Myst, Might, Mayhem (Novel) - Chapter 161 - Choice (2)

Chapter 161 – Choice (2)

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Translated by Jinmu

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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“Ordinarily, Great Young Master’s supporting forces were so powerful that the other two successors had no chance, but now the situation has changed.”

“In what way?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s question, Lord Annihilation Poison King Baek Sa-ha twitched his lips and said in a meaningful voice,

“It means that, depending on your choice, the balance of power may change.”

“My…choice?”

“Ah, your choice.”

Mok Gyeong-un’s choice.

That was Lord Annihilation Poison King Baek Sa-ha’s judgment.

In truth, this judgment had not arisen from nowhere.

Mok Gyeong-un was a disciple of the Shadow Sect, which oversaw secrets, information, and spies within the Heaven and Earth Society, and he was also a disciple of the Baek family, which handled poison and specialized in killing people.

Already from that alone, one could say he stood in a fairly important position.

“Within the Heaven and Earth Society are situated countless martial families, sects, and bands. When each of these groups gathers, they become great power, but even among them there are groups that take on especially important roles. Representative among these would be our Baek family and the Shadow Sect, which deals in secrets.”

For those aiming at succession, the strength of these two groups could be called highly important when one thought of the future.

That was why the Second Disciple Jang Neung-ak and the Third Disciple Wi So-yeon coveted Mok Gyeong-un.

Perhaps recalling that, Mok Gyeong-un nodded.

Moreover, an even greater variable of strength was born today.

Variable of strength?

“Heh heh, precisely this master and you.”

Baek Sa-ha said that, puffing up his shoulders with a triumphant expression.

And for good reason, because by coincidence Baek Sa-ha and Mok Gyeong-un had both broken through the wall and reached the realm of transformation.

Even within the Heaven and Earth Society, those who had reached such a realm were only a very small number, and it would not have been an exaggeration to say that their strength alone equaled that of a whole medium-sized sect.

“With the strength of this master and you, the whole pattern of this competition can be overturned. The two of us alone are enough. Heh heh heh.”

“Ah…I see.”

“Why is your reaction so lifeless? Is it that you have no confidence in the power you possess?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s flat reaction, Baek Sa-ha asked with a frown.

At that, Mok Gyeong-un shook his head and answered,

“It is not particularly that.”

“Then why are you so drained?”

“Because I feel there is no great meaning in it if it is not certain.”

“If it is not certain? Surely you do not mean that even after breaking the wall, you are still unsatisfied?”

“It is only a path I had to pass anyway.”

“!?”

Mok Gyeong-un answered as though it were nothing.

At those words, Baek Sa-ha inwardly clicked his tongue.

Because Baek Sa-ha had broken the wall after many years, he had thought that he had no further regrets.

Countless martial artists longed to break through the wall and become peerless masters, but in reality there were many who never escaped the first-rate realm.

Yet this child continued looking upward.

Did that mean the goal he aimed for from the start was different?

So Baek Sa-ha patted Mok Gyeong-un on the shoulder and said in a rather serious voice,

“Your words are right. This master almost failed to see the great forest because he was satisfied with a small achievement. For one who cultivates the martial way, that would have been truly foolish.”

Hmm?

A strange light entered Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes at this self-reproachful appearance.

Mok Gyeong-un had not meant it in that sense.

He had simply judged that, considering the many ties in which the objects of his revenge were entangled, even his present martial ability was still insufficient.

To Mok Gyeong-un, the martial way and martial arts were merely tools for revenge.

Naturally, since Baek Sa-ha did not know that, he could only feel Mok Gyeong-un’s attitude to be that of a true martial artist.

It seems that old sentient-being fool has misunderstood something useless.

-Blue Spirit said that with a snicker, as though she found the sight amusing.

At that, Mok Gyeong-un shrugged and answered,

Misunderstanding is his own freedom.

-Well, that is true.

But Blue Spirit.

Why?

Did we not make a wager?

What wager do you mean?

If I remember correctly, if I broke through the wall within three years, Blue Spirit said she would become my slav…

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

-Blue Spirit suddenly started shouting so loudly that it felt as though the ears would tear.

Mok Gyeong-un was not the sort to react to most things, but it was so loud that it felt as though his eardrums would fall out.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

-…Are you going to keep this up?

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Let us say the wager never existed, so stop. You are noisy.

