Heavenly Inquisition Sword

Chapter 320. The Military Strategists and Legalists

Chilriha Village was in complete turmoil.

The return of Jegal Seun, the leader of the peace mission, brutally injured, was enough to cause a general commotion.

In less than half a day, everyone knew it had been the work of Yeon Jeokha, the Grand Inspector of Nokrim. Although the exact details were unknown, as the Seven Great Sects and the Five Great Families kept it secret, no one dared to question what had happened.

The negotiation with the Yoomyung Cult was postponed for three days, and the external agitation calmed down, albeit only superficially. Internally, the Seven Great Sects and the Five Great Families were heatedly discussing the punishment Yeon Jeokha should receive.

“He should have been killed,” said Old Shim, the Old Dao of Nine Heavens, while dining at the inn.

His comment left everyone in silence, waiting for Yeon Jeokha’s response.

“I know.”

“Then why did you let him live?”

“I didn’t think he deserved to die.”

“Are you waiting for him to put a sword to your neck before you kill him?”

“No, I’ll kill him as soon as I see the intent.”

“He will surely seek revenge against you.”

“Then I’ll kill him.”

“Do it before he gets the chance.”

“He hasn’t tried anything yet.”

“One never knows. These matters are not obvious until it’s too late.”

Yeon Jeokha frowned, displeased by Old Shim’s words.

“Are you telling me to kill someone just because of suspicions?”

“If he puts a sword to your neck, it’ll already be too late. You know that.”

Old Shim looked at Yeon Jeokha with displeasure.

In Nokrim, future threats were prevented by eliminating them at the root. He didn’t understand why Yeon Jeokha had spared the peace mission leader’s life.

“Old Shim, I’m not stupid. If Jegal Seun had shown any sign of revenge, I would have killed him. But he looked at me with pleading eyes. How could I kill him?”

“Still…”

“Should I kill someone just because they bothered me in front of Namgung Yeon? I already hear enough that I’m a Nokrim. I don’t want to do the same as any other Nokrim.”

Old Shim scratched his head, acknowledging that Yeon Jeokha had a valid point.

“But Namgung Yeon also said you should have killed him. If she understood that, why didn’t you do it?”

“There’s a difference between her understanding it and me wanting to do it in front of her. Old Shim, it seems you don’t understand how relationships work. I just can’t do it, period.”

“Then why did you tear him apart like that?”

“I guess I was angrier than I thought. I just wanted to humiliate him, but I got carried away and caused more harm than I planned.”

“Your heart is soft. If you had followed through, you would have had problems with the sect for a while, but you would have rid yourself of the burden.”

“I know. I’m too kind. I told Jegal Seun I was done with him because I’m kind.”

“You did well. Now he’ll have nightmares with your name.”

“How can he have nightmares if I’m kind?”

“Because now he knows your kindness has limits. He’ll wet himself just thinking about it.”

Old Shim smiled as he looked at Yeon Jeokha. Now, Jegal Seun had two options: hold a grudge or stay away from Yeon Jeokha.

‘Let’s see what Jegal Seun chooses.’

Yeon Jeokha, aware that his choice would determine his future, observed Old Shim.

“What are you laughing at?”

“It’s just that interesting things always happen around you. It’s a pleasure to follow you.”

“Interesting?”

“Watching fights is the most exciting thing in the world, isn’t it?”

“Tch. That’s how the Murim demons are. You won’t change.”

“What demon? Did you know your reputation is worse than mine now?”

“That’s because people misunderstand me.”

“Yes, that’s what they say. But isn’t that just an excuse like any other?”

“The cemetery suits you better than it does me. I don’t have children, so I don’t have to worry about it.”

Yeon Jeokha responded unperturbed.

Old Shim looked at Yeon Jeokha with compassion. Jegal Seun had touched a sensitive spot. The closer he got to Namgung Yeon, the more aware he became of people’s gazes. He feared she would suffer because of him.

After all, he had heard the word “filth” from Jegal Seun and had exploded.

Honestly, Jegal Seun was lucky not to have ended up worse.

—————–

In the Heaven and Earth Alliance, there was a section dedicated to medicine. With hundreds of warriors, injuries were a daily occurrence, so a permanent medical pavilion had been established.

The master of the pavilion, Shim Kiwon, applied an ointment to Jegal Seun’s wounds before speaking carefully.

“May I wrap your face with a clean cloth, Master Jegal?”

Jegal Seun’s body was already completely bandaged, but his face was the problem.

Covering it with a cloth meant avoiding contact with others, which would be inconvenient if he had important meetings.

“Will it help it heal faster?”

“Today, it’s oozing a lot, so it’s better to keep it covered. Tomorrow, when a scab forms, it’ll be better.”

