Ep462 - I Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel.

The crime scene that Jaegal Yeonji and Baek Woo-jin hurried to was in utter chaos. Crowds of onlookers, resembling a swarm of clouds, whispered among themselves about the murder that had transpired. Members of the Baekikdan stood crying at the spot where their leader's cold body lay, while members of the Heukikdan watched them with uncertain expressions. "What on earth happened here?" "They say the leader of the Heukikdan killed the leader of the Baekikdan." "But why would that happen?" "I have no idea. But isn't it obvious why they'd kill?" "What reason?" "The Baekikdan and Heukikdan have always been at odds, haven't they? Constant competition and ridicule—it's no surprise the leaders didn't get along." "Ah, that makes sense." The spectators unanimously believed that the bad blood between the Baekikdan and the Heukikdan served as the motive for the murder. However, Baek Woo-jin thought differently. "They're not the kind of fools to resort to such violent measures for something like that." These were leaders of powerful groups, commanding over a hundred martial artists. What's more, they were composed of only the elite from each faction. Consider the caliber of those leading such groups. "They must be impeccable not only in martial skill but also in character." The grieving members of the Baekikdan, and the sympathetic looks from the Heukikdan members spoke volumes. Both leaders were trusted by their followers. Such expressions wouldn't be seen otherwise. Which begged the question. "Why?" He knew well that the two groups held a fierce rivalry against each other. But it was a rivalry that precariously teetered on friendly competition. They were people who would train harder each day to surpass their rivals rather than thinking of eliminating them. Contrary to rumors, the relationship between the two leaders wasn't bad either. They weren't close enough to engage in friendly conversation, but they were cordial enough to exchange greetings when they crossed paths. So what could have possibly happened between them? "There is nothing to glean from here." The victim, Baekikdan's leader, had already been moved elsewhere, and so was the Heukikdan leader, the alleged perpetrator. Baek Woo-jin approached a servant diligently cleaning the blood-stained ground and its surroundings. "Where has the body of the Baekikdan leader gone?" "I heard it was taken to the Medical Pavilion." "The Medical Pavilion… thank you." It was clear why a deceased body was taken to an infirmary designed to treat the living. Others also found the sudden death of the Baekikdan leader suspicious. "They intend to perform an autopsy." With quick strides, he entered the building in the Medical Pavilion where the autopsy would take place. The room was filled with a chilling atmosphere, a lifeless body lying in the center surrounded by people. Included among them were the Murim Alliance Leader and the Heuksaryeon Leader. "You made it." "Looks like you heard the news." "Yes, I did." "We were just about to begin the autopsy. Feel free to watch and share your thoughts." "Understood." As Baek Woo-jin and Jaegal Yeonji arrived as the last observers, the autopsy began. Various wounds were apparent on the lifeless body. Among them, the deepest were a diagonal cut across the chest and a horizontal slash across the abdomen. These clearly deep wounds were most likely what claimed the Baekikdan leader’s life. “Hm…” A low sound escaped from the Heuksaryeon Leader, watching the autopsy quietly. The intention of this autopsy was to ascertain the time and cause of death, among other things. However, one crucial aspect needed to be understood above all. "What method was used to kill?" For a master at that level, the angle, depth, and sequence of the wounds could reveal the nature of the attack in their mind's eye. The assembled individuals in the room were all renowned masters within the martial world. In their minds, the trajectory of the sword that led to the Baekikdan leader’s demise vividly appeared. It was clearly the work of a trained assassin. An unrestrained technique wielded with the intent to kill. “……” A chilling sensation ran down the Heuksaryeon Leader’s spine, and he quietly closed his eyes. Then, he addressed everyone gathered there. "There is no need to look further." When the physician's hands halted, all eyes turned toward him as he continued. "The technique imprinted on the Baekikdan leader's body unmistakably belongs to the Heukikdan leader." As he declared this, the Murim Alliance Leader's expression hardened as he questioned further. "What grounds do you have to make such a claim?" "The technique imprinted on the Baekikdan leader is one I personally taught." "Is there no possibility that someone could have learned and imitated it?" "None. The technique bears the Heukikdan leader's habits. It’s not just mimicking the technique, but the habits as well, which cannot be replicated." "Uhm...!" The repeated assertions caused the Murim Alliance Leader to clench his lips, swallowing his frustration. The leaders of the two factions weren't troubled solely by the loss of a valuable member. More complex issues were entangled in this incident. The murdered Baekikdan leader belonged to the Righteous Sect, while the accused Heukikdan leader was from the Unorthodox Sect. Why he had to die, and why the other had to kill him, was not clear. But how would the martial artists react to such news? “This could be disastrous. If this is miscommunicated, the fragile alliance we've maintained might crumble.” The Righteous will be