Chapter 113 - Underworld Night March (3)

"What?"

Yong So-ah's eyebrows shot up.

The members of the Dragon-Phoenix Summit, who were listening to So Jeho's report alongside him, were more surprised by Yong So-ah's expression than the contents of the report itself.

To the Dragon-Phoenix Summit members who had been with him since the Murim Academy, Yong So-ah was practically an emotionless being.

"Jin Sowoon led his group into the Four Emperors Peak. He's a crazy bastard."

For some reason, So Jeho was delivering his report with two severe black eyes.

"..."

"It seems he really dislikes you."

Moreover, Dang Seo-hee, who was usually as quiet as Yong So-ah, was speaking up as if her lips had suddenly been unsealed.

"... I don't understand."

"Understand what?"

"The Four Emperors Peak wasn't an option they could choose in the first place. No, it would only worsen their situation."

Yong So-ah nodded slowly.

He certainly had better options.

-Enter the Murim Academy alone with excellent marks.

-Fail the exam together with his group.

And the answer he chose was an option that not only led to failing the exam, but also risked his life.

"I think the Black Flame Dragon has something in mind."

"..."

Yong So-ah's gaze fixed on Dang Seo-hee.

Not only So Jeho, but the rest of the Dragon-Phoenix Summit members involuntarily swallowed their saliva, knowing full well the pressure that Yong So-ah's gaze carried.

"No, that's impossible."

"There are rumors that the Black Flame Dragon possesses an identification tag obtained from the Demonic Spirit Plateau. And it is also something he obtained thanks to you, Yong So-ah."

"..."

A chilling air circulated.

An unknown, unprecedented pressure descended upon the area, causing the Dragon-Phoenix Summit members to instinctively draw up their inner qi to protect their mental energy.

"Do you know why the Underworld doesn't interfere in the Murim Alliance's events?"

"It's because burying what happens during the standard exam is a privilege restricted only to the Orthodox faction."

"Right. The prohibition against retaliation or revenge for events during the standard exam applies only to the Orthodox faction. ... Conversely, any Underworld faction that tries to exploit the standard exam becomes a target for the Orthodox faction to vent their anger."

The Hwangsa Sect, Mahyang Gang, Jogeuk Gang, Hanho Sect, and other Underworld sects that were annihilated during previous standard exams were listed out.

"The Four Emperors Peak might be one of the strongest forces in the Underworld, but in reality, their power falls short of even a single sect from the Nine Sects and One Gang. Furthermore, the Orthodox sects, armed with justification, would have the legitimacy to punish the Underworld. The Four Emperors Peak can absolutely not make a move."

Dang Seo-hee nodded in agreement with Yong So-ah's words.

"Then there's no need to pay him any more mind."

"... That is correct."

"Then why are you still here?"

Yong So-ah's eyelids twitched.

Regardless, Dang Seo-hee continued speaking.

"The Dragon-Phoenix Summit has a lot of work to do."

Seeing Dang Seo-hee dangerously crossing the line, So Jeho swallowed hard.

"... Right. What is the next task?"

So Jeho hurriedly handed over a scroll.

"There's a report indicating that Song Baek of the Hwayang Escort Agency mobilized warriors from the martial arts halls they were supporting in this standard exam. Even though Song Baek is dead, the Alliance's directive is to investigate the Hwayang Escort Agency."

"With Wangga Manor showing strange movements, the gap will grow massive if even the Hwayang Escort Agency falls. Still, we have to investigate it for now."

* * *

Meanwhile, Jin Sowoon dragged his injured body toward the Four Emperors Peak's Daemak Pavilion.

It was Namgung Seonhwa who supported him, as his mobility was impaired by his injuries.

Usually, it might have been fine, but since she was here as the representative of her clan within the Four Emperors Peak, Kang Seopyo quickly tried to stop her.

"My Lady, as the representative of the Namgung Clan, you shouldn't..."

"Squad Captain Kang, please say no more. I am well aware."

Faced with her unwavering expression, Kang Seopyo ultimately had no choice but to take a step back.

After all, the severe injuries Jin Sowoon sustained were entirely a result of saving Namgung Seonhwa.

