Book 27 Chapter 18

The Midnight Visitor

—The Bewilderment of Jeonghan, the Head of the Reception Hall

[Black Heaven Alliance of Martial Arts World.]

Shortened to the Black Heaven Alliance (黑天盟).

The grand gates of the Black Heaven Alliance, which always exude a heavy presence, always overwhelm visitors. Of course, even without these massive gates, visitors are bound to feel pressure on their minds and bodies by its name alone.

However, today, the usually solemn Reception Hall of the Black Heaven Alliance was unusually chaotic.

"Is, is that true?"

Jeonghan, the Head of the Reception Hall, couldn't believe it, even while looking at the letter he held in front of him.

"Y-yes, it's true."

His subordinate was equally incredulous. That's why he'd rushed here with the letter, wasn't it?

"That's impossible. It's impossible. Something is wrong. Something is definitely wrong. It must be fake!"

That was the only conclusion Jeonghan, the Head of the Reception Hall, could reach. And it was the most logical conclusion.

"Th-then, should we turn them away?"

The subordinate from the Reception Hall, pale as a sheet, asked again.

"Are you insane?!"

Jeonghan roared.

"It's impossible, but what if, by some slim chance, it's real?"

They say he so easily tossed the gatekeeper who had been threatening him, asking where he dared to spout such nonsense, onto the ground. Not many people would have the guts to do such a thing in front of the Black Heaven Alliance's main gate. Word was that the visitor was also no ordinary person.

When the truth is unclear, one must be cautious as a host. This is because receiving guests is like the first impression of the entire organization.

"It's 'that person' on duty tonight, right?"

Jeonghan asked for confirmation.

"Yes, it is? C-could it be!"

Jeonghan, the Head of the Reception Hall, nodded.

"Right, let's go to them. Sword Demon (劍魔), they should be able to distinguish the truth. Whether the person who brought this letter is real or not."

Sword Demon, Choson.

One of the Black Heaven Ten Monuments (黑天十碑), the ten greatest masters of the Black Heaven Alliance.

A genius of the sword, a demon of the sword.

If it's fake, that person will not survive.

After all, no one who has angered the Sword Demon has ever survived.

If it's real…

It would be a guest one receives perhaps once in several decades.

* * *

Knock, knock.

"What is it?"

Sword Demon Choson, who was perusing documents at his desk in the Black Heaven Alliance's duty room, put down the papers he was reading for a moment and spoke.

"Chow Hohob, it is Jeonghan, Head of the Reception Hall."

"Reception Hall? What's going on in the Reception Hall that you're looking for me?"

The reception hours were already over, so there was no particular reason for the Head of the Reception Hall to visit him.

"A guest has arrived."

"At this hour?"

"You must meet them."

"Is the guest for me?"

"No."

"Then?"

The tip of Sword Demon's eyebrow twitched. He specialized in combat, not hosting guests. Even if the Sword Demon were to greet someone, the guest would undoubtedly tremble with fear before him, making him unsuitable. So, what was he supposed to do with a guest who wasn't even coming to see him?

Despite Sword Demon's impatient gaze, Jeonghan hesitated for a while before stammering.

"A guest without an invitation or an appointment wishes to meet the Alliance Leader…"

Sword Demon's frown deepened. If the Head of the Reception Hall had come all this way, it must be someone of considerable standing. But even so, an uninvited guest was still an uninvited guest. There was nothing more to see.

"Send them away. You know better than anyone that meeting the Black Heaven Alliance Leader is not easy. Besides, aren't the reception hours already over? If they still want to meet, tell them to formally request an appointment. Perhaps in about six months, there might be a gap."

"That's… I can't."

Jeonghan said with a troubled expression.

"Why can't you?"

Sword Demon Choson's eyebrows twitched for a moment.

"It's because of… their status."

"What is their status that they dare to be so insistent in the Black Heaven Alliance?"

Sword Demon roared. His voice was filled with anger. Jeonghan's expression grew even more apologetic.

"Well… um… the visitor this time identified themselves as Na Baekcheon, the Alliance Leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance."

"What? Is that true?"

Sword Demon Choson's eyes, which rarely showed surprise, widened in shock.

"How could I lie to Chow Hohob?"

"Not a fake?"

It was unlikely that someone of the Alliance Leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance's stature would come this late at night without any appointment.

"Of course, there's a possibility. However, it's not something I can judge on my own…"

"So you came to me. Because I know the Alliance Leader."

"Yes, that's right."

It was a win-win situation for Jeonghan, as he could both verify the authenticity and shift responsibility.

"Where is the Alliance Leader?"

