156

Chapter 156 - Journey to Sacheon - 4

The Supreme Sect in the World.

For anyone born into the martial world, the title of "Supreme in the World" is a dream harbored at least once. It's a dream commonly cherished by the young masters of prestigious sects who have once tasted defeat and compromised with reality.

It seems Dang Geo-ho, as someone from the Sacheon Dang Clan, carried with him a heavy heart full of frustration. Even as one of the martial world's most prestigious families, bearing the brunt of behind-the-back criticism could certainly stir emotions.

It would have been better if he used such emotions as fuel for his self-cultivation, pursuing the philosophy of ceaseless self-improvement (切磋琢磨). Instead, why resort to cutting, scraping, and chiseling down others?

What? You want to create the Supreme Sect that will make all bow their heads?

If you don't have the confidence to become the Supreme of the World, then just say you want to be the commander of the Supreme Poisonous Army. 

I couldn't help but interject between their conversation that had unfolded such nonsensical, though decidedly martial-world logic, to put an end to the brooding musings of the Righteous Bromides.

"Just because everyone bows their heads doesn't make one the Supreme Sect."

I used the psychic voice technique to ensure everyone could hear me.

"Who are you?"

If he inquires about my identity, it's only proper that I respond.

The last survivor of the Kang family. The fiancé of Moyeong Saga. The childhood friend of Chunsal Star. The jovial close confidant of Dang Household's mischievous Giyang. The dear friend of Dang Hwarin. The scribe known as Hopil, the author of "Winds and Clouds of the Dang Clan."

"A guest of the Sacheon Dang Clan. Currently, I am someone who speaks on behalf of the Righteous Bromides, much like your Black-clothed ones."

I had much more to say, but I shortened it, thinking he might become downcast had I claimed to not know him.

Dang Geo-ho looked at the Righteous Master with puzzled eyes following my declaration. The Righteous Master nodded, affirming that I was indeed their spokesperson.

"How interesting. The guest of the Righteous Master, who would flinch at the sight of black hair... Then, what did you just say?"

"I said that simply having everyone bow their heads does not make one the Supreme Sect. Such behavior is the path of the demonic sects that revel in subjugating and dominating others, not that of the Supreme Sect."

Really, the devilish deed you speak of should be left to the devil's disciples. Are you possessed by a demon? I wanted to say, but I restrained myself, for fear an assassination attempt would promptly follow if I did. So, I cited the demonic sects as an example instead.

"If everyone bows their heads, then that house indeed becomes the Supreme Sect."

Dang Geo-ho scoffed at me as if he'd heard the most ludicrous thing.

You're laughing now? I'll show you who's the laughingstock.

"An absurd notion. If sheer power dictated supremacy, where then does the mighty Qin Empire of the Emperor of the Past stand now? And how did the Undefeated War King become but an object of ridicule?"

First, I countered his argument by citing two famously powerful figures who fell from grace due to their reliance on might alone.

"...They fell because their strength was inadequate."

As if inadequate strength and power could justify invoking a deity, Dang Geo-ho shifted his gaze away, indicating his dissatisfaction with his argument.

Seize the opening in his logic at once.

"The Supreme Sect is not made by forcing everyone to bow their heads."

I shook my head dismissively, indicating how absurd and pitiable I found his argument.

"Do you also wish to dismiss the Supreme Sect as a mere fantasy, like this Righteous Master?"

How could one utter such a harsh judgement? To be equated with the Righteous Master – the very thought nearly cracked my composure.

I forced a relaxed smile, then, with resolute determination, addressed the anxious faces of the Righteous Order, the Righteous Master, Hwarin, and finally, proclaimed to Dang Geo-ho:

"No. A sect is called the Supreme Sect in the World because everyone naturally looks up to it, following the sect in reverence. If people only bow their heads out of fear, unable to show their faces, then how can that be hailed as the Supreme Sect if their expressions are painted with contempt for the house?"

The path is not that of the demonic Dao (悖道) but of the righteous Dao (正道).

We tread a difficult road, but we walk it with dignity, for it is straightforward. This has always been and will always be the way of the Sacheon Dang Clan.

Our course is true. Although it's arduous and long, the end of this road has the Supreme Sect awaiting us. Do not waver in delusion.

The members of the Righteous Order nodded at my words, their faces breaking into smiles.

"Tch... Righteous Master, when did this black-haired guest start to speak for the Dang Clan?"

When Logic faltered, Dang Geo-ho clicked his tongue with annoyance and turned to question the Righteous Master.

"Keep talking."

Why stare so piercingly? The Righteous Master, without looking at Dang Geo-ho, encouraged me to continue with a smile.

"You said that you would obtain power for the clan and create the Supreme Sect, didn't you? How can one who serves their family justify conducting vile experiments on their kin?"

"Some sacrifices are necessary."

"Minor? Hey! What did you just say?"

Hwarin's outraged voice emerged from behind me.

