Chapter 290: An Ambush Is Chivalry
Blood Demon Aura filled the inside of the sphere.
Divine Slaughter, Shadowless felt as though his breath had been cut off.
Until now, he had already considered the aura emitted by Blood Monster extrely sinister, yet the aura pouring from Jin Seong-un existed on an entirely different level.
Jin Seong-un’s Blood Demon Aura continuously flowed into Blood Monster’s entire body.
Just as human hands could never stop the current of a river, Blood Monster could not halt the overwhelming torrent of energy.
Screams filled with horrific agony rang out alongside violent convulsions.
Jin Seong-un rely watched calmly while continuing to pour Blood Demon Aura into it.
How much ti passed like that?
Eventually, Blood Monster’s movents finally stopped.
The blood that had risen up to their waists had also vanished.
The mont Jin Seong-un released his hand, Blood Monster’s collapsed body slowly began lting away.
Jin Seong-un imdiately gripped Black Wolf Saber.
Since Blood Monster had died, the sphere created from its energy should have weakened as well.
Without delay, he swung Black Wolf Saber.
Divine Slaughter, Shadowless, who had been staring blankly, hurriedly swung his dagger as well.
Jjeooooooong—!
The sphere shattered apart.
The Alliance Leader, King of Assassins, and the surrounding martial artists silently watched the scene.
Jin Seong-un glanced around before speaking.
“So the Alliance Leader ca as well.”
“...Indeed.”
The Alliance Leader looked at Jin Seong-un with a rare expression of bewildernt.
Their survival was certainly good news, but he could not begin to imagine how they had escaped.
Divine Slaughter, Shadowless looked at the Alliance Leader’s face and quietly said,
“It died on its own. Unable to withstand the power.”
He was keeping the promise he had made to conceal what he had seen, heard, and felt.
At the final mont, Jin Seong-un could likely have shattered the sphere alone.
The reason Divine Slaughter, Shadowless had deliberately assisted was precisely because of that.
“So we broke out.”
He made it appear as though he and Jin Seong-un had escaped together rather than Jin Seong-un accomplishing it alone.
If it beca known that Jin Seong-un had single-handedly killed Blood Monster and shattered the sphere by himself, not only the Alliance Leader but even King of Assassins would beco suspicious.
Divine Slaughter, Shadowless recalled the aura he had sensed from Jin Seong-un monts ago.
It had unquestionably been dangerous.
Jin Seong-un had surely known that as well, which was why he had requested secrecy.
A brief silence followed.
Regardless, everything had been resolved.
Blood Monster was dead.
Divine Slaughter, Shadowless and Jin Seong-un had survived.
Baek Seol and Hwamyeong collapsed to the ground as though the strength had left their legs.
Tang So-yeon and Seo Yu-gyeom also released deep breaths, finally relaxing.
Seomun Ak spoke.
“‘We’ pulled it off again.”
Everyone imdiately turned to stare at him.
Seomun Ak awkwardly coughed.
Then Jin Seong-un spoke to the Alliance Leader.
“Alliance Leader, please remove Elder Divine Slaughter, Shadowless from the list of Murim Public Enemies.”
“Hm.”
The Alliance Leader groaned quietly.
It seed the Chief Strategist’s prediction had indeed been correct.
Jin Seong-un continued.
“If not for his help, we would never have captured the Eight Bats in ti. Even now they would still be massacring people sowhere while toying with pursuit forces.”
Even the Alliance Leader could not deny that.
However, removing the Vice Leader of Deathshroud—a man who had led such a massive organization for decades—from the list of Murim Public Enemies was no simple matter.
“Furthermore, if not for Elder Divine Slaughter, Shadowless, soone here would have died.”
In truth, Divine Slaughter, Shadowless had saved Hwamyeong.
He had even lost his right arm in the process.
As Jin Seong-un and the Alliance Leader spoke, Divine Slaughter, Shadowless’s expression gradually darkened.
“So all of this... was for that reason?”
His voice carried complicated emotions.
Shock that this reckless plan had all been because of him—
Cold realization that innocent people, including his disciple, had nearly died because of it—
Yet also relief that everything had ultimately resolved cleanly—
And even sothing akin to gratitude.
Jin Seong-un rely shrugged.
“It was partly incidental. From the mont the Alliance Leader told about the Eight Bats, I had already decided to kill them if the opportunity arose.”
He answered casually.
Divine Slaughter, Shadowless suddenly thought Jin Seong-un’s personality truly suited that of an assassin.
His emotional fluctuations were so slight and calm.
He could even understand why King of Assassins coveted Jin Seong-un so greatly.
Soon Divine Slaughter, Shadowless shook off such thoughts.
The habit of constantly associating everything with assassins was a form of occupational disease.
A habit he would need to abandon from now on.
The Alliance Leader briefly imagined the situation ahead.
To remove Divine Slaughter, Shadowless from the list of Murim Public Enemies, he would need to convene a Grand Assembly made up of the elders of the Five Great Families and Nine Sects.
He could already picture how fiercely they would oppose it.
“Mm, well, that might be sowhat...”
