say I'm not human-like! Isn't that what's truly inhuman?"

After their banter, Geom Mugeuk revealed the reason for his refusal. "I don't think the opponent will give us that kind of time."

Bi Sayin was curious. What did Geom Mugeuk see in Hwang Seokgyeong to be so cautious? Why did he hold him in such high regard?

"When you go back, wear the best protective armor you have. It's fine to wear two or three layers."

Geom Mugeuk had surprised him several times today, but this statement surprised him the most.

"You can't be serious? You think he'll try to kill me too? That he'd be that reckless?"

Geom Mugeuk's repeated warnings had all led to this single point.

"That's right. If I were him, I would kill you first."