Book 19 Chapter 16

Maginja summons Jang Hong.

―Yeomdo visits the prison.

"How is it, Hong? Are you willing to give it a shot?"

"Hmm…"

Jang Hong fell into thought at Maginja's question. This was the Governor's office. He had visited here discreetly after being summoned. No one else besides them knew that he was currently having a private conversation with Maginja. In other words, only silence, the minimum requirement for their conversation, knew.

"If you're not inclined, you can refuse. I'm worried I might be burdening you with too much lately."

"No, sir. My hesitation isn't about that. I was just thinking about who would commit such an act and who was behind it. I'll take on this matter."

"Oh, you will?"

Hong nodded.

"Yes. Something doesn't feel right. We can't let ourselves be played for fools by our enemies like this."

Even if there is a strong suspicion of innocence, without concrete evidence, public opinion demanding punishment, convinced of guilt, cannot be quelled. Even if Maginja were persuaded to be released from prison now, nothing would change. Only more condemnation would rain down.

A world where trust is impossible between individuals. In such a world, no one would trust the leadership. A leadership that has lost trust degenerates into something worse than a beggar.

"Take this."

Maginja took out a tablet from his inner pocket and handed it to Jang Hong.

"This is…?"

He wasn't asking because he didn't know.

"As you know, this is under the direct command of the Governor. And I'll write you a letter of appointment."

Maginja immediately picked up a brush, wrote something on a piece of paper, and handed it to Hong, saying,

"There isn't much time. From the academy's perspective, this must be resolved before the start of the Ascension Martial Emperor's reign. If the truth isn't revealed by then, we will have no choice but to punish him, regardless of the truth."

By then, public opinion at the academy would have erupted like wildfire, demanding the punishment of Bi Ryuyeon. More people believed in his guilt than his innocence, and those who wanted him punished regardless of guilt or innocence far outnumbered the other two groups.

"I'll do my best. And…"

"Something else? If you have something to ask, go ahead."

"Please do request the overtime pay as well."

Maginja's eyes widened in disbelief.

"You, you weren't like this before. It's like…"

"I've become more honest. It seems to be because I've made good friends."

"…Don't get too influenced. Don't just be picky about side dishes; be picky about people too."

"I'll be influenced moderately. So please don't worry. It's hard to become that way even if I wanted to."

"Hearing you say that makes me worry even more."

"More than that, please take care of the pay matter."

"Don't worry. I won't skimp on it, no, I won't!"

"Do I just sign here?"

The middle-aged man said, placing his finger on the margin of the ledger.

"Yes. That's right, Elder Guo. You can sign there."

The young prison guard's gaze followed his finger upwards. Red sleeves from the wrist, red clothing, and even redder hair. It was Yeomdo.

Yeomdo, who was slightly annoyed by the complicated procedures he had to go through, was about to entertain the pleasant thought of testing what would happen if he unleashed his inner energy and released 'Sword Flame Qi' in his current state, but decided against it. It wasn't out of guilt, but because he disliked repeating those troublesome procedures again.

"Yes, here on the visitor's side, please write the date and time, and then sign next to it."

Yeomdo filled in the date and time as instructed by the prison guard and signed to enter the prison.

"I heard a little while ago that some visits were refused?"

"Ah, you're talking about Senior Namgung Sang and Miss Jin who visited a little while ago? Yes, that's right. According to the rules of the Chunmu Academy detention center, contact with suspects and officials currently under investigation is strictly prohibited. Of course, those in the position of Warrior Master are an exception."

"Then how many died?"

It was a question casually thrown out, but its content was far from light.

"No, died?"

Hyunbin retorted with a face of utter bewilderment. He was originally a disciple of the Mudang sect and was currently on duty at 'Se-won Ok' (Prison of Washed Grudges). The question he was asked was beyond his comprehension.

"I mean, literally, how many casualties occurred during the process of apprehending him."

