Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
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Chapter 351: Everything but breathing is a lie 1
Bih Sa-in was eating at the inn he always frequented.
As always, the Thirteen Wolves were scattered here and there around him, guarding Bih Sa-in.
One of the martial artists approached and reported something to Il-rang before leaving.
Il-rang then relayed the report to Bih Sa-in.
“It's a report from the Young Cult Leader's side.”
Earlier, there had been a report that Geom Mugeuk and Pyo Gigwang were being attacked and chased by assassins. Even upon receiving such a report, Bih Sa-in hadn't been particularly tense—likely because the one guarding them was Geom Mugeuk. As expected, the result had gone just as anticipated.
“The assassins have been completely annihilated.”
Il-rang gave a more detailed report.
“Upon checking the bodies, we found that the assassins mobilized this time were from the Nine Springs Society. All of the assassins were killed in action, and the organization suffered a significant blow.”
What angered Bih Sa-in wasn't that they tried to kill Pyo Gigwang. It was the fact that they tried to do so despite knowing Bih Sa-in was the one protecting him.
Geom Mugeuk, who had been tasked with guarding Pyo Gigwang, was dressed in the attire of the Thirteen Wolves. In other words, the enemy had sent assassins despite clearly knowing that one of Bih Sa-in's subordinates was protecting him.
‘They dared try to kill my subordinate too?’
This was a direct challenge that disregarded his authority as the Young Leader.
“Is there no way to find out who commissioned the hit?”
Il-rang shook his head with a troubled expression.
“Nine Springs Society is notorious for taking on any target and never looking into their clients.”
That's why they were popular in the world of assassins. Thanks to that popularity, they had grown into one of the most renowned organizations in the Central Plains.
“What about the Young Cult Leader?”
“They disappeared along with Pyo Gigwang.”
It was unthinkable that Geom Mugeuk could have been defeated by assassins, so they were surely hiding together somewhere safe.
Now that it was confirmed that the order to create a group that used children hadn't come from the Unorthodox Alliance Leader, the information Geom Mugeuk would bring had become all the more critical.
“I shouldn't have left it solely to the Young Cult Leader.”
There was no reason to explain his trust to Il-rang. His friendship with Geom Mugeuk might very well be the kind of bond he’d have to carry in his heart alone for the rest of his life.
Just then, like a tiger appearing the moment it's spoken of, someone sent Bih Sa-in a transmission.
―Don’t say things like that. You should say, ‘I trust my friend, the Young Cult Leader’.
A smile crept onto Bih Sa-in’s lips. In truth, he had been waiting for a transmission like this even as he ate.
―Why didn’t you just come instead of sending a transmission? You’re a proper member of the Thirteen Wolves too.
Though rare, it was one of Bih Sa-in’s jokes—but sadly, now wasn’t a situation where it could be taken as a joke.
―I’d like to do that too, but I can’t for the time being. As soon as they found out Pyo Gigwang made contact with you, they sent assassins. Now that they’ve failed to kill him, they’ll be watching you. They might even be suspecting that you’ve uncovered the secret and could be monitoring you from somewhere even now.
Bih Sa-in’s expression stiffened slightly. This was a different kind of battle from the one he had fought to become the successor. The enemy’s provocation only made it worse.
―Let’s meet later at the cliff.
―Let’s do that.
―Be careful not to be followed.
Once Geom Mugeuk’s presence disappeared, Bih Sa-in also put down his chopsticks and rose from his seat. The side dishes he usually left untouched had all been cleaned off the plates. 2
* * *
Dozens of martial artists were running through the training grounds of the Alliance Training Center. They relied solely on their base stamina, not using any inner energy.
As the running went on beyond their limits, some began collapsing.
“You applied for the Black Dragon Division, didn’t you? If you give up here, you won’t be able to join them.”
The one who spoke, looking down at a martial artist gasping for breath as he lay flat on the ground, was Instructor Hwang Seokgyeong.
To enter the division of your choice, martial arts skill alone wasn’t enough; strong physical endurance and mental fortitude were also necessary. Those who failed this test would be assigned to a lesser division than the one they aimed for.
“I can’t go on… I’m sorry.”
At that, Hwang Seokgyeong whispered something into the man’s ear. And the seemingly lifeless man immediately got back on his feet and started running again.
Instructor Cha, who had been observing nearby, approached and asked him,
“What did you say to him this time?”
Hwang Seokgyeong answered with a smile.
“I told him if he kept acting weak, someone else would snatch up the fiancée he left behind in his hometown.”
Instructor Cha was impressed.
“As expected. You’ve memorized the personal details of every new recruit who joined this time, haven’t you?”
One of the reasons Hwang Seokgyeong was renowned as the best instructor was exactly this. He knew everything about the dozens of new martial artists who joined each month—where they were from, their family background, personalities, hobbies, and which division they had applied for.