Just as the Alliance Leader was about to offer so vague excuse—
Jin Seong-un spoke first.
“It seems the Alliance Leader’s authority doesn’t extend that far.”
“......”
The Alliance Leader dearly wished to gradually persuade Jin Seong-un into inheriting his position.
Because of that, Jin Seong-un’s words sounded almost like:
“So the Alliance Leader isn’t that impressive after all.”
The Alliance Leader imdiately said,
“Of course it does. The Alliance Leader of the Murim Alliance possesses all authority within the Murim Alliance.”
“That’s good, then.”
Jin Seong-un nodded.
The Alliance Leader sohow felt he had been manipulated by that audacious brat.
Still, continuing to pile on excuses now would simply be disgraceful.
The Alliance Leader suddenly turned to Tang So-yeon.
“Did Divine Slaughter, Shadowless save your life as well?”
“Uh... if you think about it that way, I suppose so?”
“I see.”
The Alliance Leader nodded.
Perhaps things would proceed more smoothly than expected.
The Tang Family was extrely strict regarding debts and favors.
Even if the person were the Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult itself, if they received a favor, the Tang Family repaid it.
Divine Slaughter, Shadowless had saved the life of their precious Young Patriarch.
The Tang Family would likely remain favorable toward him for so ti.
Whatever their personal feelings, they hated violating family principles more than death itself.
‘If the Chief Strategist and Poison Sovereign speak in his favor during the Grand Assembly, there won’t be many opposing voices.’
At most, perhaps the Peng Family or Zhuge Family.
As for the leaders of the Nine Sects, aside from Mount Qingcheng and Kunlun, most tended to simply accept whatever decisions were made.
‘Besides, the Peng Family is hardly in a position to speak.’
Since the Myriad Gold Pavilion incident, the Peng Family had remained crouched low.
As more evidence surfaced showing the late Ha Ju-myeong had directly colluded with the Demonic Cult, the Peng Family—which had protected him—had itself beco subject to investigation.
Having finished his calculations, the Alliance Leader suddenly adopted a dignified expression and declared,
“So be it. Though I despise Demonic Path practitioners deeply, matters cannot be handled based solely on emotion. Considering his rits, I can remove him from the list of Murim Public Enemies... however.”
The Alliance Leader’s gaze turned toward Divine Slaughter, Shadowless.
Ironically, the man at the center of the discussion looked utterly indifferent.
The Alliance Leader continued.
“I must receive a promise regarding how you intend to live the rest of your life. And whether King of Assassins intends to interfere with that promise.”
At those words, everyone looked toward King of Assassins.
King of Assassins inwardly sighed.
He had co intending to bring the Vice Leader back to Deathshroud—
Yet now the situation had beco one where he was expected to promise never to interfere with him again.
Still, there was only one thing he could say.
“It would beco troubleso if I refused.”
The surroundings were filled entirely with Orthodox Path martial artists.
And among them stood the Alliance Leader himself.
anwhile, the only person who could remotely be considered his ally—Divine Slaughter, Shadowless—was acting completely detached from the matter.
King of Assassins clicked his tongue.
“If Divine Slaughter, Shadowless’s resolve is firm, then I intend to honor it. I have no use for an assassin whose loyalty has vanished.”
Then he looked at Divine Slaughter, Shadowless and asked again,
“How do you intend to live from now on?”
“I’ll probably go fishing. And occasionally watch over those little hooligans while they swing their blades.”
“You must not teach them Deathshroud’s Saber Arts.”
“They’ll refuse anyway.”
“True enough. Orthodox Path brats despise us like insects.”
Tang So-yeon and the other Later-generation Prodigies flinched.
After all, they truly had despised Divine Slaughter, Shadowless before.
Yet now they owed him their lives.
Moyong Hyeon and Seomun Ak both inhaled sharply.
No matter what, they felt awkward having the Alliance Leader discover they had been training under Divine Slaughter, Shadowless.
Yet the Alliance Leader instead laughed heartily.
“Since you’ve already decided to learn, then learn properly. Assassins are all pathetic wretches, but their blades still contain things worth learning.”
The Alliance Leader hated the ‘people’ of the Demonic Path—
Not necessarily their martial arts.
As things finally seed settled, King of Assassins stared at Divine Slaughter, Shadowless for a long while before eventually turning away without regret.
As he walked off—
Step. Step.
He suddenly turned his head toward the Alliance Leader.
The Alliance Leader smiled faintly.
“No matter what, I am still the leader of the Orthodox Path. Surely you don’t think I’d strike from behind?”
King of Assassins clicked his tongue and resud walking.
At that exact mont, the Alliance Leader silently drew White Dragon Divine Sword and charged.
Kang—!
King of Assassins spun instantly and blocked the sword strike.
King of Assassins cursed with his eyes, while the Alliance Leader smacked his lips in disappointnt.
Everyone wore bewildered expressions.
Within barely one or two breaths, the two had already exchanged dozens of moves.
Their killing intent toward one another was incredibly dense and blatant.
“Etch this into your eyes!”
Divine Slaughter, Shadowless shouted.