He was referring to 'this side's' Alliance Leader, of course.

"I just confirmed that the lights are still on in the study."

"Lead the way."

Given the gravity of the situation, Sword Demon had to take action himself. As he prepared to leave the room, his mind was filled with dozens of questions.

'Something feels ominous.'

He had a bad premonition.

At this moment, Gal Jungcheon, the Black Heaven Alliance Leader, was not in his study. However, his absence was not long.

"Hoo, refreshing~"

Gal Jungcheon, who had left his study briefly to relieve himself while sorting through letters from 'them,' returned and was startled. He felt a presence in his study.

'I didn't hear any report of anyone arriving?'

His study was protected by a five-layered security system. For someone to enter this far without any obstruction and unnoticed was almost impossible.

'It's too obvious for an assassination attempt?'

A top assassin wouldn't give off a vibe like "I'm here." Even if they were such a low-level assassin, they wouldn't have been able to get this far.

'Then who on earth is it?'

Curiosity arose before anxiety. He, too, was the leader of the Black Heaven Alliance, which governed the entire dark path. He prided himself on possessing both the mental and physical abilities for it.

It was a confidence that he wouldn't be easily defeated by anyone and could defeat anyone. Therefore, he opened the door without fear.

He was curious about the identity of this sudden, uninvited guest.

"……!"

The person was calmly sitting at the desk in his study. The back of his figure was so familiar that Gal Jungcheon was startled. It was someone he knew.

"What brings you here, teacher?"

The Black Heaven Alliance Leader used an honorific. The other person was one of the few individuals to whom he spoke with respect. Sitting boldly in his study, it was the Pavilion Master of the Demonic Pavilion. Gal Jungcheon had once studied under him. While his father was still leading the Black Heaven Alliance, he had spent a long time as a student at the Demonic Pavilion. Now, decades later, the aura emanating from the Pavilion Master of the Demonic Pavilion remained unchanged. No, it had deepened.

How much further did this person intend to become stronger?

"Ah, you're here. I came because I have something secret to tell you. It's important."

The Pavilion Master of the Demonic Pavilion, clad in a long robe and wearing a mask, replied as he turned his head. He also did not use honorifics towards Gal Jungcheon.

"For someone who rarely leaves the Pavilion to come all the way here? And using 'that' for travel? I am surprised."

"It was not something I could entrust to others."

"It must be quite important, isn't it? What is it?"

"I've come to warn you."

"A warning? What kind of warning?"

He paused for a moment, then spoke.

"There is an assassination plan underway to target you. Your life is in danger!"

Although his expression was hidden by the mask, his voice carried genuine sincerity.

"An assassination threat?"

Gal Jungcheon's eyes widened.

"Yes, and it's a plan with an extremely high probability of success."

The Pavilion Master of the Demonic Pavilion nodded very seriously. However, Gal Jungcheon burst into laughter.

"Hahahaha! That's all? Hahahaha. You came all this way for something like that?"

Gal Jungcheon's attitude, as if he found it incredibly amusing, made the Pavilion Master of the Demonic Pavilion slightly frown.

"It doesn't seem like something to laugh about?"

"I receive such plans and assassination threats several times a day. It's almost routine now. If I were afraid of such things, could I sit in this position?"

The position of the Black Heaven Alliance Leader was a world where such threats were as common as everyday occurrences.

"The person targeting your life this time is different from those common ruffians."

"Who? Someone who can take the head of the Black Heaven Alliance Leader? I doubt there are even ten such people in the entire martial arts world."

"I admit that. But that's why I came myself."

"Surely…"

This time, Gal Jungcheon was genuinely surprised.

"Yes. This assassin is one of those ten."

"Who is it?"

"Don't be surprised when you hear it. It's Alliance Leader Na Baekcheon of the Jeongcheon Alliance."

He told him not to be surprised, but Gal Jungcheon was.

"That's impossible, teacher. It must be wrong information."

Gal Jungcheon strongly denied it. According to his common sense, it was impossible. However, the Pavilion Master of the Demonic Pavilion shook his head.

"No, unfortunately, it is true."

Gal Jungcheon's heart wavered for a moment at the confident tone. But he still couldn't accept it.

"Alliance Leader Na is not that kind of person. Even though the dark and righteous paths are divided and confront each other, he is not the type to commit such a grave act."

If you think about it, they were distant relatives. Bingyue Seonja Yecheong was a close relative. He had no reason to deliberately create conflict—conflict that could even escalate into war.

"Of course, he's not that kind of person."

The Pavilion Master of the Demonic Pavilion readily agreed with that fact.

"Then why…?"

It became even more incomprehensible.