Hyunbin wore a blank expression for a moment before resuming his composure. Then he replied in a serious tone,

"Of course, there were no deaths, but…"

"None at all? That can't be…"

This time, it was Yeomdo's turn to look disbelieving. In fact, such a thing was absolutely impossible within the scope of his common sense.

"Then, were there any injuries?"

Yeomdo asked, hoping that this time there would be.

"Of course, there were no injuries either."

Hyunbin, like a Taoist priest, spoke honestly.

"Lies!"

Yeomdo declared.

"What? Lies? It's the truth."

He protested with an aggrieved voice but was immediately dismissed.

"Was there an order from above to keep it quiet?"

Yeomdo's eyes blazed like embers in a furnace. Conversely, his questioning voice was low, almost touching the ground. Few people could maintain their composure under his sharp and intense gaze.

Young prison guard Hyunbin was no exception. However, no matter how frightened he was, he couldn't fabricate facts that didn't exist.

"It's, it's the truth, Elder Yeomdo! Nothing happened at all. That's why there are no orders from above. Because no one died and no one was injured. Please believe me!"

His voice was desperate. That desperation sowed the seed of doubt in Yeomdo's heart.

"He was apprehended willingly?"

Hyunbin, not missing the opportunity, quickly nodded.

"Uh… they say he wasn't apprehended willingly. But they say there were no deaths or injuries."

A snort of derision escaped Yeomdo's lips.

"Ha! He wasn't apprehended willingly, and yet there were no casualties? Are you joking with me now? That's quite the nerve!"

His voice became a little harsher again, as if his common sense—purely personal—was hindering his understanding. For Hyunbin, it was an utterly incomprehensible situation. He could understand if Yeomdo was angry for lying, but why was he angry for telling the truth? He felt utterly wronged.

"I, I'm not joking! How could I possibly joke with an elder like you? It's the truth. I swear on the spirits of Tai Shang Lao Jun and Master Zhang Sanfeng, my words are true."

Humans may sell their faith or beliefs depending on their circumstances, but this friend Hyunbin didn't seem that malicious. Having sworn on the highest values he believed in, Yeomdo's blazing gaze softened slightly, perhaps feeling a bit ashamed to press further. However, even he couldn't refrain from uttering these words.

"Impossible!"

Considering human nature, such a thing was unlikely to be accepted willingly. At least three groups of casualties should have occurred, and the injured should have been innumerable. Yet, nothing happened? That fact struck him as profoundly absurd. How could he not be concerned?

'This guy really doesn't know anything. I can't help it. I'll have to find the ones who were at the scene at the time.'

Only then did Yeomdo become curious about how the monster hunters were handling what they had captured.

"Speaking of which, what about the internal energy problem?"

"Rest assured. Of course, we've suppressed it by pressing the acupoints."

Although his words were meant to reassure that appropriate measures had been taken, Yeomdo's eyes widened in an instant.

"What! You only pressed the acupoints?"

"What, what's wrong with that?"

"Obviously. What kind of complacent response is this! Even with a hundred and eight gold needles inserted into the major acupoints throughout the body, it wouldn't be enough to feel secure. How can you be at ease with just a few finger presses?"

The secret technique of inserting a hundred and eight gold needles into vital acupoints throughout the body to prevent the flow of energy was known as 'Baekpal Geumnim Bonghyeolsul' (Hundred and Eight Forbidden Needles Seal Acupoint Technique), considered one of the most severe and vicious forbidden techniques. Throughout the history of martial arts, the number of notorious criminals who were said to have undergone this procedure could be counted on one's fingers.

"That's a violation of human rights, Elder! Baekpal Geumnim Bonghyeolsul is a terrifying legendary forbidden technique said to have been used by demonic cults like the Blood Moon Demon Cult in the past. How can you use such a cruel and horrific technique when he hasn't even been confirmed as the true culprit? More importantly, there's no one capable of performing such a powerful forbidden technique."

To destroy the dantian and sever the sinews and veins of the limbs, and yet not be able to feel secure, what nonsense was this? Yeomdo cursed inwardly. It was clear that they had no awareness of the gravity of the current situation. If they worried about human rights violations and then the academy was violated, who would take responsibility then!

