Chapter 593: The Newbie's Got Guts

TL: FoodieMonster007

With the Divine Sword Martial Emperor's appearance, Geom Mugeuk finally understood the nature of this battle.

This war is a fight between the Murim Alliance and the Heavenly Fate Palace.

The reason the Divine Sword Martial Emperor was still a legend after three hundred years was not only his absolute martial skill, which had earned him the title 'Divine Sword', but also another significant achievement.

The annihilation of the Heavenly Fate Palace.

During that era of the murim, a mysterious group known as the Heavenly Fate Palace had tried to overthrow the Murim Alliance and seize control of the orthodox sects.

The Heavenly Fate Palace was a sect that employed all manner of strange illusions and formations, displaying truly immense power. Masters of the murim were helplessly caught in their formations and met miserable ends. This caused the hatred and resentment of the orthodox sect members, who valued a fair fight, to grow even stronger. They hated the Heavenly Fate Palace as much as they feared it.

Rumors ran rampant. People claimed the Blood Cult was behind them, or perhaps the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, or even the Evil Alliance. Amidst this speculation, a full-scale war erupted between the Murim Alliance and the Heavenly Fate Palace.

When the war began, everyone anticipated a swift conclusion. No matter how formidable the Heavenly Fate Palace was, its opponent was the Murim Alliance. Furthermore, it was the Murim Alliance led by the absolute master of the murim, the Divine Sword Martial Emperor.

Contrary to all expectations, however, the war did not end easily.

Although the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Evil Alliance did not get involved, numerous other sects joined the conflict. These ranged from those who joined for a just cause to those seeking practical gain. Even merchants hoping to sell weapons became involved, creating a truly tangled and chaotic situation.

After all, the murim was not filled only with supporters of the Murim Alliance.

Many sects that favored the Heavenly Fate Palace and disliked the Murim Alliance entered the war. There were even whispers that the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Evil Alliance were secretly providing support.

Why on earth?

For some reason, the Secret Box had transported him to the middle of this battle between the Murim Alliance and the Heavenly Fate Palace from three hundred years in the past.

What is it trying to show me?

Meanwhile, the Divine Sword Martial Emperor stood before the assembled martial artists.

The cheers swelled even louder.

The martial artists were all thrilled by the simple fact that they were seeing him in person. Most of them were low-level practitioners who had never had the chance to see the leader of the Murim Alliance so closely.

The Divine Sword Martial Emperor surveyed the martial artists with a calm gaze. His eyes alone were enough to overwhelm the large crowd.

He was also younger than expected, appearing as a man who had just reached middle age. This fact made the martial artists even more enthusiastic.

The martial artists who met his gaze lowered their heads in respect, their faces filled with emotion.

Finally, the Divine Sword Martial Emperor opened his mouth to speak.

"Since the fighting started, there have been many sacrifices. We've lost countless comrades."

His low voice, infused with inner arts, carried clearly to even those standing far in the back.

"Countless masters who tried to protect justice have been sacrificed, trapped in their wicked illusions and formations."

With every word he spoke, the martial artists radiated an agitated fervor. In this war, the Divine Sword Martial Emperor was their hero and their pillar of support.

Amidst it all, Geom Mugeuk watched him with a cool head. There had to be a reason he was brought here, on this specific day when the man arrived.

Power entered the Divine Sword Martial Emperor's voice.

"Nevertheless, we must continue our fight. We cannot allow our friends' deaths to be in vain, and we cannot let those cunning villains swallow this murim. We must press forward."

The Divine Sword Martial Emperor looked around at everyone before speaking with a determined gaze.

"We will have our final battle here."

He still did not know why the Secret Box had brought him here, but he now understood why it was this particular time and place.

This was the site of the final, decisive battle against the Heavenly Fate Palace.

The Divine Sword Martial Emperor's thunderous shout echoed across the field.

"Do not fear death! Your blood will protect this murim!"

Even though his words demanded sacrifice, the martial artists were ecstatic.

After concluding his speech, the Divine Sword Martial Emperor approached the martial artists in the front row. He showed no fear, though an assassin could have been hiding among them.

Geom Mugeuk observed him quietly.

The masters of the past give off a different feeling.

The presence he felt was different. The way he projected his energy was also different.

It was rough, yet it felt more powerful.

The Divine Sword Martial Emperor offered words of encouragement to a few people in the front row, as representatives for the entire group.

"The murim will remember your hard work and sacrifice."

Whenever they met the Chairman's eyes, the martial artists would bow their heads with moved expressions.

Finally, it was Geom Mugeuk's turn.

"You've worked hard."

Geom Mugeuk did not let the comment pass.

"Not me."

Everyone's gaze focused on Geom Mugeuk, wondering what he dared to say to the Chairman. The Divine Sword Martial Emperor also looked at Geom Mugeuk, his expression asking what he meant.