“Then do it. I need to get back to the negotiations as soon as possible.”

“Understood.”

Shim Kiwon carefully bandaged Jegal Seun’s face. Soon, the ointment and blood mixed, staining the bandage.

‘Tch, those Nokrim demons. Doing this to a man striving for world peace…’

Although he had worked in the Heaven and Earth Alliance for a long time, he had never seen such cruelty.

‘Haa.’

Looking at Jegal Seun, now bandaged like a mummy, Shim Kiwon felt a deep sadness.

Once Shim Kiwon left, Jegal Seun approached a mirror.

Seeing his reflection, he felt like a living mummy.

“Crunch…”

The Leader of the Jegal Family, the Great Supreme Strategist of the Heaven and Earth Alliance, was in such a pitiful state.

The more he thought about it, the more he trembled with anger.

“I’m going to…”

But at the thought of Yeon Jeokha, his face paled again.

Remembering Yeon Jeokha made him feel a lump in his throat.

Yeon Jeokha’s fierce face and terrifying swordsmanship came back to his mind.

Jegal Seun shrank back, breathing heavily.

“Ah, ah…”

The smell of blood filled his nose.

The sound of his skin tearing and the pungent smell of blood flooded his mind.

Trembling, he raised his bandaged hands to his face.

The sight of blood through the bandage left him paralyzed.

The memory of the terror Yeon Jeokha caused had torn him apart both physically and emotionally.

‘Ah… I, I am…’

Jegal Seun felt overwhelmed by his own weakness.

Just thinking of Yeon Jeokha made him tremble with fear. How could he think of revenge?

Standing dazed, he heard a calm voice.

“Master Jegal, are you here?”

It was the Heaven and Earth Alliance Leader, Mu Geuk. Jegal Seun quickly tried to regain his composure and invited him in.

Mu Geuk remained silent, shocked by Jegal Seun’s condition.

Finally, Jegal Seun broke the silence.

“I’m sorry to appear like this.”

“No, it’s my fault for not maintaining discipline within the alliance. I didn’t know the situation had come to this.”

Mu Geuk didn’t mention establishing order. The Heaven and Earth Alliance was a sinking ship. Everyone knew it would eventually dissolve. Although they could blame Yeon Jeokha, there wasn’t much else they could do.

“Haa! I provided the motive, so I have no one to blame. Although he went too far, I can understand why Yeon Jeokha got angry. It was never my intention to offend him.”

“I understand.”

Mu Geuk nodded, grateful that Jegal Seun wasn’t demanding severe punishment for Yeon Jeokha, which would only complicate matters.

“Also… after concluding these negotiations, I plan to retire.”

The unexpected statement surprised Mu Geuk.

“What do you mean…?”

“I’m stepping down from leadership.”

“The Heaven and Earth Alliance and the righteous sects need your wisdom. How can you think of retiring at this critical moment?”

“I’m grateful for your words, but there are others who can take my place.”

“Who could replace you?”

“Gong Son-il is in the delegation. He could assist the alliance leader better.”

Mu Geuk paused. Gong Son-il, like Jegal Seun, was an outstanding talent. Although the Gong Family hadn’t been at the forefront, they were respected for their administrative skills.

“The Heaven and Earth Alliance is in a time of crisis. If the Jegal Family withdraws, it will only benefit our enemies.”

Jegal Seun shook his head.

Even in times of crisis, what could the Alliance do? Even if they avoided suppression, they couldn’t overcome the Yoomyung Cult.

The only option was to wait for the Yoomyung Cult to weaken.

“Alliance Leader, a wicked sect collapses when its leader falls. The Yoomyung Cult has thrived only because of the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors.”

“You should lead the Alliance against her.”

“The Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors is an unparalleled opponent. Perhaps the best of all time.”

Mu Geuk remained silent. Since the annihilation of the Black Turtle Division by the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors, it was hard to refute that claim.

“Who can kill her? No one.”

“Haa…”

“But even the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors is human and cannot escape death. They say she’s already over two cycles (120 years), right? It’s just a matter of time.”

“Are you sure of your decision?”

“When the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors falls, the Yoomyung Cult will collapse from within. Then it will be time for the righteous sects. Gong Son-il can lead as General Commander. The Seven Great Sects and the Five Great Families won’t oppose it.”

Mu Geuk smiled bitterly. Jegal Seun and Gong Son-il were the only ones with the necessary experience.

“Jegal, please reconsider. After the war against the Yoomyung Cult, we’ll discuss your retirement. It’s not urgent.”

“My decision won’t change.”

Mu Geuk sighed deeply. The look in Jegal Seun’s eyes, visible through the bandages, was deeply despondent, half-dead.