"Alright, if there's no one with that kind of ability, then unfortunately, I can't help it. Then at least you used sturdy handcuffs, right?"

"Of course. Although he is still a suspect, we can't afford to neglect that."

Despite the confident answer, Yeomdo remained unconvinced.

"What is the material of the handcuffs?"

"Material? Many people have visited here, but you are the only one, Elder Yeomdo, who cares about the material of the cuffs of the detainees."

"It's for a reason. What are they made of?"

Although he was known to be belligerent and ferocious, he wasn't so ill-natured as to enjoy seeing innocent prison guards meet an untimely end.

"Yes, of course, they are made of cast iron."

The material for escort and detention differed.

A look of disappointment flickered across Yeomdo's face.

"Just cast iron? You might as well have tied him with straw!"

Yeomdo's tone of incredulity was laced with sarcasm.

"I think most handcuffs are made of cast iron, aren't they?"

He was met with a snort.

"Hmph, I don't want to hear such useless, practical theories! Immediately report to your superiors and get handcuffs made of ten-thousand-year iron!"

"You, you're joking, right?"

Anyone who knew Yeomdo even a little would have immediately realized that he was not the type to enjoy such jokes. But Hyunbin did not.

"Handcuffs made of ten-thousand-year iron are a special specification used only for the former demonic lords imprisoned in 'Bongma Ok' (Demon Sealing Prison), the highest-level prison where only extremely dangerous criminals are held. The production cost is high, the quantity is limited, and they are not supplied to prisons of this lower level."

"What? You're saying that for trivial reasons like budget constraints, such a dangerous individual is being shackled with cast iron cuffs that don't look much better than paper cuffs? You might as well just let him go. It makes no difference whether he's wearing them or not."

Hyunbin's jaw dropped at the intensely unexpected reaction.

"B-but, even so, would they really be that flimsy? They're made of cast iron, after all."

"Don't regret it later. I've clearly warned you."

Even if you give advice, if you plug your ears, a hundred words of truth are useless. He didn't want to waste any more precious tongue on someone who wasn't willing to listen. It was lunchtime soon, and it seemed more productive to let him rest a bit before then.

"That's enough! Just lead the way."

Hyunbin, who felt relieved inwardly, quickly turned and headed into the prison.

Prisons always had a sinister feel. Being underground only amplified that feeling. Yeomdo walked towards the dark space that gaped open at him. As he stepped down the moss-covered stone stairs, Yeomdo felt a strange sense of unease. Could they properly prevent an escape with such weakness? The thought of the flimsy state of their preparations, like a sandcastle built on a stormy beach, made him even more anxious.

"This way."

Yeomdo's head, who was battling his troubled thoughts alone in the darkness, lifted slightly. Hyunbin, who had stopped walking, was pointing to a cell located in the deepest part of the underground prison.

"The visiting time is for two periods. Then I'll be going. I'll come to escort you shortly."

"Thank you."

Hyunbin bowed slightly and withdrew. Yeomdo slowly approached the cell. And he was furious.

"Wh-what is this!"

His ominous premonition had come true. A being who deserved special treatment was receiving no special treatment at all. How could the cell material be the same wood as elsewhere! The cells here were made by cutting wood into thick squares and weaving them together in a crisscross pattern. It was a common type of prison.

No matter how much he used his imagination, he couldn't believe that such soft walls and crumbly wooden beams could withstand the touch and feet of that man. His mind was too clear to believe in such unrealistic fantasies.

If it were a cage to trap a monster, shouldn't its material be at least ten-thousand-year iron? But again, he expected to hear the nonsensical excuse of budget constraints. If so, even if not expensive ten-thousand-year iron, Yeomdo believed it should at least be of Baekryeon Jeonggang grade, and thus could not tolerate a prison made of trivial wood. Why didn't they understand that it would be too late to regret it after a disaster?

Behind this shoddy and careless administration, humanity's greatest threat—in his personal judgment—was revealing itself.