There were many reasons he was famous as the Battle King, but the decisive one was that he was smart. He was strong because he was clever.
“Hey, Instructor Hwang. It’s not like you get paid more for working this hard. Take it easy.”
Hwang Seokgyeong simply responded with his usual gentle smile.
Instructor Cha didn’t know. He didn’t know how different this side of him as an instructor was from his true nature—that everything about him, except breathing, was always a constant lie and act.
When the training ended, the martial artist who had heard the whisper earlier ran over and expressed his thanks.
“Thanks to you, I didn’t give up and pulled through. Thank you.”
Hwang Seokgyeong patted his shoulder with a kind expression.
“Make it big and return home in glory.”
“I’ll do my best.”
To anyone watching, he seemed like an instructor who truly cared for and cherished his juniors.
But the moment he stepped outside the training grounds, he was no longer an instructor—he was the Battle King. A sound transmission came from somewhere.
―The assassins are all dead, and Pyo Gigwang has disappeared.
The unexpected result made him stop walking for a moment.
―Wasn’t one of the Thirteen Wolves guarding him?
―Yes, that’s correct.
―And yet all the assassins were killed?
―Yes, that's right.
The Battle King resumed walking. He’d had a bad feeling about this mission, which was why he didn’t use his own people and instead hired outside assassins.
―The Young Leader set a trap? If that’s the case, then he might have already realized my existence.
His judgment was sharp. 3
―Prepare them.
―Who’s the target?
And he made the decision that could shift the fate of the Unorthodox martial world without the slightest hesitation.
―Bih Sa-in. 4
* * *
Late at night, when Bih Sa-in arrived, Geom Mugeuk was sitting on the edge of the cliff.
“Where is Pyo Gigwang?”
Bih Sa-in sat down beside Geom Mugeuk. In the past, he had always stood by his side—but now, it was only natural to take the seat beside him.
“I went to watch him live his life.”
Bih Sa-in looked at Geom Mugeuk, confused by his words, and asked with a hopeful expression.
“Don’t tell me Division Leader Pyo is gone?”
Geom Mugeuk nodded.
“He’s the only one who knows who’s behind this, isn’t he?”
There must have been a reason he let him go, but Bih Sa-in couldn’t understand it. Of all people, Geom Mugeuk should’ve known that better than anyone.
And soon, the reason that would shock Bih Sa-in was revealed.
“Before he left, he told me who was behind it.”
Bih Sa-in stared silently at Geom Mugeuk.
Yes, he believed Geom Mugeuk would figure it out. That’s exactly why he had entrusted him with protecting Pyo Gigwang.
But he never expected he’d uncover it in just a single day.
If it had been anyone else, he would’ve called it a lie. Thought that some kind of trickery was used to extract the truth.
But Bih Sa-in could be certain. Pyo Gigwang must have truly wanted to tell him—and so, he did. All in just one day. 5
“You really are……”
He couldn’t find the words to express what he felt. Of course, Geom Mugeuk wasn’t one to let a moment like this pass quietly.
“I’m your amazing friend.”
Bih Sa-in could only hope this feeling would never change. Not yet—and perhaps never—could he even imagine surpassing this man. Not when his pride didn’t even feel wounded anymore.
And his shock was only just beginning.
“Who is behind it?”
“Do you know someone named Hwang Seokgyeong?”
At that, Bih Sa-in turned completely toward Geom Mugeuk. That was a name he truly hadn’t expected to hear.
“You don’t mean Instructor Hwang from the Alliance Training Center, do you?”
“So you do know him.”
He had considered several possible names that could be behind it all, but Instructor Hwang wasn’t one he had ever imagined.
“That’s hard to believe. Truly hard to believe.”
Hwang Seokgyeong was known not only for his skills and reputation but also for his good character. He was the face of the Alliance Training Center.
Geom Mugeuk understood Bih Sa-in’s shock. After all, he himself had found it unexpected. So how much more surprised must Bih Sa-in be?
But the problem here wasn’t simply that an instructor from the Training Center was involved. The real issue was that the one behind it was the Battle King.
“I observed him discreetly today—he’s hiding his martial arts.”
He didn’t speak vaguely as if it only *seemed* that way. He declared it with certainty. This was a foe Bih Sa-in truly needed to be careful with.
“Then he must be one of the forces lurking in the shadows you mentioned.”
“That’s what I believe.”
“Then I’ll arrest him immediately and interrogate him.”
Just as Bih Sa-in was about to rise, Geom Mugeuk stopped him.
“His skill is extraordinary. You must not try to face him alone. Even if you and the Thirteen Wolves attack together, I doubt it’ll be in any way easy.”
“!”
Bih Sa-in looked at Geom Mugeuk in disbelief. He thought it might be a joke—but it wasn’t. Geom Mugeuk was staring at him more seriously than ever.
