Book 23 Chapter 22

The Man in the Iron Mask

—Report from the Twelfth Leader

He walked through the corridor leading to the depths of the Sky-Piercing Pavilion, clad in a jet-black martial uniform that clung to his body, a blood-red cloak of the same color draped over it, and an iron mask covering his face. He was a figure that was undeniably suspicious at first glance, yet his steps were unwavering. Even though this was the only path leading to the office of the Pavilion Lord, who governed all aspects of the Sky-Piercing Pavilion, no one obstructed him. Instead, they retreated to both ends of the corridor, bowing respectfully with caution, reverence, and fear. Everything was shrouded in darkness, so there was nothing to confirm his identity. The only discernible symbol that caught the eye was the number twelve written in the center of his fluttering blood-red cloak.

The guard standing watch outside the Pavilion Lord's office recognized him and sent a message.

"Report! Mu Seong Mu Yeong Mu Heun, Leader of the Twelfth Division of the Thirteen Leaders of Sky-Piercing, requests an audience."

Then, a low but majestic voice echoed briefly from inside the office.

"Let him in."

As soon as the masked man arrived in front of the door, it automatically swung open as if it had been waiting. A physical search was not conducted. Weapons were also allowed. This was a kind of special privilege granted to the leaders.

Thus, only a handful of people could meet the Pavilion Lord while wearing a mask. Those who saw beneath the mask were destined to die. Therefore, removing the mask was unthinkable. For one could not kill the master they served.

Inside the office, a curtain was hung, separating him from the Pavilion Lord. Since it was something he always saw, he paid no mind, stood in his usual spot, knelt on one knee, paid his respects, and reported.

"I report. Na Baek Cheon, the Lord of the Jeong Cheon Alliance, has appeared on Gangho Rando."

He did not use the title "Supreme Lord of the Martial World Alliance." The dark path was, in fact, half of the martial world, so the title "Lord of the Martial World Alliance," which encompassed everything, was technically incorrect. Such an arrogant title would not be tolerated in the presence of the Pavilion Lord.

"Na Baek Cheon? Is it true?"

Even the Pavilion Lord, who possessed an iron heart unfazed by most matters, seemed slightly surprised by this news.

"It is true. He was lightly disguised, but there is no doubt it was him."

"His purpose?"

It was unthinkable for him to walk into the heart of the dark path's domain without any particular reason.

"It is not yet certain, but it is presumed to be for personal matters."

"Basis?"

"Because Bing Wol Seon Ja Ye Cheong was seen by his side."

"Even Ye Cheong?"

If so, it was highly likely to be a personal matter.

"This is just my conjecture…"

Mu Heun cautiously began to speak.

"Speak!"

The Pavilion Lord granted permission.

"It seems his purpose is to observe the upcoming Battle Tournament. It is already widely rumored that Na Ye Rin, Bing Baek Bong, the treasure of Na Baek Cheon, the Lord of the Jeong Cheon Alliance, will participate."

As expected of someone who collects information and handles clandestine affairs for the Sky-Piercing Pavilion, his ability to grasp the situation and his deductive reasoning were outstanding.

"Given his personality, that is a possibility. However, to come here of his own volition… Foolish."

He was disqualified as the leader of a group, even if he was a father to a child.

"And there is one more thing that concerns me."

"What is it?"

"A discreet surveillance request has been made regarding the movements of Na Baek Cheon, the Lord of the Jeong Cheon Alliance. It's as if they knew he would come."

"Who made the request?"

He asked in a cold voice. This was a matter that could involve someone overstepping their bounds.

As it was a sensitive issue, Mu Heun cautiously opened his mouth from behind the iron mask.

"It is one of the leaders of the Twelfth Division of the Thirteen Leaders of Sky-Piercing, like myself."

Saying that was enough.

"In that case, it must be only one person."

He said coldly.

"Yes. What should we do? Should we refuse the request?"

"…"

Perhaps he was contemplating, as the answer did not come immediately. After a moment, the Pavilion Lord, having made a decision, shook his head from behind the curtain.