"How did it end up like this?"

Yeomdo asked in a slightly gruff tone. Bi Ryuyeon shrugged.

"The socially disadvantaged are always subjected to unfair treatment, regardless of the era or time. It's always rare for anyone to listen to the pleas of the powerless."

"Huh? No matter what happens, you should speak properly. Who exactly is the powerless weakling?"

Yeomdo continued, barely suppressing his urge to vomit blood.

"You are not included in that, are you?"

He was curious about what kind of wrong scale had to be used incorrectly to arrive at such an absurd conclusion.

"I am here, aren't I? Right here! What can I do if it's the truth?"

Bi Ryuyeon was nonchalant.

"Is there also false truth?"

Yeomdo sneered.

"Plenty. So many that they can't be counted. Most people live believing false truths as if they were absolute truths, don't they? Well, it's nothing new."

"So you've decided to add another lie to that? Why are you looking like this?"

"What's wrong with this appearance?"

Bi Ryuyeon spread his arms and examined his body. The clanging sound of chains echoed in the silent prison.

"Why are you imprisoned with such an indifferent expression? It's not like you!"

He didn't know why he was getting angry.

"What is 'like me'? Are you saying you understand me now? Really? Can you be sure of your own beliefs? Have you never thought that what you know is only a part of me, and moreover, a part interpreted by your own subjectivity? Why are you trying to define me so arbitrarily? Does defining something presuppose the exclusion of what is defined?"

"Th-that's…"

Yeomdo was so overwhelmed by the barrage of words that he couldn't find a reply.

"Or, if I break this crude structure right now and run outside, would that be 'like me'?"

Bi Ryuyeon chuckled and tapped the prison bars, the boundary between freedom and oppression.

"It would be much more like you than your pathetic appearance confined within there."

"It would be your Senior Master, not you. Well, smashing things doesn't solve everything, does it?"

It was a surprisingly sensible opinion for someone who boasted of smashing anything, be it god or Buddha, that stood in his way.

"The fact that you know such common sense is even more shocking to me."

Yeomdo expressed his honest impression.

"However, I don't intend to stay here for long. It would indeed be better to find the culprit quickly. For now, I can accept this as a game and play along, but when things get serious, I don't particularly want to die unjustly."

"By the way, did you really not kill anyone?"

Yeomdo asked doubtfully. Bi Ryuyeon stroked his chin and pondered for a moment.

"Hmm…? There are countless ways to make someone suffer far more than killing them, so why bother with such a simple, easy, and futile end? Just like conversation, venting requires an opponent. But unfortunately, corpses and ghosts don't fit the concept of an opponent for me."

It was a strangely persuasive argument.

"You can't interrogate a dead person, can you? Whether you interrogate them or beat them to a pulp, they have to be alive first. You can't just have them exit so willingly on the stage of life."

"Indeed…"

Yeomdo found himself nodding in agreement, as Bi Ryuyeon spoke so confidently.

There was a sufficient possibility that he would do so.

"There isn't much time left. Hmm, exactly one week left."

"Why a week? The entrance exam is still about ten days away, isn't it?"

Despite the limited time, Bi Ryuyeon appeared very relaxed.

"If you start a game, you have to finish it."

Bi Ryuyeon replied as if it were obvious.

"Are you going to start another one? A game?"

"Of course. It's been a while since such an opportunity, so I can't just let it pass."

"A week from now is the day of Prince Gong's duel. The opponent is the famous Nun of Emei…"

"Is there anything else besides that? I've left the management of my win rate to a temporary partner, so you can rest assured… but I still can't feel at ease if I don't manage it myself."

Bi Ryuyeon had truly escalated things beyond what he had promised Namgung Sang. It was a situation where people would pay attention even if they were told not to. Money always had the virtue of providing a focus that made people's eyes bloodshot.

"Oh, and what are you betting on?"

Bi Ryuyeon asked.

"Are you still doing business even here?"

Then Bi Ryuyeon grinned.

"Maintaining a calm state of mind is important. Or did you expect me to beg and cry?"

