Thunk!
The sound of a small hole being pierced into the rock wasn't very loud. However, that small sound sent a chill down Ma Dongpil's spine. If Seoryang hadn't warned him, his chest would have been pierced before the rock was. And that too, with just a single blade of grass.
'Who on earth?!'
Ma Dongpil quickly straightened his upper body and scanned his surroundings. By then, Seoryang was already on the move.
Swoosh!
Seoryang swiftly approached the direction from which the blade of grass had flown and drew his sword. It was the Seven Night Blade he had brought just in case.
Flash! Crackle!
As the Wind Blade of the Six Infernal Winds unfolded, the small patch of grass was instantly turned into a mess. Indeed, Seoryang's swordsmanship had changed from before. Even without unleashing all of the Six Infernal Winds, his swordplay was smooth and flexible, as if he had performed a continuous strike.
The martial arts of the master who had dodged Seoryang's single strike and disappeared into the distance as a black dot were even more impressive.
Ma Dongpil's eyes blazed with fire.
Swoosh!
He quickly approached the bushes, eager to chase after the enemy immediately. At that moment, Seoryang raised his hand.
"Stop."
Tap tap!
Ma Dongpil halted.
"Young Master?"
"It's too late."
Seoryang frowned.
"In that direction, there are hundreds of people swarming. It's an internal war, so they're all experts. Finding the trace of that master among them is impossible."
"But, but..."
"Even someone stronger than you can't do it, and even someone better at tracking than me can't do it. Accept it."
Ma Dongpil bit his lip. It was an undeniable fact.
Seoryang, who patted his shoulder, approached the rock where the blade of grass was embedded.
"Huh? Look at this bastard?"
Seoryang clicked his tongue.
"The technique of Plucking Leaves and Flying Flowers... The speed faster than an arrow and the power to pierce even a rock? This is a rare talent."
Ma Dongpil's face hardened.
"If a master can use such a technique, they could be called a supreme master without any shame, couldn't they?"
"That's right. But that's not the important part."
"Pardon?"
Seoryang looked down at his chest.
The golden fox nestled in his front was yawning lazily, as if it wasn't surprised by the situation at all.
'The killing intent of the blade of grass wasn't significant. But if it were me, I would have sensed it in advance.'
For a master of that level to attempt an ambush, there was no sense of unease from his heightened senses. Even the golden fox was slowly closing its eyes, as if sleepy.
That means?
"Hey, Dongpil."
"Yes, Young Master."
"What on earth have you been doing while I wasn't around? Did you break up with the sister of an unknown supreme master or something?"
"...Pardon?"
"The target wasn't me, it was you."
"...?!"
"They were aiming for you. If they were aiming for me, I would have sensed the attack before the blade of grass even flew."
Ma Dongpil's mouth dropped open in shock.
Seoryang spoke with a bewildered expression.
"Looks like you're in deep trouble, huh?"
"What brings you here?"
"Well, it's not like I came to a place I can't come to, so why the long face?"
"I'm not frowning. And look at the Third Young Master's appearance. Does it not make the person facing you tense?"
As Gogu said, Seoryang was dressed rather fiercely.
A white long robe over a black martial outfit. It was a splendid attire that suited his well-trained physique.
The problem was his armament. On the right side of his waist was the Seven Night Blade, on his back was the Twin Meteor Blades, and on his back was the Dragon Scale Blade, which was five feet long.
He was like a walking armory. Anyone who didn't know him might think he was going to war.
Seoryang scratched his head.
"I'm just cautious, never letting my guard down."
"..."
"Just think of it that way."
"With such great martial arts, the sword must not be heavy for you. But for smooth conversation, how about setting the sword on your back aside?"
"I was planning to do that anyway. It fits well in my hand, but it's cumbersome when sitting."
Seoryang set the Dragon Scale Blade aside and sat down on a chair.
Gogu glanced at the Dragon Scale Blade.
"You handle heavy weapons?"
"Quite well."
"I didn't know."
"I hope you continue not to know. Somehow, the more you know about me, the more tiring it seems."
It's more than just handling it well.
When Ichun Sang offered to teach him and asked him to choose one of the four swords, Seoryang chose the Dragon Scale Blade without hesitation.
He wielded that heavy Dragon Scale Blade for half a day. And that too, against a master of a different level whom he couldn't land a single attack on.
It wasn't a conscious choice. No, there wasn't even time to be conscious.
In other words, it was instinct. It meant that his body was trained to the point where the weight of the Dragon Scale Blade was the most efficient for using his physical strength.
If it were the same situation now, he could probably wield it for a whole day instead of just half a day.
"Well, enough with the small talk. Let's have a conversation."
"That's what I want to say. Why did you come?"
"You heard, right? The commotion in front of the Sword Clan's head."
"I heard. It was thrilling."
"You heard it was resolved well too?"
"Just because there was no sword fight doesn't mean it was resolved well."
Seoryang chuckled.
"Why? Didn't you like it?"
"Of course not. The Third Young Master was too hasty. And what was that ambiguous question? If you had declared it to everyone there, it would have been different, but with such a vague question, you only made the real culprit more cautious."
"Are you crazy? Declare the real culprit's crime in front of everyone? Do I look like a fool?"
"What I'm saying is, you shouldn't have stepped forward in the first place. Because of the Third Young Master's words, the real culprit will be even more cautious."
"There's also an advantage to it."
"Advantage?"
"Even if the real culprit is cornered, we don't have to turn the Sword Clan into an enemy."
"...!"
"When it comes to the Sword Clan's head, he can't ignore his reputation. In front of the Divine Sect, in front of so many people, the head answered. He said he wouldn't go easy just because it's his child."