-…

Once Mok Gyeong-un nullified the wager, Blue Spirit shut her mouth as though nothing had happened.

At Blue Spirit’s behavior, Mok Gyeong-un clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘Meanwhile, Blue Spirit let out a sigh of relief inwardly.’

She was already living as little different from a slave after becoming a shikigami, so if on top of that she had to serve this fellow with full formality as though he were truly her master, then it would be better to simply be extinguished.

‘Damn sentient-being bastard.’

‘That wager had never been capable of standing in the first place.’

What sort of lunatic reaches the realm of transformation after training martial arts for only two months?

If he had reached the realm of transformation through enlightenment, she might at least have accepted it, but on top of that he had forcibly pierced through essence, qi, and spirit by inferring the flow of qi.

He was sincerely a monstrous fellow.

Perhaps he might be nothing less than a lump of variables created by heaven itself.

At that moment Lord Annihilation Poison King Baek Sa-ha said,

“Though I meant to hurry, I became excited and the side talk grew long. In any case, as you said, whether it concerns accomplishment or anything like that aside, a choice must be made.”

“······.”

“Given Great Young Master’s disposition, once he regains consciousness, he will surely begin pressing you and this master by whatever means he chooses. The speed of it will be exceedingly quick.”

“At that statement, Mok Gyeong-un agreed as well.”

If he was truly a fellow of the same kind, then from the instant he opened his eyes one could say the war had begun.

If so, then as Baek Sa-ha had said, they had no choice but to build forces that even Na Yul-ryang would find difficult to move against lightly.

“Master’s words are correct.”

“Then which will you choose, Young Master Jang Neung-ak or Young Lady Wi So-yeon? In this matter, I shall follow your decision entirely.”

“In truth, the one Baek Sa-ha had in mind was the youngest disciple, Wi So-yeon.”

The Second Disciple Jang Neung-ak had a crafty side and was not someone who could be fully trusted.

However, the reason he had given the choice to Mok Gyeong-un was because he thought that those who would lead the Heaven and Earth Society in the future would not be his own generation, but the younger rising talents.

‘But will this fellow too not choose that girl Wi So-yeon?’

‘What Wi So-yeon lacked was force, that is, a supporting base.’

If the Baek family, the Shadow Sect, and the two of them as master and disciple stood behind her, then she could build enough force to rival Great Young Master Na Yul-ryang.

‘At present that child Wi So-yeon is the most suitable. With your sharp eye, you should be able to see at least that much.’

‘That was what he had thought, yet,’

“Then I think Second Young Master Jang Neung-ak would be best.”

“What?”

“At that instant Baek Sa-ha’s expression hardened.”

‘He was inwardly disappointed at Mok Gyeong-un’s unexpected choice.’

“No, why must it be that fellow of all people?”

‘Of the three, he was the one whose martial ability fell shortest, the one closest to cunning recklessness.’

In Baek Sa-ha’s view, Jang Neung-ak was the least suited to be Society Leader.

So Baek Sa-ha let out a sigh and asked,

“Hoo…are you truly sure that Young Master Jang Neung-ak is acceptable?”

“Since he had given the choice, it was difficult for him to openly oppose it, but he at least wanted to know the reason.”

There was no way this shrewd fellow would make such a decision without thought.

Or perhaps could it be…

Baek Sa-ha’s gaze turned toward Wu Ho-rang, who lay unconscious to one side.

He too knew of Wu Ho-rang, the Great Unit Leader of Jue Que Corps and chief disciple of Son Yun, the King of the Fate Blade.

They say he is effectively Wi So-yeon’s right arm.

Judging from the traces around them, it seemed Mok Gyeong-un had crossed swords with that child before Great Young Master Na Yul-ryang had appeared.

Could this perhaps be related to that?

‘If that were the case, he could mediate to some extent.’

Becoming enemies with the Society Leader’s succession was one thing, but fights among the younger generation still left some room for intervention.

However,

“Young Master Jang Neung-ak’s confidants are extremely loyal, whatever sort of person their lord may be. By contrast, Young Lady Wi So-yeon’s confidants seem to regard her not as their lord, but as a woman to be adored.”

“What? A woman to be adored?”

“Yes.”

“Huh…”

“At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, a sigh of disappointment escaped Baek Sa-ha.”