"I've never hoped for such a horrifying sight."

Yeomdo shivered and shook his head, horrified by the mere thought of it. Nightmares were enough when they occurred during sleep. He had absolutely no desire to experience a nightmare while awake.

"I'm truly curious, who will be caught first, the true culprit, or me breaking out of here?"

Bi Ryuyeon said as if it were someone else's story.

'Even role reversal has its limits…'

Yeomdo let out a heavy sigh at Bi Ryuyeon's careless words but resolved to catch the true culprit as soon as possible.

"Try your best."

If it ended there, it would have been words of encouragement, but the addition that followed turned the encouragement into a terrifying threat.

"You don't want to be a witness to the greatest prison break in the history of Chunmu Academy, do you?"

Yeomdo flinched and tensed.

Could it really end with just being a witness?

If that happened, he would inevitably have to side with Bi Ryuyeon. He was still bound by his promise and was not the kind of shallow man who would arbitrarily change the standards he had set. Of course, sometimes he felt a wave of regret when he saw certain people's faces, but it was better than a faith that easily broke. However, becoming an accomplice in the greatest prison break event was by no means a pleasant thought.

"Please send my regards to the others. It seems there's less than a week left."

Why should the people outside the prison be more anxious than the person confined within? It was highly irrational that the person awaiting judgment inside was more relaxed.

"Are there any good solutions?"

"None. Not at the moment."

Bi Ryuyeon shrugged nonchalantly.

"You're truly carefree. But you said 'not at the moment,' so…?"

"Yes. There's no solution now. But! If an unexpected variable arises, there might be a solution."

"That's not comforting at all."

"How is your Senior Master's condition, Elder Yeomdo?"

Waiting for Yeomdo as he came out after the visit were Namgung Sang and Jin Ling.

"Ah, it's you. I heard your visit request was denied? Have you been waiting long?"

"No. It hasn't been long. We were waiting, hoping to hear even a fragment of news…"

"Is that so?"

Yeomdo didn't press Namgung Sang about his lie.

"Um… Elder Yeomdo, are you certain that this matter is not the work of Senior Master?"

Namgung Sang asked the question he most wanted to know without hesitation.

"I am certain."

"Then do you have any evidence to support that?"

"Of course, I do."

Namgung Sang's body naturally leaned forward.

"If you don't mind, could you tell me why?"

"You still haven't noticed that?"

Yeomdo asked back, clicking his tongue as if he found it pathetic.

"I, I'm sorry. It's due to my lack of insight."

"Since you recognize your shortcomings, I won't scold you further. Have you heard anything about the waist purses of the deceased being missing?"

Namgung Sang and Jin Ling's eyes lit up at Yeomdo's words.

'That's right! Why didn't I think of that!'

Bi Ryuyeon, who made even golden bugs pale in comparison, would never leave behind a valuable item next to an object whose value had already diminished. Someone might criticize it as a dishonest act, but all they would hear would be a derisive snort. He could already imagine the harsh words that would follow.

'Hmph, if you're going to say that, then don't kill them? What conscience is there after killing? It's just self-satisfaction and hypocrisy. If one meaning has disappeared, isn't it a happy thing for an object to go to where meaning still remains? There's a saying that a warrior dies for someone who recognizes them. Money also wants to be used for someone who recognizes it. It's clear.'

Bi Ryuyeon was the kind of person who would say such a thing.

"Then, Senior Master is indeed innocent…"

Namgung Sang's voice lacked strength, as if he wasn't particularly happy about that fact.

"Unfortunately, yes. But will he be able to escape unscathed?"

Currently, public opinion within the academy was raging, demanding Bi Ryuyeon's execution. He could be killed regardless of guilt or innocence.

Could the higher authorities withstand the ever-increasing pressure of public opinion? No one could guarantee it. All Namgung Sang could do now was entrust everything to heaven and watch. However, unbeknownst to Namgung Sang, the situation was continuously moving in a direction unfavorable to Bi Ryuyeon.