Chapter 665: Don't Dwell on Who It Was

TL: FoodieMonster007

This was no longer a simple matter of hating Jin Paecheon.

The curtain of darkness tearing before Hwa Yulcheong's eyes was something that should never have been torn.

The Dark Heaven Heart Destroying Art.

It was a secret technique designed to trap a person in endless darkness. The victim would wander within it until they eventually succumbed to their inner demons, revealing a fatal opening.

Fine, perhaps it was conceivable that Jin Paecheon could break through it. However, he should not have been able to tear it apart and emerge so effortlessly.

CHWAAAAAAK.

Having ripped through the darkness, Jin Paecheon asked a question.

"Why are you in the light?"

His meaning was clear. Shouldn't Hwa Yulcheong be the one hiding in the darkness, not trapping him in it?

Once Jin Paecheon decided to kill an opponent, he focused solely on that objective.

Yes, this was his true nature. If he resolved to kill, he would kill without fail. If he resolved to save, he would save without fail. It was precisely because he was this kind of person that he had ascended to the position of Chairman.

In this moment, Jin Paecheon felt unburdened. He felt as if he had rediscovered a forgotten part of himself, experiencing a strange pleasure from this long-overdue deviation and freedom.

As light spread from the tear he had made, the descending darkness vanished completely.

Then, Geom Mugeuk, who had also been inside the darkness, revealed himself.

Hwa Yulcheong asked in a trembling voice.

"How did you get out?"

A name of a martial art came from Jin Paecheon in response.

"The One Heart Light Sword."

At those words, Hwa Yulcheong's face filled with shock.

"You mean you've achieved complete mastery of the Pure Heart Mantra?"

The Pure Heart Mantra was the Murim Alliance's protective heart art for blocking evil energy. Just as the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult had the Heavenly Demon Defense Art, the Murim Alliance had the Pure Heart Mantra.

The Pure Heart Mantra was a secret passed down only to the head of the Murim Alliance, and it was known to be extremely difficult to achieve complete mastery. Among all the past Chairmen, those who had achieved complete mastery could be counted on one hand.

The One Heart Light Sword could only be used upon achieving complete mastery of the Pure Heart Mantra. Jin Paecheon was far stronger than Hwa Yulcheong had ever known.

"You never once told me you achieved complete mastery of the Pure Heart Mantra, did you?"

Instantly, Hwa Yulcheong's gaze turned fierce.

"You hid your skills."

He thought he had thoroughly investigated Jin Paecheon during their years of friendship.

However, he had been wrong about the most critical part. Jin Paecheon had hidden his skills, and he had hidden them far too well.

Jin Paecheon answered calmly.

"Not as much as you, I'd wager."

Come to think of it, he hadn't intentionally hidden his skills. It was natural for a martial artist not to reveal all of his martial arts abilities, and since it wasn't in his nature to show off his martial arts, Hwa Yulcheong simply hadn't known of his achievement.

Perhaps knowing each other for so long had actually been a hindrance, preventing Hwa Yulcheong from ever truly knowing him.

"Besides, you still have more hidden, don't you?"

Jin Paecheon's question was not a mere guess.

Even though both the Dark Heaven Silent Sword Technique and the Dark Heaven Heart Destroying Art had failed, Hwa Yulcheong was not trying to escape. He clearly had another move in reserve.

"Sigh, how frustrating."

As if genuinely frustrated, Hwa Yulcheong leaped into the air.

He landed gracefully on a small leaf at the very top of a tall bamboo stalk.

Jin Paecheon also leaped, landing on a leaf a short distance away from him.

Geom Mugeuk landed on a different bamboo stalk, far from the two of them.

Above them was the sky, below them was the bamboo forest, and all around them was the falling rain.

It was a truly spectacular stage.

Geom Mugeuk looked up at the sky. It seemed the rain would stop soon. He thought that perhaps by the time the rain stopped, this fight would also be over.

"You cannot stop our revenge. No one can."

Hwa Yulcheong was confident in the path he was taking.

"You can understand, can't you? What this feeling is like."