“The problem isn’t just that man. According to the Flowing Sword Gate Master, they were granted influence and profits, which means there are powerful figures within the alliance who’ve joined hands with Hwang. Could be one. Could be many. No need to be so surprised. The one who infiltrated the Martial Alliance took ten whole years to do it. I doubt this man is much different.”
Bih Sa-in realized that this situation was far more serious and dangerous than he had thought. Had it not been for Geom Mugeuk, this conspiracy would have continued unchecked, and undetected. The more he thought about it, the more chilling it became.
“By now, he must know the attempt to kill Pyo Gigwang failed. Won’t he try to run?”
Others might—but not the Battle King. He had overwhelming martial prowess and immense pride in his strength. He wasn’t the kind to solve problems by running away.
“He’s invested too much time in the Unorthodox Alliance to back down easily. He’ll be watching closely to see what you do next.”
Just thinking about someone daring to plot against the Unorthodox Alliance made Bih Sa-in’s fighting spirit boil.
But he had to stay calm. If what Geom Mugeuk said was true, then Hwang Seokgyeong was far stronger than himself.
If the opponent was a master of that level, the smartest move would be to seek help from the Unorthodox Alliance Leader.
It was the best strategy in practical terms—but an unbearable one emotionally.
Asking the Unorthodox Alliance Leader to handle something he couldn’t himself—Bih Sa-in couldn’t help but feel it would be like admitting defeat.
And then there was another issue: the people who had joined hands with Hwang. He had to find out who they were. There was no way he could sleep soundly with such people close by.
“If we manage to capture him alive, do you think he’ll confess who he’s working with?”
To that, Geom Mugeuk shook his head.
“He won’t confess. No—given his skill, I don’t think capturing him alive is even possible.”
Once again, Geom Mugeuk emphasized the Battle King's strength. Since Bih Sa-in was now directly entangled with him, he was warning him to be careful.
After a moment of thought, Bih Sa-in spoke cautiously.
“Would you help me just once more?”
“As the Young Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance, you’re worth investing in. Just be sure to repay me with plenty of interest later. What do you need from me?”
Bih Sa-in made a truly unexpected request.
“Would you like to take a tour of the Alliance Training Center?”
He was asking him to go undercover as a new recruit and get close to Instructor Hwang.
“Each month, new martial artists enter the Training Center. With your abilities, you could get close to Instructor Hwang and find out who he’s aligned with.” 6
This wasn’t a request one could make to just anyone. Not even Jin Hagun of the Demon-Slaying Brigade would be asked to do something like this.
There was no telling how long the mission would take, and its difficulty was extremely high. It was something neither Bih Sa-in nor anyone else could do.
Unless, perhaps, it was the person who got Pyo Gigwang to talk in a single day.
“He’s focused on me now. He won’t expect someone to approach him posing as a new recruit, which is exactly why you can dig in from the inside.”
The Geom Mugeuk who always answered optimistically—saying, “Just trust me”—actually shook his head this time.
“I don’t think I can do it.”
He knew what kind of person the Battle King was. Smarter than anyone else. In this situation, if a conspicuously skilled new recruit appeared, he’d be suspicious without a doubt. Maybe in different circumstances, but not now. It would not be easy.
Bih Sa-in wore a strange expression.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Just realizing you’re human too.”
“So you didn’t see me as human until now?”
“Well, have you ever acted like one?”
“I’ve been clinging to you asking to be friends all this time, and now you say I’m not human? Isn’t *that* what’s inhuman?”
After their brief banter, Geom Mugeuk revealed the real reason he had turned down the request.
“I don’t think he’ll give us the time.”
Bih Sa-in was curious. What exactly had Geom Mugeuk seen in Hwang Seokgyeong that made him this cautious? Why did he rate him so highly? 7
“When you return, wear the best protective armor you have. Layer it two, even three times.”
Geom Mugeuk had already shocked him several times today, but this statement surprised him the most.
“You don’t mean... You think he’ll actually try to kill me? That he’d go that far?”
Geom Mugeuk had been warning him over and over just to finally say this one thing.
“That’s right. If I were him, I’d kill you first.”
1 : Indeed, breathing is important after all *nods sagely*
2 : He’s following his nagging well ^^
3 : Too sharp. If we try to trap him with a plan, he might sense it beforehand, so let’s crush him decisively with overwhelming power. He can’t be allowed to escape. Well I say that, but so far, none have managed to do so, thankfully XDXDXD
4 : Wow, absolutely no hesitation. This guy has guts !!!
5 : Yeaaah, said like that, it’s truly an impressive achievement. I kinda forgot it was a single day XDXDXD
6 : That would have been a fun, academy arc, but sadly we don’t have the time to do it.
7 : It’s because his Mugeuk senses are tingling !!! XDXDXD