Book 17 Chapter 7

His Fear

—Hong, filled with dread.

Binggeom's face, which looked cold even at rest, hardened even further. It was as if a fierce blizzard was erupting from his entire body.

The reason he had come here today was to handle some important business.

"Master Kwan's words… you mean there's one more place that is highly suspicious?"

"Naturally."

Binggeom replied in a firm voice. Majinga had never seen this man utter a falsehood. Water changes shape freely depending on the container, but frozen ice in midwinter, while having the same composition, is completely detached from water's properties. Binggeom was as stubborn as such ice.

Majinga, unable to dismiss his words lightly, naturally tensed his body.

"I cannot even begin to fathom which place you are referring to with my limited intellect. May I ask for your guidance?"

"You flatter me. As someone who bears the future of the martial arts world on his shoulders at Cheonmu Academy, it is my duty."

Now that it was time to get to the heart of the matter, Binggeom began to choose his words carefully. How could he minimize the impact on the Academy Head? Even if he tried to remain indifferent, it was human nature to be concerned.

"What do you think of the Jungwon Express Company, Academy Head?"

Why did the Jungwon Express Company suddenly come up? The Iron Fist Elder couldn't understand. It was the foremost express company in the martial arts world, worthy of being called the best in Central Plains. With its long-standing reputation and loyalty, it had maintained its solid position for over a century, like an unbreachable fortress. Both Cheonmu Academy and the righteous faction's alliance, Jeongcheon Alliance, had formal contracts with this Jungwon Express Company for over seventy percent of their transportation needs. This had been the case for over thirty years.

It was a well-established fact that they controlled over seventy percent of the martial arts world's logistics.

Was there a problem with such a company? If so, it was a terrifying thought. It would mean that the enemy could cut off a significant portion of their supply routes at any time.

However, the Jungwon Express Company was under the protection of Pyo Wang, one of the ten elders of the Jeongcheon Alliance. They couldn't be dealt with rashly without clear evidence.

"Is there any evidence?"

"There are witnesses."

"Then you still lack concrete proof."

"We are currently searching for it."

The matter was too grave to stake everything on the words of an uncertain person.

"…What should we do?"

Binggeom understood the underlying meaning of those words.

"Currently, our Cheonmu Academy relies too heavily on the Jungwon Express Company for logistics. However, now that their integrity is in question, even if it is merely suspicion, entrusting the academy's lifeline entirely to them is a very dangerous course of action."

"I agree."

"The Jeongcheon Alliance is in a similar situation, but for now, we at Cheonmu Academy alone need to reduce their influence."

His demeanor suggested he had a plan.

"How so?"

Finally, the question he had been waiting for was asked. Binggeom asked in a subtle, low tone.

"Have you heard of the Jungyang Express Company?"

Majinga nodded.

"Of course. Aren't they an express company in Sichuan that is currently expanding its influence? I heard they are located in the territory of the Amipa sect. People call them the best express company in Sichuan. Isn't their leader called 'Representative Guest'?"

"Then this will be easier. Based on my investigation, they are an express company with no particular suspicious elements. And although I've had some dealings with them for work, I don't believe they possess threatening enough power. I think it would be good to use them to check the Jungwon Express Company. Oh, and it's Representative Girl, not Representative Guest."

Majinga carefully considered Binggeom's opinion and then offered his own.

"Even if they are gaining renown lately, can they withstand the Jungwon Express Company, a century-old established powerhouse? Won't they be susceptible to even a slight pressure?"

"Don't worry. I have taken care of that by sending my di.s.c.i.p.l.e."

"Well done."

Binggeom continued in an uncharacteristically passionate tone.

"If you and I secretly support them, I believe we can develop them into a force capable of threatening the Jungwon Express Company in a short period. The other major express companies lack the explosive potential of the Jungyang Express Company. Currently, the Jungyang Express Company is the only one worth expecting."

After contemplating for a while, Majinga finally nodded.

"Hmm, very well. Though it's troublesome, can you devise a concrete plan?"

"Don't worry. I have a capable fellow for that, so I will be able to present a usable plan within a few days."

He didn't bother to mention that the plan was already fully formed in the mind of a person named Biryuyeon, and only needed to be extracted.

"Then I entrust it to you."

"Yes, then please continue your conversation. I will take my leave."

Binggeom withdrew, leaving behind a meaningless farewell. However, Majinga, who had received this meaningless farewell, had a remarkable expression. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Astonishingly, he understood Binggeom's meaningless greeting. After a moment of contemplation, he decided to laugh. As a finite being existing within the cycle of life and death, living positively in all matters was the best course of action.

"Indeed, your reputation is well-deserved. I was confident that I was second to none in stealth arts, but… I've been outdone. Is this part of Master Binggeom's true capabilities?"