As Hwa Yulcheong once again prodded at Jin Paecheon's pain, Geom Mugeuk stepped forward.

"It's different from you."

Hwa Yulcheong's cold gaze shifted to Geom Mugeuk.

"Because your revenge is a mistaken one. Ah, it's probably not your fault. It must be the fault of the person who raised you to be avatars of vengeance."

Hwa Yulcheong's expression hardened. The words were especially unpleasant because they implied he was not the master of his own actions but was being manipulated by someone else.

"Did you ask the Chairman if he understands your revenge? How could the Chairman understand? He's not the kind of person to hand a sword to his grandson and tell him to continue the revenge for generations. That's where you all went wrong from the start."

Hwa Yulcheong shouted furiously.

"What does someone like you know about revenge!"

What did he know about revenge? If Hwa Yulcheong knew what Geom Mugeuk had gone through to get revenge on Hwa Mugi, he wouldn't be saying that.

However, his mind had changed now.

He had started with only a desire for revenge, but in this life, revenge was just one part of his existence.

Didn't they say the best revenge against someone is to live a happy and good life?

Geom Mugeuk said with a smile.

"That's right, I don't know much."

At that moment, Jin Paecheon saw it. Geom Mugeuk's eyes were shining brighter than ever before, holding a deep gaze that seemed to understand the emotion of revenge better than anyone.

Those shining eyes began to pierce through Hwa Yulcheong's intentions.

"Why don't you stop harping on about revenge now. That's not real either, is it?"

Hwa Yulcheong flinched, surprised by Geom Mugeuk's probing question.

"This whole affair, it's not because of revenge, is it?"

Geom Mugeuk knew well what kind of lives the forces behind Hwa Yulcheong had lived in his previous life.

They became the Twelve Zodiac Kings and ruled the murim. There was never a single announcement that they had killed the leaders of the orthodox and unorthodox factions for the sake of revenge.

"It might have started because of revenge, but it must have changed at some point. It would be strange if that desire hadn't changed despite the long three hundred years that have passed."

Geom Mugeuk stared directly into Hwa Yulcheong's eyes and spoke.

"So say it proudly. That you want to possess this murim. Because it was such a dream, you were able to hide by the Chairman's side for so long."

Jin Paecheon could tell from Hwa Yulcheong's reaction that Geom Mugeuk's words were true. Their goal was the unification of the murim.

Jin Paecheon spoke to Hwa Yulcheong in a stern voice.

"Now there is nothing left for me to understand about you."

With that, Jin Paecheon launched himself toward him.

CLANG! CLANG! CHAAENG!

The two men clashed, running together along the tops of the bamboo stalks.

Jin Paecheon's fighting style had changed.

Just moments ago, it had been incomparably rough and domineering. Now, he had returned to his usual calm and dignified swordsmanship.

"Why did your fighting style change?"

To Hwa Yulcheong's question, Jin Paecheon replied calmly.

"Before, I treated you with personal feelings."

He had seen him as a longtime friend who betrayed him, as someone trying to use his grandson's life for revenge.

However, things were different now.

"If you are people who dream of unifying the murim, then I must face you as the head of the Murim Alliance."

Perfectly controlled sword lines, no longer rough, now embroidered the empty air. His style had changed.

He didn't just press forward. When it was time to retreat, he retreated decisively. The tempo of his assault also shifted, speeding up and slowing down at will.

So, had Jin Paecheon become weaker?

No. On the contrary, Jin Paecheon's swordsmanship was even more difficult to face than when he was attacking fiercely. It was more solid and had no openings.

Hwa Yulcheong was convinced that he could never defeat him through normal means.

CHAAENG!

Hwa Yulcheong roughly parried the attack and descended to the ground as if fleeing. Jin Paecheon landed in front of him with a movement art that was neither fast nor slow.

Hwa Yulcheong's hidden trump card was not a martial art.

"Don't you want to know?"

They were truly words no one could have expected.

"Who killed your son."

For a moment, Jin Paecheon's expression stiffened. It was the most shocking thing he had heard since meeting Hwa Yulcheong.