"It's my first day today."

Only then did the Divine Sword Martial Emperor smile, and the surrounding martial artists laughed. The solemn atmosphere shattered in an instant.

"What's your name?"

"It's Geom Yeon."

"I'll do my best to ensure you can return home safely."

As he was about to move on, Geom Mugeuk added another word.

"Is there a way for us to win?"

In that instant, Geom Mugeuk saw it. His pupils had wavered slightly. The emotion was clearly bewilderment.

Geom Mugeuk had asked on purpose. This battle would surely end in victory for the orthodox sects and the Divine Sword Martial Emperor. The outcome was already set. However, he recalled hearing once that no detailed records of that final battle remained.

How did you end that final battle?

Among the few martial artists assisting and following the Chairman, a middle-aged man stepped forward with a hardened expression.

"Who do you think you are, speaking so recklessly?"

Then, the Divine Sword Martial Emperor raised a hand to stop him and spoke to Geom Mugeuk.

"I have a way to end this fight."

He was not just answering Geom Mugeuk but speaking to all the martial artists. Indeed, the martial artists were startled for a moment before they let out a thunderous roar.

"However, I can't reveal such important information in a public place. So, you just fulfill your duty."

"Yes! I understand."

The Divine Sword Martial Emperor encouraged a few more people before heading straight for the barracks in the center. The middle-aged martial artist who had stepped forward earlier glared at Geom Mugeuk with displeasure before following the Chairman.

Just then, a low voice spoke from behind him.

"The newbie's got guts."

Turning around, he saw Division Leader Jang Hu standing there.

"Who was that man who glared at me so fiercely before leaving?"

"He's the person in charge here."

He was Jo Woong, the man responsible for this battlefield, which was set to be the final stage.

"What on earth were you thinking, stepping up like that?"

"If not now, when else would I get a chance to talk with the Chairman?"

Jang Hu stared intently at Geom Mugeuk, left him with a single word, 'crazy bastard', and then turned away. Even if it meant being called a crazy bastard, his instinct told him he could not just let the Chairman pass by.

He judged that making an impression, even one like this, would be helpful later on.

Geom Mugeuk watched the retreating back of the Divine Sword Martial Emperor.

Great Secret Box, why did you bring me here? For what reason?

After returning to the barracks, Geom Mugeuk quietly closed his eyes and circulated his inner qi for one cycle. His inner arts were now truly overflowing compared to before, but he attempted to increase them even slightly, to make them a bit purer. He did not know what situation awaited him, but escaping this place would not be easy.

"Everyone, listen up. We've been assigned a reconnaissance mission."

Division Leader Jang Hu woke everyone, including those who were sleeping.

"A night mission?"

Jang Hu nodded at the surprised squad member's question.

Geom Mugeuk left the barracks with his squad members.

Including Geom Mugeuk, the Seventeenth White Tiger Squad had five members. There were originally thirteen, but they had all died during two major battles.

"This is all your fault."

Jang Hu blamed Geom Mugeuk for this night reconnaissance mission.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm saying we got this night mission because you said something unnecessary to the Chairman. We haven't been assigned a night mission since our numbers dropped to four."

However, he did not curse or blame him for it. In Geom Mugeuk's eyes, Jang Hu was a good and decent martial artist, befitting the term orthodox sect member. Although their connection would be brief, he was the kind of person you wanted to treat well while you could.

"But I'm here now, aren't I?"

"Four or five, what's the difference!"

Yes, he was right.

Something like this could not have happened by chance. It had to be a punishment from Jo Woong, who wanted to look good in front of the Chairman.

Geom Mugeuk hoped that even this event was not a coincidence but an inevitability. He had to find something in this series of inevitabilities. He had to escape this place even one day sooner.

"To give us a disadvantage just for asking a question like that? The Chairman is too much!"

"You think the Chairman would do that?"

Jang Hu held back from saying that Jo Woong was probably punishing them for what happened earlier. He knew better than anyone that if you hesitate on whether to say something, it is wiser not to. This was even more true on a battlefield where dozens died every day. If you hesitate on whether to kill, you must kill.

And so, the Seventeenth White Tiger Squad, which included Geom Mugeuk, ventured into the mountains.

The two camps were facing each other with a single ridge between them. It was said that only localized skirmishes were currently taking place.

Jang Hu, as someone who had survived here for a long time, skillfully navigated the dark mountain path.

"If we cross that ridge, we'll be in the enemy camp. We absolutely cannot go any further. Got it? There are ambushes everywhere."

"Understood."

Of course, contrary to his obedient reply, Geom Mugeuk wanted to scout the enemy camp first. In fact, he was more curious about the other side than this one.

What kind of person was the Saintess of the Heavenly Fate Palace, and what was she thinking? And who was by her side?

It would have been better if he could have started in the enemy camp, so why this side?