"Hwarin, wait. Hold back for a second."

I grabbed Hwarin, who was on the verge of lunging forward and managed to steer her aside.

An overwhelming softness pressed upon my forearm - a feeling I had no time to indulge in, so I shelved it in the 'Hwarin Mad Movie' folder inside my brain's 'Woodpecker' folder.

This bastard Dang Geo-ho keeps playing the 'if they're alive, it's alright' card. Time to shatter that logic too.

"A minor pain, you say?"

I challenged Dang Geo-ho.

"Yes. Some sacrifices are justifiable for the sake of the clan."

"Is that so? In that case, allow me to ask: the other illegitimate children you took responsibility for, those tainted by the Sama's… do they share this sentiment? If even one claims the same, I shall reconsider my stance."

But of course, that answer would never come. Nevermore.

"..."

For the first time, distress registered on Dang Geo-ho's face. Little bastard. You know as well as I do that the other bastards you experimented on are dead.

"Could it be that the other illegitimate children are…?"

"A lone survivor from the poison experiments being Miss Dang Hwarin is what you're saying?"

"How could one clad in human skin commit such acts!"

"The sins of the Dang Clan are severe…"

The Righteous Order's members seemed to grasp the fate of the others from Dang Geo-ho's expression, voicing their lamentations.

"How can one who has strayed from humanity dare to speak of the Supreme Sect!"

I rallied the public sentiment and declared to the fiend no longer considered human.

"You barbarian brat, how dare you be so insolent! The one with power determines if a path is righteous or not. If the Sacheon Dang Clan becomes the Supreme Sect, then the worthless babble of the powerless can effortlessly be crushed underfoot."

"When these powerless ones rejoice and hold you in awe, only then do you truly become the Supreme Sect."

"...."

Dang Geo-ho could find no words to respond to mine.

-----

"Righteous Master! Is this truly your intention?"

Having reached a dead end, Dang Geo-ho shot his ultimatum at the Righteous Master.

"…His intentions align with those of the Dang Clan."

"You'll meet a dog's end. Who would remember such doggish antics?"

"I will remember."

I declared with a firm voice.

"What?"

"I will not forget. Everyone here will not forget. Because the vow of the Sacheon Dang Clan is…"

'Sacheon Dang Clan does not forget.'

Sometimes it's necessary to leave words unspoken, to etch them into the hearts of all. Unfinished, my statement lingered as I surveyed the people of the Righteous Bromides.

Perhaps they were prepared. They either thumped their chests, offered me a smile, or nodded their heads, seemingly mulling over those words deep within their hearts.

"Tch! I'll make you regret this!"

Dang Geo-ho spun around and returned to his Black-clothed associates.

Is it beginning now?

"With a tongue like a snake, you sure know how to handle one."

As I watched Dang Geo-ho, the Righteous Master approached me from the side with a complimentary remark.

"Quite a speech."

Can't you just praise me without reserve?

"It was illuminating to witness the violet-hearted passion inside your black hair, which I had yet to see. Continue to harbor that spirit of pursuing the righteous path, and the courage to stake your life on it. Use your tongue to swing in defense of your clan."

The Righteous Master, with a fatherly smile, spoke to me as an elder offering blessings.

"What was that?"

"Members of the Righteous Bromides! Prepare!"

Dismissing my words, the Righteous Master turned and called out to his troops.

Did I overcommit myself? Will I survive this?

What gave me some hope was that our numbers were greater. I heard we had a strong contingent of experts since we were mid-mission for the Clan Leader.

"Yoon Ho. Take this from the Dang Clan."

While observing the situation, Hwarin handed me a small bead.

"What's this?"

It was a green orb, so lustrous even someone ignorant of gems like me could tell it was valuable.

"It's a Blood-Poison Pearl. Keep it in your mouth, and you shouldn't get afflicted by any common poisons during battle."

Blood-Poison Pearl? This was like the ultimate anti-poison item in martial fantasies. A remarkably precious thing to receive.

Moved, I turned to look at Dang Hwarin, who shrugged and glanced at the Righteous Master. What? So it wasn't Dang Hwarin who gave it, but the Righteous Master. If you're going to give something, do it directly.

"Yoon Ho. If things go south, run."

Hwarin, concern painting her face, spoke to me firmly.

"Where would I run in this situation? Besides, it's you who should be worried."

"Is that so… Thank you for what you did."

I accepted Hwarin's words of gratitude and turned my head.

The only thing I can rely on now is the Righteous Bromides. As I looked at the Righteous Master with a worried expression, he didn't even spare me a glance, instead exhorting his troops who had finished their battle preparations.

"Are you afraid!"

"No!"

"Do you wish to flee!"

"No!"

"Do you want to be forgotten!"

"No!"

"I will! We will! These children will! Remember today! So let us fight together for Sacheon's future!"

"Loyal!"

Thus began the decisive battle.