Geom Mugeuk had heard about that incident from the Chairman when he killed the Wood King.

Jin Paecheon's son and daughter-in-law had been killed by the Wood Heaven Clan.

When Jin Paecheon rushed to the Wood Heaven Clan for revenge, the clan had already been annihilated. He had said he felt truly fortunate at that time. If not, he might have annihilated them himself.

Afterward, Baek Cheongeong, the sole survivor of the Wood Heaven Clan and the younger brother of its Patriarch, became Jin Hagun's Master and dreamed of revenge.

At that time, Geom Mugeuk had suspected it. He suspected they had used Baek Cheongeong, and that perhaps the death of the Chairman's son and daughter-in-law was also related to them.

Now, that suspicion had become reality.

Hwa Yulcheong was certain that Jin Paecheon could never ignore this truth. When it came to dealing with Jin Paecheon, this was his strongest weapon.

"Do you really think it was the work of the Wood Heaven Clan?"

This question already implied that the Wood Heaven Clan was not the true culprit.

"Only I know who it was."

Hwa Yulcheong savored this moment. He had imagined a day like this would come, toying with Jin Paecheon while watching his surprised face. He wondered just how surprised Jin Paecheon would be.

He can never kill me.

"If you don't let me go, that matter will be buried in secrecy forever."

Jin Paecheon's heart pounded violently. He could control his heart in other matters, but when it came to his son's death, it wasn't so easy.

At that moment, Geom Mugeuk stepped forward.

"It doesn't matter if we don't know."

Geom Mugeuk was the only person who could slow Jin Paecheon's racing heartbeat at this moment.

"If you fall for words that may or may not be true, Chairman, you'll live the rest of your life shackled by the name of revenge. That must be what this man wants."

He wasn't just telling him to endure for the greater good. Geom Mugeuk had a solution. His gaze toward Hwa Yulcheong was incomparably cold.

"It doesn't matter who killed them."

There was a clear reason for him to say such a thing.

"Because we're going to kill all of you anyway. If the culprit exists, it must be one of them."

"!"

Hwa Yulcheong's gaze wavered.

This man is speaking with sincerity right now.

He felt Jin Paecheon being swayed by Geom Mugeuk's words.

Hwa Yulcheong tried to sway Jin Paecheon, not Geom Mugeuk.

"That man is just an outsider. How could he know your sorrowful heart? How could he know that boiling paternal love?"

However, Geom Mugeuk delivered an even more powerful blow.

"Don't dwell on who it was. If you give meaning to that, the one who will inherit the shackles will be Hagun."

"!"

His words meant that if Jin Paecheon failed to find the culprit, Hagun would end up living a life searching for the enemy who killed his parents. It also meant that his quest would ultimately become no different from the revenge of the Dark Palace.

Those words were decisive.

Jin Paecheon nodded. It was not an easy decision, but Geom Mugeuk was right. Finding the culprit who killed his son and daughter-in-law was important, but the grandchild they left behind was more important.

When the curtain falls on his stage, there will be no more performances with these people forever. Hagun must never have to step onto this stage.

Yes, you will all go with me.

You will all die on my stage.

"I will not dwell on the past."

Knowing that Jin Paecheon was a man who never looked back once he made a decision, Hwa Yulcheong became truly angry.

Because of this damn Young Cult Leader, his plan to escape this place had been ruined. Even if he cut that bastard's throat, that detestable mouth would somehow live on and keep talking.

Jin Paecheon said, as if making a declaration.

"I don't need to know!"

Looking into Jin Paecheon's unwavering eyes, Hwa Yulcheong shouted.

"If you thought the martial arts of the Dark Palace were only for darkness, you are gravely mistaken."

The moment those words ended!

HWAAAAAK!

The whole world shone with a brilliant light. It was impossible to open one's eyes in the face of such a powerful glare.

The Blinding Bright Sky.

It was his last hidden secret technique.

Within that bright light, Hwa Yulcheong's final attack flew.