"No. Since things have come this far, comply with the request for now. However, you must inform me first. Of course, do not forget to monitor 'that fellow' as well."

"Is there any need to ask?"

Mu Heun bowed his masked head deeply and replied politely.

"You may leave."

The report was finished. With a new mission assigned, there was no reason to remain here. He had to become the eyes and ears of his master facing south, and then return to the world to perform his role.

"Understood!"

With utmost reverence, Mu Heun, the Leader of the Twelfth Division of the Thirteen Leaders of Sky-Piercing, bowed and cautiously retreated backward.

The door automatically opened again, and closed automatically after he left.

As he stepped out of the office, the invisible pressure that had been heavily weighing down his entire body finally disappeared. It felt as if he had put down a heavy boulder he had been carrying on his back. Fortunately, his mask prevented his emotions from showing on the surface. In moments like these, he found solace in that fact. Mu Heun, standing tall as a leader of the Thirteen Leaders of Sky-Piercing, turned and proceeded to carry out his assigned mission.

* * *

Human hobbies are a series of actions that enjoy unnecessary things. In a word, it can be called a kind of strange phenomenon where unnecessary things are perceived as necessary. After all, entertainment has nothing to do with human survival. Survival is not affected whether one reads books, watches performances like Peking opera, wields a brush and ink, or embroiders on silk with a needle. These are extremely unnecessary for survival, and sometimes even hinder survival. Yet, humans create and enjoy pastimes that are entirely unnecessary for survival. And as a result, civilization was born. It can be said without exaggeration that civilization is the crystallization of unnecessary and inefficient actions.

Viewed in that light, the ability to do unnecessary things beyond the extension, preservation, and reproduction of life may be the biggest difference that distinguishes humans from animals. The unnecessary itself has meaning. Being able to tolerate the unnecessary means being endowed with additional capabilities beyond the instinct of survival. This is a pleasure that animals, who must live in a constant world of fierce competition, can hardly imagine. And as human history progressed, these pastimes became increasingly diverse in their types, and their scale grew infinitely. Thus, to enjoy a single pastime, people came to carve and pile stones to build an arena that could accommodate thousands of people.

Now, that structure was packed with spectators who had gathered to enjoy an activity unnecessary for survival. It was a crowd that had come from all over the country to watch the matches that were about to begin. Although they could not directly participate in the grand contest for fifty thousand taels, they wanted to participate, at least by watching or betting money on the contest, as part of this bustling festival.

"Oh, oh, oh! Finally! Finally, it's our turn to appear. We've been waiting! We've been waiting! We've been waiting!! Isn't that right, Teacher Mu Gwang?"

Mi Seong Gong Ja Yu Jin exclaimed with excitement from the commentator's booth towards the throng of spectators in the venue.

"That's right. Well, there's no need to analyze trivial preliminary matches in such detail. That's just a waste of time. Though, some matches were quite enjoyable."

Unlike the excited Yu Jin, Teacher Mu Gwang remained calm. It seemed that only strong and unique martial arts could capture his interest.

"But, everyone gathered here today, rest assured. The tedious preliminary rounds are already over. We finished them quickly. Swiftly, swiftly, swiftly! We finished them with lightning speed. From now on, the main tournament will feature the absolute top-tier jade, handpicked from over a hundred participating teams. The participants in the main tournament will receive entirely different treatment than before. And the spectators will be provided with more enjoyable and spectacular entertainment. Ah, just imagining it already makes my heart burn!"

As Yu Jin said, the preliminary rounds were treated entirely differently from the main tournament. There were over a hundred teams that passed through three stages to reach the preliminary rounds, so it was a waste of time to cheer for and watch them all individually. The two commentators also did not appear. They were absent, seemingly with no intention to commentate. In this entirely natural neglect, the preliminary rounds proceeded over three days. Out of over a hundred participating teams, only sixteen teams could advance to the main tournament. Therefore, even the preliminary rounds were incredibly fierce.

And so, after three days and three nights had passed, only sixteen teams remained out of the over one hundred participating teams.