Moreover, as they approached the Daemak Pavilion, the atmosphere grew so heavy that they could no longer afford to squabble.

"Their discipline is excellent."

Kang Seopyo found himself nodding at Cho Mubin's observation upon seeing the Underworld warriors lining the path to the Daemak Pavilion.

"They are completely different from what I previously knew."

Commonly, the mention of the Underworld conjured up strong images of madmen thirsting for blood under the law of the jungle.

However, seeing their true nature up close felt like looking at well-trained beasts of prey, one by one.

Furthermore, the closer they got to the Daemak Pavilion, the centralmost building of the Four Emperors Peak, the more drastically the level of the warriors improved.

"Forget the exam... we should just pray that we make it out alive."

"..."

Initially, when they had heard Jin Sowoon's plan, they had followed his suggestion with the confidence that they could escape in the worst-case scenario; now, they were regretting that judgment.

As they stepped into the Daemak Pavilion, a grand hall as overwhelming as the massive pavilion itself came into view.

On both sides, those who appeared to be the elite warriors of the Four Emperors Peak exuded a ferocious momentum, while on the high platform above, a giant of a man wearing ornate silver armor dominated the assembly.

"It is Jin Sowoon of the Taiyi Sect and his group."

Hwang Bushik gave only a brief explanation before taking his place on the Peak Master's left.

"They say the name Black Flame Dragon echoes throughout the world, but looking at the state of you now... It's a waste of the title."

The Peak Master of the Four Emperors Peak, Cha Seokdu.

His booming voice echoed through the grand hall, proving that his title as the greatest leader of the Underworld was no exaggeration.

"..."

Jin Sowoon slipped out of Namgung Seonhwa's grasp and took a couple of steps forward.

"..."

His body trembled violently with every step he took, allowing one to guess his current condition.

Jin Sowoon spoke with a serious expression.

"Do you have any idea how much trouble I've been through because of that damn alias?"

"..."

At the exact same moment, the thought *'We're fucked'* popped into the minds of Kang Seopyo, Cho Mubin, and Baek Wongak.

Killing intent swept through the grand hall.

Those lined up on both sides of the hall were individuals who each proclaimed themselves to be the strongest in the Underworld.

For someone to spew profanity at Peak Master Cha Seokdu, whom they respected the most, meant that Jin Sowoon had practically set today as his own death day.

"... Urk."

Unable to withstand the killing intent, Jin Sowoon suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.

As Namgung Seonhwa turned deathly pale and tried to rush over, Jin Sowoon raised a hand to stop her.

"Please clear away that killing intent. Do Underworld warriors lack eyes? Spreading killing intent in front of a patient."

"..."

A strange silence hung in the grand hall.

Jin Sowoon's group watched him with anxious hearts, while the Four Emperors Peak's warriors glared at him with displeased eyes.

"Heh heh."

"..."

"BWAHAHAHAHA!"

As Cha Seokdu burst into laughter, the warriors in the hall began to retract their killing intent one by one and laugh along.

Kang Seopyo, Cho Mubin, and Baek Wongak, dumbfounded by the sudden laughter, quickly hopped on the bandwagon and laughed even louder to lighten the mood.

"You're as amusing as ever. Still, I think I gave you a good alias. Thanks to it, whenever your name rings out in Jianghu, my name spreads along with it."

"What the hell kind of name is 'Black Flame Dragon' for an elite warrior of the Orthodox faction? Honestly, 'Black Flame Dragon'."

"Let's be honest, the Taiyi Sect isn't exactly a prestigious orthodox sect, is it?"

"Hah. You're speaking rather harshly just because we're in your front yard, Peak Master."

"Heh heh. So? Want to have a go?"

"With my body in this state, I'll let it slide this time."

Jin Sowoon's group weren't the only ones confused by the exchange between the two. The warriors of the Four Emperors Peak were also constantly glancing sideways at Cha Seokdu—who was usually incredibly solemn and dignified—treating Jin Sowoon as if he were his own grandson.

"So, I hear you faced a lot of hardships during the standard exam?"