Only then did Seomun Ak, Moyong Hyeon, and the other Later-generation Prodigies snap out of it and focus on the battle.
This was a clash between the strongest of the Orthodox Path and the greatest assassin under heaven.
Even understanding a single exchange could beco a fortunate encounter.
After hundreds of exchanges—
King of Assassins discovered the briefest opening, unleashed a Poison Palm, and fled.
The Alliance Leader pursued briefly before giving up once the distance grew too great.
As the Alliance Leader stared regretfully toward the direction King of Assassins had vanished, Seomun Ak cautiously approached and asked in an extrely careful tone,
“Alliance Leader, may I ask one thing?”
“Go ahead, you little waiter.”
“Is it acceptable for soone of the Orthodox Path to strike an opponent from behind?”
“That depends on the opponent. If such an ambush can save many lives, then discarding one’s pride and using even the vilest thods to kill them is chivalry.”
“Ooooh.”
Seomun Ak’s eyes sparkled.
Wearing a deeply moved expression, he muttered to himself,
“An ambush is chivalry...”
The Alliance Leader jolted in alarm and stared at him.
He had no idea where to even begin correcting that misunderstanding.
After moving his lips helplessly for a mont, he gave up.
‘The Innkeeper Dragon will handle him sohow.’
The mont he decided not to worry too much since Seomun Ak was ultimately soone else’s subordinate—
Seomun Ak spoke again.
“Um... I wish to beco the Alliance Leader.”
The Alliance Leader was stunned all over again.
It was the most shocking thing he had heard all year.
“Why?”
A truly pure and fundantal question.
Why in the world would soone like you beco Alliance Leader?
That was what he ant.
But Seomun Ak mistook it for a test and answered seriously.
“My dream is to live as a chivalrous hero, and the Alliance Leader is the greatest hero of the age, is he not?”
The Alliance Leader stared at Seomun Ak for a mont.
Then he suddenly noticed Seomun Ak’s growth.
“You reached the realm.”
“Yes. This battle beca a fortunate encounter for .”
The Alliance Leader nodded before speaking gravely.
“Mun-ak.”
“My surna is Seomun.”
“Ah, right. Ak.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
Seomun Ak slightly lowered his head and focused intently, as though ready to absorb every word.
The Alliance Leader stared at the top of his head and said,
“As long as dirt still fills my eyes, you can never beco Alliance Leader.”
“...Pardon?”
“You’re the type who only lives properly when constantly disciplined by those around you. If you beca Alliance Leader, who would dare discipline you? The Murim Alliance would beco a complete ss.”
“But aren’t you constantly getting scolded by everyone too, Alliance Leader?”
Seomun Ak really knew how to say disrespectful things whenever he felt wronged.
The Alliance Leader’s eyebrow twitched.
“That’s different.”
“How so?”
“I have a good personality, so I patiently endure and listen to my seniors’ nagging. But you are a born hooligan. If you gain power, there’s a high chance you’ll revert back to your old self.”
“Then what should I do?”
“Always remain in a low position.”
In other words—
Keep working as a waiter.
The Alliance Leader simply could not support Seomun Ak’s dream.
He wished to one day hand over the position of Alliance Leader and live while forgetting all about the Murim Alliance and everything related to it.
But if soone like Seomun Ak beca Alliance Leader, he felt certain he would continue hearing endless ridiculous stories forever.
---
The night after the storm passed through Yichang.
As always, Divine Slaughter, Shadowless sat by Dangyang Lake, quietly fishing while watching the calm rippling waters.
Beside him lay Seomun Ak and Moyong Hyeon, collapsed in half-unconscious states after finishing their training.
While gazing at the lake, Divine Slaughter, Shadowless suddenly checked the two sleeping n and chuckled softly to himself.
At that mont, Jin Seong-un and Seo Yu-gyeom approached.
Naturally, he had long grown comfortable around his disciple Seo Yu-gyeom—
And now he also felt strangely at ease with Jin Seong-un, with whom he shared the secret from inside Blood Monster’s sphere.
“What are all those things trailing behind you?”
Divine Slaughter, Shadowless’s gaze shifted behind Seo Yu-gyeom and Jin Seong-un.
Within the thick darkness, Tang So-yeon and the other Later-generation Prodigies awkwardly peeked over.
Normally, only Jin Seong-un or Seo Yu-gyeom occasionally visited this place.
Even when the Later-generation Prodigies accidentally encountered Divine Slaughter, Shadowless at the inn, they would avoid even looking at him.
Jin Seong-un answered,
“They said they wanted to co along, so I brought them. Though if they’re a disturbance, I can send them back—”
Divine Slaughter, Shadowless slowly rose from his seat.
Standing with the moon and shimring lake behind him, he looked at the Later-generation Prodigies and said,
“Six deaths. Any fool who dies more than that gets all-night training.”
Divine Slaughter, Shadowless drew his dagger.
Tang So-yeon, Hwamyeong, Baek Sang, and Baek Seol imdiately assud their stances.
Watching Hwamyeong get smacked in the forehead by Divine Slaughter, Shadowless and fall into the lake—
Jin Seong-un finally thought that peace had at last returned to the inn.
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