If their quarrel had been the cause, he had intended to mediate.

But if Mok Gyeong-un’s words were true, then regardless of her character, Wi So-yeon was simply unfortunate in the quality of talent that gathered under her.

Naturally, matters would improve a great deal if he and Mok Gyeong-un supported her.

But fundamentally, if the one who was meant to become leader lacked the material to guide those beneath her, then this was not something that could be solved simply by offering support.

“Is her appearance the cause of it?”

‘Wi So-yeon was, in the truest sense, a beauty beyond compare.’

Any man would naturally be unable to help but fall for her radiant beauty.

Baek Sa-ha had not thought that would become such a serious problem.

He had assumed that she would lead her subordinates with strong command.

But as Mok Gyeong-un said, if the confidants around her saw her not as their lord but as an object of desire, then he had to think differently.

‘If she cannot lead those beneath her…’

‘In that case, one could not say that Mok Gyeong-un’s judgment was wrong.’

Though his disposition and martial talent might be somewhat inferior compared to Wi So-yeon, if one looked at the seat of a leader of a group, then the second disciple Jang Neung-ak seemed the better choice.

At that, Baek Sa-ha nodded as though he understood.

“Very well. Do as you wish. Then go to Young Master Jang Neung-ak and convey your intention.”

“Understood. Then what will Master do?”

“This master will quickly settle things here, meet the Shadow Sect Master, report what has happened, and discuss an alliance between the Shadow Sect and the Baek family.”

“Ah…”

“It was true that they needed someone to settle the situation here.”

Thinking that this worked out well, Mok Gyeong-un saluted Lord Annihilation Poison King Baek Sa-ha in thanks.

“Thank you.”

“Heh heh, what is there to thank me for? Your business is this master’s business as well.”

“······.”

“What are you doing? Hurry. Before Great Young Master awakens, we must quickly build our forces.”

“Understood. Then I leave things in your care.”

“With those words, Mok Gyeong-un turned his body and approached someone lying collapsed.”

At that, Baek Sa-ha frowned and asked,

“What are you trying to do? Did this master not say he would settle things here?”

“Ah. I think I have to take this fellow along.”

“The person Mok Gyeong-un pointed to was none other than Wu Ho-rang, the Great Unit Leader of Jue Que Corps and confidant of the Third Disciple Wi So-yeon.”

At that, Baek Sa-ha asked, unable to understand,

“You say you are going to meet Young Master Jang Neung-ak, so why are you taking that fellow? Surely you do not mean to say that, while professing support, you intend to present him as a gift?”

“No, not that. I intend to stop by Young Lady Wi So-yeon first.”

“What?”

‘What was that supposed to mean now?’

He had just said that he would not choose Wi So-yeon, so why would he go to her?

To the baffled Baek Sa-ha, Mok Gyeong-un approached and quietly whispered something into his ear.

Hearing it, Baek Sa-ha frowned and asked,

“No. Do you think that will really be possible?”

“We will know if we try.”

“…I wonder whether this is not simply going to provoke Young Lady Wi So-yeon for nothing.”

“Baek Sa-ha could not help but feel worried.”

But Mok Gyeong-un seemed not to care in the least, and hoisted the unconscious Wu Ho-rang over his shoulder as he said,

“We will know if we try. Then please settle matters here. Ah, and that fellow lying over there is Seok-jung, the guard the Shadow Sect Master attached to me. If you go to the Shadow Sect, please take him along.”

“Having made that request, Mok Gyeong-un slung Wu Ho-rang over his shoulder and left.”

Watching his back, Baek Sa-ha clicked his tongue.

He did not know whether things would proceed according to that fellow’s intentions.

No matter what, would Wi So-yeon, who desired to rule the Heaven and Earth Society, really accept that?

Would he not simply create more enemies instead?

Hmm.

‘Baek Sa-ha, who had been staring in the direction Mok Gyeong-un had gone, clicked his tongue, then walked over to the unconscious Great Young Master Na Yul-ryang.’

He did not know how matters had reached this point, but a war of life and death with this fellow had begun.

But if a war had already begun, he had no intention of losing.

‘Since you have laid hands on this old man and the Baek family, be prepared.’

‘After issuing that warning inwardly, Baek Sa-ha cautiously cast a glance around.’

His aura-sense caught nothing.

Having looked around like that, Baek Sa-ha,

“Ahem.”