"..."
"Because of the eyes watching, he won't be able to protect the real culprit. At least he won't be able to act openly. Why? Because his reputation would be ruined."
Seoryang smiled coldly.
"Reputation is the key that determines the rise and fall of a faction. I don't think the Sword Clan's head would ruin his family just to save his eldest son."
Gogu's eyes wavered. He finally understood why Seoryang acted so hastily.
"I understand the Third Young Master's intention. But that's a problem to deal with after catching the real culprit. If you push without evidence, the Sword Clan's head's sword might target us out of anger."
"Well, that's true too."
"Do you have any other plans?"
"I don't have a plan, but one thing is certain now."
"What is it?"
"If we don't catch the real culprit during the Pashun Festival, the Sword Clan's head will forever look at me with disdain."
"...!"
"So we have to catch the real culprit by any means necessary. How about it? Do you feel a bit more pressure now?"
"What does it matter to me if the Sword Clan's head looks at the Third Young Master with disdain?"
"Are you serious?"
Gogu sighed.
"The Third Young Master is really a tiring person."
We're in the same boat anyway. At least this time, we have to protect each other. Only then can we achieve our goals.
"At least I raise morale for sure. Let's stay alert and move forward."
"I don't think you came all the way here just to say that. What's the other reason you came to see me?"
"Getting to the point is good. But before that!"
"What now?"
"I called someone else too, is that okay?"
"Called someone? What do you mean?"
At that moment, the sound of footsteps approaching from outside was heard.
Gogu's eyes wavered for a moment. He recognized who it was, not by the footsteps, but by the subtle energy emanating.
"Third Young Master..."
"Come in!"
Creak!
The door opened, and So Yeonshim entered.
Her usual gentle smile was nowhere to be seen. Her expressionless face was so cold that it made those who saw it hesitate to speak.
Seoryang cleared his throat.
"You two know each other well, right? Please greet each other."
Gogu, who had been looking at her with a stern face, stood up and cupped his hands in greeting.
"It's been a while."
"About two years, I suppose."
"I didn't expect the Third Young Master to call even the Head of So."
"It seems you're not pleased."
"..."
"I'm glad. I'd be even happier if the Head had personally requested help."
Gogu shook his head.
"I have no face to see the Head of So."
"Of course, you should feel that way. That's why I came personally, to clear up this uncomfortable relationship."
It's understandable that they couldn't prevent the crime in advance. After all, it was the fault of the Joy Pavilion and the Law Enforcement Hall.
But arresting an innocent person was entirely the fault of the Criminal Law Hall.
And the innocent person who was wrongfully accused and died was someone who had worked at the Joy Pavilion until three years ago.
As a result, the Joy Pavilion not only lost a member due to the Criminal Law Hall's faulty investigation but also suffered great humiliation.
Gogu looked at Seoryang.
"You could have given me a heads-up."
"I was going to, but there wasn't much time. I know it was a bit excessive considering our relationship, but let's just let it go this time."
Seoryang scratched his head.
"Crucially, the Head of So has also grasped the outline of the real culprit to some extent. She was busy trying to find them herself."
"...!"
"Where else can we find someone as capable as her? It's better to join forces and catch the real culprit as soon as possible, don't you think?"
Gogu sighed. He was sighing a lot today.
"Alright."
"Good."
Thus, the three major figures of the Divine Sect gathered in one place.
"Before we discuss various matters, I think I should explain why I came here."
Seoryang informed the two of the incident that had occurred an hour ago.
Both So Yeonshim and Gogu couldn't help but be surprised. No matter how you look at it, attacking the Third Young Master? And in the main hall of the Divine Sect, no less?
"To be precise, they weren't targeting me but Dongpil."
Seoryang spoke seriously.
"I've had many conversations with Dongpil. And before that, I know well what kind of person Dongpil is. That guy is so straightforward that while some might avoid him, he's not the type to make enemies."
So Yeonshim nodded.
"I agree."
Although she didn't have a personal friendship, she was well aware of Ma Dongpil's character and disposition as he was the third captain of the Law Enforcement Hall.
"Yet, the mysterious master targeted Dongpil. If they had targeted me, I wouldn't have pondered this much."
"Are you saying that the mysterious master who targeted Ma Dongpil might not actually have a grudge against him?"
"Talking to smart and perceptive people is convenient for this reason. Yes, that's what I think."
"Why do you think so? Even though I know Ma Dongpil's character, grudges between people can arise for any reason."
"If there was a grudge, they should have targeted me first."
"Why?"
"Because I'm stronger than Dongpil."
"..."
"It's more certain to deal with me first and then deal with Dongpil. Isn't that right? Even just looking at the speed of movement, I'm much faster than Dongpil."
So Yeonshim nodded.
There's no need to assume that the mysterious master didn't know Seoryang's martial prowess. Even without martial arts, Seoryang was an influential figure.
If they wanted to kill Ma Dongpil that badly, it would have been right to deal with Seoryang first.
"Therefore, rather than worrying about who the mysterious master is, I thought it was more important to understand what they are after."
"So, did you find an answer?"
"Yes."
"What is it...?"
Seoryang shouted towards the door.
"Dongpil!"
After a moment, the door opened, and Ma Dongpil entered.
He drew his sword from his waist.
Seeing the sword, Gogu and So Yeonshim's eyes widened as if they were about to tear.
"The reason the master targeted Dongpil is none other than this."
The Black King Sword.
A legendary demonic weapon counted among the Five Great Demonic Swords of the Divine Sect and the Ten Great Demonic Swords of the martial world.
Seoryang's eyes deepened.
"And I don't think this incident is unrelated to catching the real culprit."