"It's only natural that it's difficult for a guy with nothing to his name to try and rise in the world."

"In that case, how about taking this opportunity to defect to an Underworld sect? Unlike the Murim Alliance's Nine Sects and One Gang or the 108 Peaks, deep-rooted corruption hasn't hardened within our ranks yet."

"If I did that, wouldn't all the suffering I've endured up to now become useless?"

Cha Seokdu nodded at Jin Sowoon's response.

"That is why I came to see you so abruptly, with a favor to ask. If I have committed any discourtesy, please forgive me."

As soon as Jin Sowoon finished speaking, the smile slowly vanished from Cha Seokdu's face.

"I will speak first before you ask. Either give up on the standard exam, or strike a suitable deal with the people outside."

"..."

"I hear you have a historically large number of Admission Tokens? You could probably get yourself or one or two of your companions admitted through a trade. If you want, I can act as a mediator."

Seeing that he seemed to already know what favor Jin Sowoon was going to ask, the group looked drained of their energy.

If a deal couldn't be made here and now, there was nothing else they could do.

"Even if I say I will use the identification tag?"

"..."

At Jin Sowoon's words, Cha Seokdu's face stiffened hard, and the pressure in the grand hall spiked.

"The identification tag is merely a guarantee of my effort. Surely you know that it cannot resolve a matter so grave that it stakes my sect and my own life."

"..."

"For the Four Emperors Peak to interfere in the Murim Academy's standard exam would be a gravely critical threat to our sect. Even if you ask such a favor, there's no way I could accept it. Keep the identification tag safe. You will need to use it in the future."

Cha Seokdu's face, which had looked at Jin Sowoon like a grandson, was now filled with disappointment.

"If you plan to give up on the exam anyway, you may stay here. I will provide you with a good room and maids so you can rest comfortably."

As if he had no further business, Cha Seokdu abruptly stood up from his seat.

At that moment, Jin Sowoon, who had been keeping his mouth shut until now, finally opened it.

"That is not the favor I wish to ask."

As Cha Seokdu turned his head, his eyes swirled with anger in addition to disappointment.

"Do you intend to make a fool out of me?"

"I haven't even told you what favor I am asking for yet."

"..."

With a grave expression, Cha Seokdu sat back down on the platform.

"I sincerely hope this won't be a moment that makes me disappointed in you. Because I was already disappointed when I heard you fled to the Four Emperors Peak to avoid the Nine Sects and One Gang."

It was nothing more than an ordinary tone of voice, but those listening beside him shuddered at his overwhelming presence.

"The favor I ask is for the Four Emperors Peak to become the center of the Underworld."

"...?"

At this completely unexpected remark, people tilted their heads in confusion.

"The Underworld has never had a central focal point like the Murim Alliance. The same is true even now. Because of that, when a large-scale disaster occurs, there is no proper way to respond to it."

This was a topic always discussed within the Underworld.

Everyone needed a central focal point, but no one had ever achieved it.

"It was the same at the Demonic Spirit Plateau. The Underworld suffered more casualties, but in the end, the Murim Alliance was the one that mobilized the people, while the Underworld could only stamp its feet and wait."

"... Wait, hold on, I don't understand. Why is this topic coming up here? No, before that, even if you ask us to become the center, how are we supposed to do that?"

"It's not very difficult."

"Not very difficult, you say?"

Countless Underworld sects had attempted to form an alliance in the past, but none had ever succeeded. They had no catalyst like the Murim Alliance, nor was there a faction with overwhelming martial might.

"Please hold a non-violent march to mourn those who were sacrificed at the Demonic Spirit Plateau. From Mount Daebyeol here all the way to Wuhan, where the Murim Alliance is located. Use this demonstration as an opportunity to draw out the people's opinions, and ultimately, establish an alliance."

"..."

Cha Seokdu's jaw dropped wide open.

Not only the elite warriors gathered in the grand hall, but even Jin Sowoon's own group gaped.

A disciple of an Orthodox sect was trying to orchestrate the creation of a central focal point for the Underworld?

Throughout the silent grand hall, people began to whisper, calling him a 'crazy bastard'.