"This matter has nothing to do with his character. No, it's possible that his kindness as a person might lead him to do this."

"What is happening?"

Gal Jungcheon, sensing something unusual, retorted.

"According to the information I obtained, his daughter, Na Yerin, seems to have been kidnapped."

"Yerin?"

Gal Jungcheon also remembered the beautiful child with that strange magical power. He had even met her in person. She had even told him to call her 'big uncle'. He knew very well how much Na Baekcheon doted on his daughter, how much of a doting father he was, how recklessly he acted, and how rash he became when it came to her.

But even so…

"And there is information that those who kidnapped her are threatening him. They are telling him to bring your head if he wants his daughter to live."

Gal Jungcheon subconsciously touched his own neck. Being targeted by Na Baekcheon, the White Thunder Heavenly Sword, was no different from having his life hanging by a thread. That is, if he were not Gal Jungcheon, the Black Heaven Alliance Leader.

"I can't believe it."

"You must believe me."

The Pavilion Master of the Demonic Pavilion said in that confident tone. His words were quiet but had the power to move the listener's heart without a hint of doubt.

"How?"

"You don't want this matter to escalate, do you?"

"Of course. It won't end as a personal matter between two people."

Whether it succeeded or failed, this would be crossing a point of no return.

"I have a good idea."

And then he began to explain his thoughts.

His plan was as follows:

There was a possibility that Na Baekcheon would be forced to attempt an assassination. There was also a possibility that he would give up, but given his love for his daughter, it couldn't be guaranteed. So, the plan was for the Pavilion Master of the Demonic Pavilion to hide secretly in the study and then, when Na Baekcheon attacked, to be prepared and subdue Na Baekcheon.

"Of course, even if it fails, the attempt itself will be an issue. Then, we can use that as leverage to gain several benefits. We can also get concessions on several matters that have been causing trouble in the ongoing confrontation. Above all, we will gain leverage over the Alliance Leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance."

While gaining leverage was good, Gal Jungcheon did not want it to be public.

"That sounds like a good idea."

"Do you agree?"

"I agree. But, teacher?"

"What is it?"

"Wouldn't it be time to take off that hot-looking mask?"

"Don't be silly. As you know, without this mask, how can I maintain dignity among the students?"

"That's true."

"It would be difficult as the master of the Demonic Pavilion. Well then."

The Pavilion Master of the Demonic Pavilion, who had risen from his seat, quietly disappeared behind the eight-panel folding screen behind Gal Jungcheon. Hiding behind the screen, he slightly lifted his long robe. There, a pure white sword, shining like white lightning, was hung.

Sword Demon, who had followed Jeonghan, the Head of the Reception Hall, did not head directly to the Reception Hall for caution. Instead, he went to the room opposite the waiting room and observed the visitor through a secret peephole.

"How is it?"

"It's definitely the same face."

Sword Demon muttered a low groan involuntarily. The face was undeniably that of Na Baekcheon, the Alliance Leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance. But why would he visit at this hour, in this place, and in this manner? That was what was so strange.

"But just because they have the same face doesn't guarantee they are real."

This was the martial arts world, where all sorts of trickery abounded. It was too hasty to judge solely by appearance. This was a place where techniques like changing one's face to look like someone else existed. Judging only by appearance could lead to serious trouble.

"I have to verify it myself."

There was only one effective way to verify the substance. It was to exchange blows. While one could imitate a face, imitating sword energy was impossible.

Sword Demon raised his sword energy on the spot.

It was then that Na Baekcheon, who had been sitting quietly, opened his mouth.

"Since when did someone as skilled as Sword Demon start hiding and peeking at others?"

At those words, Sword Demon froze. His sword was not even half drawn from its scabbard.

"H-how did you know…"

Sword Demon couldn't help but be shocked. Then, Na Baekcheon spoke as if it were nothing.

"Sword Demon, how could I forget the aura of a swordsman of your caliber? I remember that much."

This meant that he had recognized the presence beyond the wall just by the aura of drawing his sword, not even by the sword itself.

"It's definitely real."

Putting his sword back into its scabbard, Sword Demon said to Jeonghan.

As Sword Demon entered the room where Na Baekcheon was waiting, he performed a fist-and-palm salute.

"Welcome, Alliance Leader Na. Your visit today was so sudden that I was impertinent. Please forgive my rudeness just now."

"Don't worry about it. I know today's visit is sudden. But I must see Alliance Leader Gal. Can you inform him?"

Having confirmed that it was the real Na Baekcheon, he had no authority to refuse his visit.

"I will do so. However, there is one difficult matter."

"A difficult matter? What is it?"