furious, and the Unorthodox will defend. United under the banner of eradicating the Blood Sect and the Demon Cult, a semblance of unity had been achieved, but the underlying rift was never fully resolved. They had merely redirected swords once aimed at each other towards a common enemy. The greatest concern with this incident was that it might reignite those hostilities. Thus, to prevent such problems, a thorough investigation and appropriate measures were required... Just then, when they were struggling with no clear solution— "Grant me one day." Do Gyeong spoke up. "I will personally interrogate the Heukikdan leader." His gaze shifted to Baek Woo-jin as he continued. "I'll need your assistance." After a moment of contemplation over the sudden proposal, Baek Woo-jin nodded slowly. "...Understood." The arrangement concluded with Do Gyeong handling the interrogation of the Heukikdan leader and the sentencing deferred for a day. Just as it seemed the discussion was wrapping up, the Murim Alliance Leader hesitantly inquired. "Tell me, Leader." "Speak your mind." "If the Heukikdan leader's guilt is made clear, what sort of judgment do you intend to deliver?" Two things were paramount in this situation. Why he committed murder. And how to appropriately sentence for that wrongdoing. Moreover, the key was who would pass down the judgment. The Murim Alliance Leader? It wasn't feasible. Should the leader of the Righteous Murim Alliance try to condemn the Unorthodox, it could lead to accusations of excessive punishment, spurring an uprising from the Unorthodox martial artists. Thus, it necessitated Do Gyeong's decision to ensure no dispute over the verdict or penalty. Graveness colored Do Gyeong's voice as he understood this and replied. "The punishment will fit the gravity of the crime." His words reflected a steely determination in his expression. Inside the underground prison where only serious offenders were held within the alliance. There, a solitary figure sat cross-legged with eyes closed. The Heukikdan leader. His reputation and martial prowess were renowned enough to lead the elite Heukikdan. Standing before him, separated by thick, cold iron bars forged with tenacious steel, Do Gyeong spoke. "Confess." A curt order, short and to the point. The Heukikdan leader, kneeling with his head bowed, responded with a resolute voice as he struck his head against the hard stone floor. Thud! "I am guilty." A straightforward acknowledgment of guilt without excuses or pleas. Do Gyeong's brow furrowed as he asked again. "Are you admitting to all your crimes?" The leader responded. "Yes. I killed the leader of Baekikdan." His admission lacked shame or embarrassment. But it was laced with guilt. This made Do Gyeong feel both infuriated and sorrowful. "I trusted you." “I am deeply sorry.” "You were a rare paragon among the Unorthodox, hence I held you in high regard." “I deeply… apologize.” He wasn’t typical of the Unorthodox or the Righteous. Upright, yet not bound by righteousness; cunning, yet discerning in time and place. He valued sincere advice and loyalty above his own life, hence Do Gyeong cherished him. He had hoped the teachings bestowed on his younger self would one day support the whole. “Why did you kill?” “There was an argument. Emotions flared, and I failed to control myself first.” “Is that all?” “Yes.” It was hard to believe. He wasn’t someone lacking in mental discipline or maturity; it was inconceivable that someone he trusted would initiate violence over a mere argument. So he asked. “Did anyone instruct you?” “No.” “So did you always wish to kill him?” “That is also not the case.” “Then why!” Why—Why— His voice, laden with anger, echoed like a haunting refrain through the underground. “Why did you kill him on that day?” He kept his gaze lowered. “…I’m deeply sorry.” No words could convey his shame and embarrassment any more than that. In response to the Heukikdan leader's stubborn silence, the Saheukryeon Leader asked in an icy tone. "If this is all you have to say, the only fitting punishment is a gruesome death. Do you still have nothing more to add?" The leader replied. "I'll accept it willingly." With that, the Saheukryeon Leader turned away. What more words could be offered to someone resigned to accept their fate? He then addressed Baek Woo-jin, who had been quietly standing beside him. "My part here is done. Do you wish to ask anything further?" "I have something to test." Baek Woo-jin summoned Jang Sam and Dang Seon-yeong to the underground prison. He instructed them to examine the leader. To check if he had been poisoned or if his consciousness was seized by some strange sorcery. It was preferable if he had been. If so, it would mean that a true culprit had manipulated him into becoming the murderer. But. "He's clean. There's no sign of poisoning." A master of toxins, who had reached the pinnacle of expertise, confirmed. "...Nor are there traces of enchantment. His consciousness is intact." Even with a thorough check by Jang Sam, the inheritor of Mosan Sect's legacy, they found nothing. What little hope there was crumbled into dust. The Saheukryeon Leader declared. "I shall pass judgment upon the Heukikdan leader for his private murder of the Baekikdan leader." Suppressing the occasional passing memories, he continued. "The Heukikdan leader is sentenced to execution by beheading. Your head will be displayed at the alliance's gate as a warning to others." His bitter voice echoed poignantly throughout the underground prison. Author's Note I’ll see you in the next chapter. Thank you always for reading. Have a restful night. (_ _)