Quietly set the sole of his foot on the right ankle of the unconscious Great Young Master Na Yul-ryang, then drew up his power and pressed down hard.

-Udeudeudeuk!

-The sound of an ankle breaking was heard.

His right wrist had already been broken, and Mok Gyeong-un had already taken his right eyeball, so adding a broken right ankle here should not be all that strange, should it?

“Heh heh heh.”

“* * *”

Residence of Wi So-yeon, the Society Leader’s third disciple.

A man whose face was swollen all over was entering that place.

He was Yeop Wi-seon, youngest disciple of Son Yun, the King of the Fate Blade.

“Oh! Brother Yeop!”

“When he entered the pavilion, one young man, who had been training in the manor yard while balancing a large stone atop a thick heavy sword, greeted him warmly.”

His name was Yang Il.

He was the young master of the Misty Sea Sword House and one of Wi So-yeon’s confidants.

“Brother Yang.”

“Yeop Wi-seon gave him a clasped-fist salute, his face somewhat flushed.”

Inwardly, he felt ashamed beyond measure.

He had gone to the Corpse Blood Valley treasure vault, fought with a trainee, caused an incident on top of that, and been locked in a dark chamber to undergo several days of secluded training.

He had thought he would probably remain shut away for months.

But for some reason, his master Son Yun, the King of the Fate Blade, had released him about half a shijin earlier.

[If you cause trouble one more time, know that you truly will be in seclusion for a year. Do you understand?]

[Of course, the man had given him a chilling warning.]

So Yeop Wi-seon had even shed tears while begging forgiveness.

It was a good thing no one had seen it, because just remembering it now made his teeth grind.

If not for that bastard Mok Gyeong-un, he would not have suffered such hardship and fallen from Young Lady’s favor.

‘Bastard.’

‘Someday, he would take revenge for this grudge.’

Even so, he had heard that the fellow had become a disciple of the Shadow Sect Master.

That at least was fortunate.

If the fellow had become a disciple of Thunderbolt Fist King or his own master Son Yun, the King of the Fate Blade, then taking revenge would become difficult, but since he had become the disciple of an executive beneath the Five Kings, opportunities would arise sooner or later.

In any event, that was not what mattered now.

He was already on his way here because he had received his master’s order.

“Brother Yang. Where is our senior brother? Is he with Young Lady?”

“Great Unit Leader Wu Ho-rang went to bring someone at Young Lady’s command.”

“…Went to bring someone? Then where did he go?”

“Why? Is something the matter?”

“My master is looking for him, that is why.”

“Ah. You mean the King of the Fate Blade is calling for him?”

“Yes.”

“Great Unit Leader Wu Ho-rang is waiting for someone named Mok Gyeong-un near the Baek family estate of Lord Annihilation Poison King.”

‘!?’

At those words, Yeop Wi-seon tilted his head.

What was this supposed to mean?

Why was he waiting for Mok Gyeong-un near the Baek family estate?

“…For what reason?”

“What do you mean for what reason? To recruit him.”

“What?”

At those words, Yeop Wi-seon looked appalled.

He had already intended to tell Young Lady that they absolutely must not recruit that accursed Mok Gyeong-un after learning that he was a hostage from the righteous sects, and yet what sort of ridiculous news was this?

This would not do.

If that was true, then he had to report it to Young Lady at once and…

-끼이이이익!

-Just then the gate of the residence opened and someone entered.

At once Yeop Wi-seon’s expression distorted fiercely.

And for good reason, because the one entering was none other than that damned fellow.

“Mok Gyeong-un!”

“However,”

“Ho. It has been a long time. This works out nicely. That man there is your senior brother, is he not?”

“What?”

-Pak!

With one hand, Mok Gyeong-un raised up the unconscious person slung over his shoulder as though lifting baggage.

At the sight, the eyes of Yeop Wi-seon and Yang Il both widened at once.

“What?”

‘Se-senior brother?’

‘The one lifted in Mok Gyeong-un’s hand was none other than Wu Ho-rang, chief disciple of Son Yun, the King of the Fate Blade, and one of the Five Tigers, called the greatest younger talents of the Heaven and Earth Society.’

Seeing him unconscious and soaked in blood as though he had suffered serious injury, though it was said that none but executives could even face him, the two men could not hide their shock.