Sword Demon hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth.

"As per the rules of our Alliance, all visitors to the Alliance Leader must undergo a body search."

Na Baekcheon remained silent for a moment. His thoughts unconsciously drifted to the Soul-Shattering Poisonous Dagger he carried. It would not be good if it became known that he possessed such a treasure.

"So, you intend to do that?"

"……"

Sword Demon could not immediately answer. He was well aware that the situation was extremely awkward.

"Are you going to search me, Na Baekcheon, the Alliance Leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance?"

For anyone else, they would undergo a body search and leave their weapons before visiting the Alliance Leader.

However, if the other party was the leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance, the leader of the righteous martial arts world, the situation was different. Such an action, which was an act of suspicion towards someone who ruled half of the martial arts world, was a great discourtesy.

"You know what kind of precedent that would set, don't you?"

It was unthinkable for swords to be drawn during a summit meeting. No matter how much the two factions were at odds, or even enemies. It would mean losing moral justification. And that was a fatal flaw in the martial arts world.

"Of course, I know."

"How would you feel if Alliance Leader Gal were to undergo a body search when visiting our Jeongcheon Alliance?"

That statement was the decisive blow.

"I will consider the body search as having been done."

Sword Demon had nothing more to say.

"I would be grateful if you would."

With that, all the visitor procedures were concluded.

"Then, I will guide you. Please follow me."

Even as he followed Sword Demon, Na Baekcheon's mind was uneasy. No, as he got closer to meeting the Black Heaven Alliance Leader, his heart grew more anxious.

'Still no news…'

Was it truly a rash act to think he could rescue his daughter in just one day? Was it impossible from the very beginning?

Na Baekcheon had delayed his choice as much as possible. It was time to make the choice he had put off until the very last moment.

The peace of the martial arts world, or the life of his precious daughter?

Neither was something that could be weighed on a scale.

But someone had forcibly placed it on the scales, and now he had to choose one of the two.

He was given the right to choose only one.

He pondered, agonized, and struggled.

And then, the balance finally tilted to one side.

Was he this weak?

He thought he would be able to choose righteousness at the very last moment, but the conclusion he reached was beyond his own expectations.

"I'm sorry…"

Na Baekcheon carefully touched the venomous dagger he had hidden in his embrace. A black guilt spread through his heart.

'Perhaps I am not qualified to be an Alliance Leader.'

As Na Baekcheon walked with heavy steps, just then—

Screech!

A hawk flew in. Not a hawk with blue feathers, but 'Baekseom,' the messenger eagle raised by Na Baekcheon, a hawk with very white feathers.

As the hawk of unknown origin flew down with a screech, the guards on the watchtower immediately nocked arrows and aimed at the approaching hawk.

They couldn't let an unfamiliar hawk into their territory.

What if it flew away with information?

"Stop!"

Na Baekcheon shouted urgently, stopping them.

Fwip! Fwip!

However, the warriors of the Black Heaven Alliance were not ones to listen to the words of an unknown visitor.

As they released their bowstrings, arrows flew towards the white hawk.

"No!"

Na Baekcheon had news to await. He couldn't afford to lose the messenger at a place like this.

There were seven arrows in total.

Seven arrows shot from all directions pierced the air simultaneously, aiming to break Baekseom's wings.

Screech!

With another sharp cry, the white hawk Baekseom dodged the incoming seven arrows and plunged downwards, as if diving. Towards its master.

A few ordinary arrows could not stop her lightning-fast flight.

Flap!

Spreading her large white wings, Baekseom landed on the outstretched arm of Na Baekcheon.

'Can your archery even catch a feather on my tail?'

As if to say so, she elegantly folded her wings, and a messenger tube was attached to her ankle.

Na Baekcheon, with a pounding heart, opened the messenger tube.

Na Baekcheon's hand trembled slightly as he took out the letter from within. As if he couldn't fully suppress his inner turmoil.

The fate of his daughter, the martial arts world, and himself rested on this single letter.

Na Baekcheon carefully unfolded the letter.

And then he lowered his head.

Suppressing the tears that threatened to fall.

'Thank goodness, thank goodness, thank goodness.'

He was fortunate that he did not choose to abandon his daughter, fortunate that he did not have to assassinate the Black Heaven Alliance Leader, and most importantly, fortunate that his daughter Na Yerin was safe.

He felt as if he had been freed from the burden that had been weighing heavily on him.

Ah, thank goodness. The nightmare was over.

It seemed that Seocheon was still intact, but Na Baekcheon had not even expected that. He had simply held onto the slender hope of Byeon Ryuyeon's assurance that he could save Na Yerin.