"The fine stones have been separated. The chaff has long since turned to ash in the furnace, and now only the finest grains remain. The lineup of sixteen teams that have advanced through fierce competition is as follows, as you all know. The winner among these will have the honor of facing Blood Flame Scar!"

Yu Jin, seemingly energized by the commentary, exclaimed with an excited voice. Then, Teacher Mu Gwang added a remark.

"It could also be a greater misfortune."

However, that voice was drowned out by the roaring cheers. And even if it were heard, it lacked the power to bring them back from their rose-tinted fantasies to reality.

"And in this main tournament, betting will take place for each match. Please place your bets on the team you believe will win. Since betting will occur for each match, a certain amount of prize money will be awarded to the winning team for each match. With such a substantial prize money at stake, I believe everyone will fight with all their might."

"There's nothing money can't do. To be able to watch the fights of such masters sitting in one place. In the past, this would have been unimaginable. Originally, secret martial arts were kept hidden, and even showing them to others was avoided, and there were times when witnesses to secret techniques were never let alive."

Teacher Mu Gwang seemed to feel a sense of a bygone era due to the gap between the past and the present, his tone carrying a hint of melancholy.

"People change with time. If everything is hidden, won't it be boring for the viewers? Since they are appearing in a public arena, I hope they fight with fiery passion and skill!!"

"I agree with that."

Teacher Mu Gwang added briefly. It was clear that he had no desire to chatter about anything other than martial arts commentary. He was only interested in his own field. Everything else was none of his concern. That is why the organizers had attached the talkative Yu Jin as an assistant. However, in this situation, Yu Jin felt like the main character. Perhaps aware of that, he poured more passion and fervor into his voice.

"Now, let us begin the Fifty Thousand Taels Tournament Main Competition! Commence!"

"Waaaaaaaaah!"

In response to Yu Jin's declaration of the main tournament opening, a roar that seemed to shake the venue erupted.

The true "Fifty Thousand Taels Battle Tournament" had begun.

A smile appeared on the lips of a man in a red silk robe looking down at the magnificent opening ceremony of the main tournament. It was a good stage, a good opportunity.

"Heh, the old saying goes that one must possess heavenly timing, earthly advantage, and human harmony to win a battle. Everything is coming to me while I sit here. Is this fate too?"

He had gained an unexpected opportunity to lure that person into his domain, Gangho Rando, and an unexpected gift had also accompanied them. The red eyes of Seo Cheon turned towards a beautiful middle-aged woman being escorted by a swordsman.

"Sister-in-law, you are still as beautiful as ever! Heh! But what can be done? This old man cannot bear to see my brother's face without you."

She was the perfect ingredient to make his brother, Na Baek Cheon, unhappy. The greater the source of happiness, the greater the sense of loss when it is taken away. Once that hole is created, it can never be filled. He wanted to create such a hole in his brother's heart. Before his iron gauntlet pierced his heart.

"Heuk Sa!"

"Yes, my Lord."

"I need you to bring me a guest."

"Just give the order."

"Bing Wol Seon Ja Ye Cheong! She is the wife of the current Martial World Alliance Lord. She is a person of great importance. Bring her respectfully. You may mobilize as many personnel as you wish. I will not ask how."

"Understood."

And then, Heuk Sa disappeared.

Looking down at the Wontong Arena again, a sinister smile formed on his lips. His expression was one of pure joy. It was a childlike smile he had when he tore off the legs of a praying mantis and set fire to a rat's tail when he was young.

"Brother, I'm glad you look happy. It will be worth the gift this younger brother is giving you."

His gaze shifted to the person standing next to his sister-in-law. He was smiling at his beloved wife. Truly, he seemed happy and joyful. He was very happy that his brother was happy.

"Wait, I will give you the greatest misfortune."

His lips smiled, but his eyes were frozen cold. What was reflected in these ice-cold eyes was Na Baek Cheon, smiling joyfully at his wife. Ah, if only I could twist that smiling face into despair… The mere thought sent shivers of excitement through him.

"I wonder what expression brother will have then… Cook, cook, cook, I'm looking forward to it!"