The reason the Secret Box brought him here surely was not just to let him meet the Divine Sword Martial Emperor.

"Alright, let's head back for today."

It was just as they were about to finish their reconnaissance mission and return.

"Watch out!"

SHWIIK!

Geom Mugeuk threw himself forward, pushing Jang Hu aside.

Hidden weapons flew through the spot where Jang Hu had just been standing.

From the forest ahead, martial artists charged out, swinging their swords.

There were four opponents in total.

They launched a coordinated attack on Geom Mugeuk, who was closest, thrusting their swords. Their movements were swift and well-trained, but unfortunately for them, their opponent was Geom Mugeuk.

SHWIIIIK.

Geom Mugeuk dodged the frontal attack as if he were lying down on the ground.

It was a posture from which he should have fallen, but Geom Mugeuk's back was not so weak.

Springing up like a coil, Geom Mugeuk swung his sword upwards.

SEOGEOK!

He stepped on the stomach of the man who was falling with a large gash across his chest and rushed toward the enemy on the left. The opponent was flustered by the unexpected movement.

Two swords sliced through the air, but only one reached its target.

PUUK!

Having pierced the opponent's heart, Geom Mugeuk spun rapidly and swung his sword.

SHWIIIIK.

The enemy charging from behind widened his eyes.

Even if he had eyes on the back of his head, he would never have imagined that his weak spot would be struck so quickly and accurately.

SEOGEOK.

As the third enemy fell, the last one fled into the darkness. Geom Mugeuk considered throwing his sword at the man's back to catch him, but for some reason, he stopped.

It all happened in a flash. It occurred in the brief moment the other squad members hesitated, unsure how to charge in. By the time Jang Hu, who had been pushed by Geom Mugeuk and rolled on the ground, scrambled to his feet, the situation was already over.

Jang Hu asked with a surprised and bewildered face.

"You! What are you? You're good at martial arts, aren't you?"

"I never said I wasn't."

"Why did you come as a newbie?"

"It's the way to live longer. If I fight well, I'll have to face the masters, won't I?"

Jang Hu, who had been making a dumbfounded expression, did not question him any further. He conveyed his gratitude with a sincere look in his eyes.

"Thank you. You saved my life."

"Then will you move me to a better bed?"

"I'll switch beds with you."

He was truly moved. He had survived for so long. Moreover, with the war nearing its end, if he had died here today from a throwing knife thrown by who knows who, he would have been too resentful to even close his eyes.

Geom Mugeuk examined the fallen corpses.

"Are these guys a reconnaissance squad too?"

"No. Reconnaissance squads tacitly avoid each other even if they cross paths."

It was a mutual survival strategy that had developed during the war.

"Then, what were these men doing out here at night?"

Jang Hu shook his head with a look of incomprehension.

"But they don't use illusions or evil arts."

"Only the masters of the Heavenly Fate Palace use formations and illusions. The enemy isn't just the Heavenly Fate Palace, and even within the Heavenly Fate Palace, the low-level martial artists use regular martial arts. Now, let's hurry back."

Just then, Geom Mugeuk said something unexpected.

"Go on ahead. I'll go catch the one who got away."

"It's dangerous!"

"With the Chairman himself here, we can't just overlook such strange movements."

"Didn't you say you wanted to live a long life? That you even hid your martial arts for that reason?"

"Who knows, if I achieve a great merit, they might let me leave early. Now, go on ahead."

Geom Mugeuk dashed into the darkness.

Jang Hu knew from this fight that Geom Mugeuk was no ordinary talent, so he did not try to stop him further.

"Make sure you come back alive!"

This was precisely why he had not killed the last man. He intended to use the pursuit as a pretext for scouting the enemy camp.

Following the path Jang Hu had shown him, he arrived at their encampment.

Dozens of barracks were built around a large one in the center.

He did not enter recklessly. If the Saintess from the other side was there, formidable masters would be with her.

Geom Mugeuk activated the Divine Eye Technique. Although his inner arts had diminished, his Myriad Poison Immunity remained, and he could still use the Divine Eye Technique.

As he surveyed their barracks, Geom Mugeuk's gaze stopped at one spot.

"!"

In that moment, Geom Mugeuk was startled.

Now he finally understood. He understood why the Secret Box had brought him here, of all places, three hundred years in the past.

A symbol was drawn on the entrance of the large tent Geom Mugeuk was looking at.

It was a symbol Geom Mugeuk recognized, but it was not the symbol of the Secret Box.

It was the very symbol that had been engraved throughout the passages of the underground gateway. It was the same symbol that had been the key to breaking the first gate, the one he had speculated might be the crest of the family that created the gateway.

This was the moment the first clue was unraveled.

So the one who created the underground treasury of the Yellow Dragon Academy was the annihilated Heavenly Fate Palace.