And he had never dreamed that that faint hope would truly shine such brilliant light upon him.

"What's wrong? Did you receive bad news?"

Sword Demon asked with a puzzled look. Receiving a messenger eagle even after entering the Black Heaven Alliance meant that the matter was urgent. And Na Baekcheon's expression was very grave as he read it.

"No, no. It's not bad news, it's very good news. Hahaha."

Bang, bang, bang!

Na Baekcheon burst into laughter and patted Sword Demon on the shoulder. It was a genuine laugh, not a laugh to gloss over something.

"……?"

"Come, let's go."

Na Baekcheon urged him, who was hesitating.

"Ah, yes. The door you see there is the final gate to the Alliance Leader's study. That's as far as I can guide you."

After that, it would be the responsibility of the direct guards.

"Is that so? I've caused you trouble."

Na Baekcheon's steps were light as if he were flying as he followed Sword Demon.

Everything was over.

He thought so.

"This can't be…"

Na Baekcheon was dumbfounded. The eyes of this superhuman with incredible stamina, patience, and indomitable spirit wavered. What was this scene he was witnessing? Was this a nightmare?

He had been forced to come here by a threat in a letter. However, he was agonizing. He couldn't possibly carry out the order written in the letter, "Bring the head of the Black Heaven Alliance Leader." That would mean a war between the righteous and dark paths.

There had never been a time when the saying "destroying righteousness for personal gain" weighed so heavily on his shoulders.

But hadn't all that ended?

Hadn't everything returned to normal?

Wasn't a peaceful everyday life, where they kept each other in check and occasionally glared at each other, about to begin?

But why was this happening…

A man was lying face down on the study desk, his head buried. His face, bent lifelessly to the side, remained unmoving with his eyes wide open. Na Baekcheon knew the owner of that face well.

"Jungcheon…"

His voice trembled as if frozen in his throat. The person lying with his head on the desk was none other than Gal Jungcheon, the Black Heaven Alliance Leader, the owner of this room.

In the middle of his back, a pure white sword was planted like a tombstone. This disturbingly white tombstone had pierced his heart precisely.

The wet, red liquid that soaked the floor reached Na Baekcheon's feet. Blood was gushing from the wound pierced by the white sword like a murky red spring. He stood like a white island in a sea of blood. But he had no time to think about his feet getting wet with blood now. A moment ago, Na Baekcheon's gaze was fixed on the white sword piercing the heart of Gal Jungcheon.

"How could that be here…"

He had seen that sword before. And he was someone who could never forget it. He was someone who knew better than anyone whose sword it was. The decorations on it, the length, the weight, and even the minor flaws or worn parts of the hilt—all gathered. Based on all that information, he could only conclude that the sword was real.

As if under a spell, he reached out his reluctant hand and drew the sword. The familiar feeling of it fitting perfectly into his hand. He wanted to deny it even more now, but he couldn't. The name of the sword escaped his dumbfounded lips.

"White Thunder (白雷)…"

This sword was his own sword. His beloved sword that he had entrusted to Heuk-sang-ru. Why was his beloved sword planted in such an ominous place?

Na Baekcheon's mind turned blank for a moment.

Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump!

At this moment, hurried footsteps were heard from outside.

Startled.

Na Baekcheon flinched, flustered. This was the Black Heaven Alliance Leader's study. There were no windows large enough to escape through. The wall also had a thick iron plate in the middle, making it impossible to break through with a single blow.

The only exit was the door.

'What do I do? What do I do?'

Would they believe him if he claimed innocence here? Even after seeing this blood-stained White Thunder in his hand? Even after seeing his blood-stained hands holding this sword stained with the blood of the Black Heaven Alliance Leader?

Na Baekcheon didn't know what to do.

In the meantime, the footsteps grew closer, and the door was flung open.

"……!"

The person who entered seemed startled by the scene in the room. But Na Baekcheon was equally surprised. The person was someone Na Baekcheon knew.

'Why is he here?'

The person standing there was none other than the Pavilion Master of the Demonic Pavilion himself. Behind him stood Sword Demon and several of the Black Heaven Alliance's protectors. They also fell into a deep silence upon seeing the scene in the room. They seemed to think it was a terrible nightmare. Perhaps that's why they couldn't easily accept it.

Soon, a sorrowful cry escaped the lips of the Pavilion Master of the Demonic Pavilion.

"The Black Heaven Alliance Leader was murdered by the hand of Na Baekcheon, the Alliance Leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance!"

On this day, the era of peace in the martial arts world came to an end.

It was the beginning of the outbreak of the Righteous-Dark War (正邪大戰).