Arrogantly, a voice suddenly emerged from the empty space. The shadow that had spread across the ceiling condensed into a single point like dew on a dawn leaf and then dropped down. It was a truly bizarre sight. From the mass of shadow that fell, he appeared like a ghost. With a bitter smile on his lips.

"Do you think you've been discovered, Hong?"

Majinga asked with a hint of worry in his voice. It was still better if his identity wasn't revealed. This was entirely separate from whether he trusted Binggeom or not.

"Even if he knew I was hiding, he wouldn't have guessed my identity. However, it's impressive that he saw through my concealment. If I had even a shred of killing intent, he would have cut me down without hesitation. Even if he noticed me talking with you from a distance."

He would have to be more careful from now on. There was a faint possibility that he was suspicious of him. Failing to notice his presence until he was almost a yard away was a mistake.

"His senses are as formidable as his sword. I've known that man for over a decade, yet even I don't know the extent of his true abilities."

"Indeed, he is reliable."

Hong said with admiration.

"Then can you trust him and go?"

Seizing the opportune moment, Majinga quickly said.

"How did the conversation turn this way? This and that are completely separate matters."

Hong replied in a serious voice.

"Are you saying that someone like you is trembling over such a trivial matter?"

"Even the Martial Alliance Leader, Na Baekcheon Daechop, trembles over such things. It's a matter unrelated to martial arts skill or status. There are mountains of problems in the world that cannot be solved by such things."

As the restraint holding back his anger reached its limit, the lid finally blew off, and Majinga exploded.

"What! You should do as your superiors tell you, why so many complaints? I, the Academy Head of Cheonmu Academy, am asking you! Do you intend to tarnish my reputation? Have some consideration for my dignity."

However, Hong, as if used to it, didn't even flinch.

"Are you asking me to risk my life for your dignity? I refuse."

Hong replied firmly.

"Are you that much of a coward? What does that make me, who has trusted and relied on you all this time?"

"If I am a coward, then Na Daechop must also be a coward. I absolutely cannot do this. If something goes wrong if I go there, I will surely be killed! I guarantee it with all my being!"

As if shivering from the mere thought, Hong hunched his shoulders. This posture was not an act; he was genuinely terrified. Majinga knew from experience that forcing him at this point would be counterproductive. What could make someone who had endured indescribable hardship and training, capable of withstanding all sorts of torture and mind control, tremble so much?

He wished he hadn't known. Knowing, he himself was aware that he could no longer force him.

"They say time heals all wounds, don't they? I'm sure they'll understand."

"Well, it can be a medicine, but in this case, it's more likely to be poison."

His defense was so strong that coaxing didn't work well.

"You are truly going too far. Do I have to fall to my knees before you for you to be satisfied? Would that finally ease your mind?"

Hong had never realized that one could speak of kneeling in such a forceful manner. It was more intimidating than any ordinary threat. What was most chilling, however, were his glistening eyes that looked as if they were about to shed tears. If tears, like a chicken's droppings, were to fall from that dark, massive body reminiscent of a steel tower? He didn't want to witness such a tragic and horrific sight, even in imagination. He didn't want to suffer from malnutrition or lose sleep. It went against his principles of 'pleasant sleep, pleasant eating, pleasant bowel movements.'

"Y-you don't have to go that far…"

Still, as someone who received a salary from below, his superior's demeanor was a significant mental burden. If the superior were incompetent, he might have felt a sense of satisfaction, but Majinga was too capable and diligent for that.

"This is quite…"

Hong scratched his head. His mind had begun to waver somewhat. In fact, a sincere frontal attack was the most difficult for people like Hong to withstand.

"I will pay you triple the danger allowance, no, more than five times!"

As a capable superior, Majinga delivered the final blow. It was truly an exceptional condition, which also meant it was a very dangerous job.

"Hmph, since you say so, I have no choice. I have to risk my life. You overwork me too much here!"

Although he absolutely refused to die from a work-related accident.

"In the unlikely event, well, I guarantee it won't happen, but even if you die, I will hold a grand funeral for you. Such that even kings and generals would envy it."

It was not comforting at all.

Majinga, as a man, could understand Hong's psychological state. Furthermore, he too had experience. Even the Martial Alliance Leader, Na Baekcheon, would understand and empathize with his detailed feelings. However, he had to let him go. He was the only trustworthy person.

Even if what awaited him there was hell, his heart tore at the thought of having to send him knowing this.

As a fellow man, he felt guilty of committing a betrayal that broke the bond between men, and his heart ached. But he soon composed himself. As someone responsible for the lives of many, he could not succumb to personal feelings. Sometimes, one had to ruthlessly send subordinates to their death. Even if he knew that hell awaited them there. He must not waver. Tears must be swallowed internally.

"Please, Hong!"

Majinga said in a solemn voice, slightly bowing his head.