Ep407 - I Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel.

In the fiercely hierarchical world of martial arts in the Central Plains, for a senior to kneel before a junior and speak politely signifies desperation and urgency. Though it might seem excessive, a little thought makes it understandable. "He's risking everything for his family's lives." One could imagine making the same decision under similar circumstances. If kneeling and honoring an opponent meant preserving cherished ones, then so be it. The opponent even promised to serve loyally as a subordinate for the next hundred years. This was, without doubt, the best terms a single group could offer. "What to do." Initially, the plan was to extract only the necessary information and then punish them. The moment their betrayal was reported to the Martial Alliance, the Morong clan would be erased from the map. The estate of this centuries-old family would burn, and all bearing the Morong name would face death. A few commit the sin, but everyone shares the punishment. "Is this truly just?" Baek Woojin agreed that the cost of betrayal should be severe. Even in other worlds, the price of betrayal was steep. Families that sided with the Demon King against humanity had their titles and lands confiscated, and not just the traitors but three generations were condemned to execution. This served as a clear deterrent. A warning that betrayal would lead to such ends, so they should not even attempt it. If betrayal were met with only a slap on the wrist, opportunistic bats would swarm the skies over the righteous martial arts world. However, is it fair for the scope of punishment to extend to the innocent? This was always a troubling question for Baek Woojin. "I understand your reasoning..." He understood why they felt they had no choice. It's not just about setting an example; it's about eliminating future threats. Even if they died for their sins, their family might seek revenge. "Perhaps it's a matter of the times." What seemed perfectly normal to these people felt utterly foreign to Baek Woojin. In his time, collective punishment had long been abolished. It was pitiful enough for families of criminals to be scorned, let alone face death together. "What should I do?" His palms were damp with sweat. In them lay the terrifying power to decide life or death for hundreds with the Morong name. Before deciding, he had one question for Morong Jintian. "May I ask one thing?" "Please, ask." Morong Jintian, acting now as a subordinate, replied. "I'm curious why you betrayed the righteous faction and joined the Devil Sect." "The reason for the betrayal...?" A bitter smile spread across a mournful face. As if expecting this all along. "There is nothing special. Simply, I felt an insurmountable wall." "You must have seen the Heavenly Demon." "She suddenly appeared one day, and with eyes that ruled the world, offered me two choices." In the quiet of pre-dawn, she had suddenly appeared in the head of the family's quarters. She needed a loyal subordinate. If he complied, she would spare them; if not, she would wipe out his entire family. "Faced with such choices, there was only one real option for me." "The position of head is not just about wielding power over the family." The power given was intended to prosper the clan and lead its members wisely. What he chose was likely the only path where everyone survived. "Satisfied with the answer?" Nodding at Morong Jintian's inquiry, Baek Woojin replied, "I am." He was satisfied enough to make a firm decision. "I will accept your offer. In exchange for all your documents, I will say nothing to the Martial Alliance." "Thank you." "But let's adjust the conditions slightly." A look of confusion spread across Morong Jintian's face as he relaxed. "What do you mean by conditions?" "The promise of serving me for a century." Hearing this, Morong Jintian's face twisted somewhat. "I thought that was ample reparation." Baek Woojin gestured gently to allay his apprehension. "I’m not suggesting extending the duration." "Then what...?" With a puzzled expression, Baek Woojin gave a clear answer. "Seal your gates." "…!" Morong Jintian's eyes widened. Seal the Gates (封門). It meant ceasing all external activities and locking oneself away. "For a hundred years... you want us to seal our gates?" "Yes." Morong Jintian protested against the proposal. "How can you impose such a harsh condition!" A hundred-year seclusion was effectively a sentence to make the Morong clan invisible from history, akin to eradicating them without a trace. With landscapes changing within a decade, a hundred years absent from the martial world would render their name as but a footnote in history. Despite his protests, Baek Woojin was resolute. "I'm not intending to command your loyalty for a century. Sealing your gates once this is over is the greatest mercy I can extend to your family." This was the most lenient punishment Baek Woojin could devise. Though they would be barred from external activities for a century, they wouldn't lose their lives. However, by the time they might reemerge, the reputation of the Morong clan would be no more than a faded name in the annals of martial history. Looking directly at the now visibly agitated Morong Jintian, he continued. "I made this decision to avoid killing the innocent. If you refuse... remember, there is but one outcome." Faced with his icy words, Morong Jintian covered his face with his hands. "Ah, such despair!" It was agonizing. An offer, rather a command, that far surpassed mere humiliation by substituting physical death with a social demise. Caught in a grim reality where even this could not be declined. "I will... agree." Having answered, he bowed his head, devoid of any strength. * * * After the conclusion of the transaction, which, despite its coerciveness, granted both parties what they sought, Baek Woojin headed towards the hideout as directed by Morong Jintian. "This is supposed to be a hideout?" The place they arrived at hardly resembled a hideout. Right in the city center, amidst a busy area full of foot traffic, stood this residence, supposedly a hideout. In a way, it was understandable. "Easier to collect information while residing in the city." "Hmm, that makes sense." Tang Sunyoung nodded at Jegal Yeonji's observation. As she noted, acting as an information hub, it made sense to place a hideout within the city. Moreover, as the saying goes, to hide a tree, place it in the forest—likewise, to hide among people, one should reside among them. Living right in the bustling heart of the city perhaps diverted suspicion. In front of the residence waited a man who appeared to be in his mid-forties. "Greetings to the illustrious Heavenly Sword Deity." He spoke with slight embarrassment, clasping his hands in respect. "Everything you seek has been prepared within, please, step inside." Following the man into the hideout, there awaited a large room filled with boxes containing everything Baek Woojin had asked for. "Let's get started immediately." At Baek Woojin's command, his team sat around and began sifting through the documents, gathering information. "Most of these activities have already concluded." "Indeed, and most directives pertain to the research on demons." As observed by the team, the directives largely concerned the establishment of facilities for demon research. There was little cause for concern about this, however. "We’ve already demolished those, haven’t we?" "True." For Baek Woojin had destroyed them while rescuing the kidnapped Baek Mu-hyeok. Suddenly, Jin Miyan's presence came to mind. The madwoman who not only researched demons fervently but had also demonized her own body. "I destroyed her lab then, I wonder if she's reinstating her research now." Chances were high. A mere loss of a few buildings wouldn't deter someone like her from continuing her inhumane experiments. Thinking of her naturally ignited a murderous intent. "When we meet again, I'll make sure to end her." The next encounter, regardless of Heavenly Demons or other distractions, he vowed to snuff her life out instantly. While reaffirming this resolve, a voice called out urgently. "Baek Gongja!" Jegal Yeonji spoke with urgency. "Would you take a look at this?" Baek Woojin took the document she handed him and read it. It was a search directive. A directive to find a royal tomb hidden somewhere on the plains, with the barbarian tribes that chose to follow the Devil Sect alongside the Morong clan. Upon reading, he immediately understood why she had brought it to his attention. Without hesitation, he instructed his team. "We're heading back to Liaoning tomorrow." More precisely, to the vast plains beyond Liaoning. To search for the royal tomb slumbering somewhere in its expanse. Author's Note: This episode will be shorter than expected. And no, it’s not about Genghis Khan. I’ll be back with the next installment soon. Thank you for reading each time. Have a restful night. (_ _) P.S. A Note of Thanks for Your Support To Papepopo! Thank you for your support! I will continue to work hard until the conclusion…!