In that place where even vision was blocked, a soundless sword flew toward Jin Paecheon's heart.

CHAAENG!

His sword failed to reach Jin Paecheon's heart.

Jin Paecheon had struck the incoming sword away.

Hwa Yulcheong was astonished. He was not surprised because Jin Paecheon had blocked his attack.

Jin Paecheon had his eyes wide open within the Blinding Bright Sky.

"How on earth?"

The next moment!

SHIIIIING!

Along with the refreshing sound of a brisk wind, sword lines flashed before his eyes.

CHEOLKEOK.

Blankly watching Jin Paecheon sheathe his sword, Hwa Yulcheong felt his chest grow hot.

He slowly lowered his head and looked down at his chest.

When he pulled open his collar, a character was carved on his chest in a red line.

Jeong (正).

It was the character for 'righteousness'.

The Royal Sword Style, First Technique, the Warrior's Path.

The most basic and first sword form of the Royal Sword Style had been unleashed.

When Hwa Yulcheong slowly raised his head, Jin Paecheon spoke with a calm gaze.

"I did not win because I am strong."

It was the lifelong belief that had protected Jin Paecheon.

"We won because we are right."

The moment those words ended!

PWAAAAAA!

Blood spurted out from the character carved on Hwa Yulcheong's chest.

His body slowly began to collapse.

Just before he died, the last thing he saw was Geom Mugeuk standing with a bright smile in front of Jin Paecheon, who had already turned his back on him.

Geom Mugeuk didn't even look at his dying self.

Our failure here at the Murim Alliance is all because of that bastard. You won't even give me a single glance? You son of a bitch! Look at me!

You should at least say something!

With that resentment as his last thought, Hwa Yulcheong's breath completely stopped.

It was the moment the three people who had infiltrated the Murim Alliance for a long time, Hwa Yulcheong, So Cheongrak, and Jin Hyo, all met their deaths.

Geom Mugeuk's and Jin Paecheon's gazes met in mid-air.

"Thank you."

At Jin Paecheon's thanks, Geom Mugeuk politely performed a clasped hands greeting to show his respect.

"Those are my words to say. Chairman, you have shown me a new realm today. It will be of great help in advancing my martial arts."

He wasn't joking. He said it with sincerity. The Chairman's fight had possessed dignity and had properly shown the essence of the orthodox sects' murim.

At that, Jin Paecheon put on a feigned expression of trouble.

"It's a problem if you keep getting stronger."

Geom Mugeuk laughed out loud, and a smile formed on Jin Paecheon's lips.

Just then, a bodyguard from the Chairman's Hall arrived and delivered a piece of news.

"Word has come that Commander Jin and the Demon Slaying Brigade are all safe."

Jin Paecheon was truly happy. He had believed Geom Mugeuk's words that the Soul-Stealing Demon Supreme and the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader had left, but he had still been worried. Fortunately, they were safe.

Soon after, Jin Paecheon solidified a decision.

"Do you know why I didn't pass down the Royal Sword Style to Hagun?"

Jin Paecheon had not passed down this powerful Royal Sword Style to Jin Hagun beforehand.

That was why Jin Hagun had learned martial arts in the past with the Wood King as his master.

He had told him to become the successor with his own strength, fair and square, without his grandfather's martial arts. But in truth, there was another reason he hadn't passed down the Royal Sword Style.

"I was afraid the boy would become intoxicated by this powerful martial art and be unable to control himself. I intended to pass it down when he was older and more mature."

Jin Paecheon himself had been like that. In his youth, he had almost caused several major incidents by believing only in the strength of his martial arts. Fortunately, heavenly luck was on his side, and he was able to reach this day.

"I think it's time to pass it down now."

Geom Mugeuk could tell. Jin Hagun would now officially become the successor of the Murim Alliance.

"Hagun will be really happy. We friends should hold a celebration."

Geom Mugeuk was as happy as if it were his own matter.

Gazing at that bright face, Jin Paecheon looked up at the sky. The falling rain had stopped at some point.

"Before you return to the Cult, stop by and see me."