Chapter v19c22

## Ma Jin-Ga Summons Jang-Hong

– Yeomdo Visits the Prison

“What do you think, Hong? Are you interested?”

“Hmm…”

Jang-Hong pondered Ma Jin-Ga’s question. They were in the Headmaster’s office, their meeting a secret. No one else knew they were here, only the silence that surrounded them.

“You can refuse if you’re not up to it. I’m worried I’ve been giving you too much work lately.”

“No, that’s not why I’m hesitant. I was just thinking about who might be behind this. I’ll take the case.”

“Oh, you will?”

Hong nodded.

“Yes. Something doesn’t feel right. We can’t let our enemies manipulate us like this.”

Even if he suspected Bi Ryu-Yeon was innocent, without evidence, he couldn’t silence the public outcry demanding his punishment. Even if Ma Jin-Ga released him from prison, it wouldn’t change anything. It would only fuel the flames of criticism.

It was a world where trust was scarce. No one would trust the leadership. And a leader without trust was worse than a beggar.

“Take this.”

Ma Jin-Ga pulled out a token from his pocket and handed it to Jang-Hong.

“This is…?”

He already knew what it was.

“It’s my personal command token. And I’ll write you a letter of authority.”

Ma Jin-Ga quickly wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it to Hong.

“We don’t have much time. We need to resolve this before the Ascending Martial Arts Competition. If the truth isn’t revealed by then, we’ll have no choice but to punish him, regardless of his innocence.”

By then, public opinion would be demanding Bi Ryu-Yeon’s head. More people believed he was guilty than innocent, and even more people wanted him punished, regardless of the truth.

“I’ll do my best. And…”

“What is it? Ask me anything.”

“I’d like to request overtime pay.”

Ma Jin-Ga’s eyes widened in surprise.

“You never used to ask for that. You’ve become…”

“More honest. I guess I’m learning from my friends.”

“…Don’t be too influenced by them. Be selective about your friends, not just your food.”

“I’ll be moderately influenced. Don’t worry. It’s not easy to become like him.”

“Somehow, that makes me even more worried.”

“Anyway, please approve my overtime pay.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll get paid.”

* * *

“Do I sign here?”

The middle-aged man asked, pointing at a blank space on the register.

“Yes, that’s right, Master Gwak. You can sign there.”

The young prison guard’s gaze followed his finger. He saw the red sleeve, the red robe, and the even redder hair. It was Yeomdo.

Yeomdo, slightly annoyed by the complicated procedures, briefly considered unleashing his Sword Flame Energy. But he decided against it. Not because of his conscience, but because he didn’t want to repeat the tedious process.

“Yes, please write the date and time here, and then sign next to it.”

He followed the guard’s instructions and signed the register.

“I heard you denied visitation earlier?”

“Ah, you mean Namgung-Sang and Miss Jin? Yes, that’s right. According to the Cheonmu Academy detention regulations, contact between suspects under investigation and students is strictly prohibited. Unless they’re martial arts instructors, of course.”

“How many people died?”

The question was casual, but its content was serious.

“Died? What do you mean?”

Hyun-Bin, the guard, asked, confused. He was a disciple of the Wudang Sect, currently on duty at the “Washing Resentment Prison.” He didn’t understand the visitor’s question.

“I’m asking how many people died during his arrest.”

Hyun-Bin looked at him blankly, then replied in a serious tone,

“No one died, sir.”

“No one? That’s impossible…”

Yeomdo couldn’t believe it. It was beyond his comprehension.

“Then were there any injuries?”

He asked, hoping for a different answer.

“No injuries either, sir.”

Hyun-Bin replied honestly, as a Daoist should.

“You’re lying!”

Yeomdo declared.

“L-lying? I’m telling the truth, sir!”

He protested, but his words were ignored.

“Did your superiors order you to cover it up?”

Yeomdo’s eyes blazed like furnace flames, his voice low and menacing. Not many people could withstand his intense gaze.

Hyun-Bin, the young guard, was no exception. But he couldn’t fabricate facts, no matter how scared he was.

“I-it’s true, Master Yeomdo! Nothing happened. So there’s nothing to cover up. Please believe me!”

His voice was desperate. And his desperation planted a seed of doubt in Yeomdo’s mind.

“He surrendered peacefully?”

Hyun-Bin nodded eagerly.

“Well… He didn’t exactly surrender peacefully. But there were no casualties.”

Yeomdo scoffed.

“Ha! He didn’t surrender peacefully, and there were no casualties? Are you joking with me? You have guts!”

His common sense – or rather, his personal experience – was rebelling. His voice hardened. Hyun-Bin was baffled. He was being scolded for telling the truth. It was absurd.

“J-joking? How could I possibly joke with you, Master? It’s true. I swear on the spirits of the Supreme Lord Laozi and Grandmaster Zhang Sanfeng, my words are true.”

Humans might be willing to sell their beliefs and faith for personal gain, but Hyun-Bin didn’t seem like that kind of person. He had sworn on his most sacred values. Yeomdo’s gaze softened slightly. But he couldn’t help but say,

“That’s impossible!”

Knowing Bi Ryu-Yeon’s nature, he wouldn’t have surrendered peacefully. There should have been at least three deaths and countless injuries. But nothing happened? It was absurd. He couldn’t ignore it.

‘This guy clearly knows nothing. I’ll have to ask the people who were there.’

He was suddenly curious about how the monster hunters were handling their captive.

“What about his internal energy?”

“Don’t worry, sir. We’ve sealed his acupoints.”

He was trying to reassure him, but Yeomdo’s eyes widened in horror.

“What?! You only sealed his acupoints?!”

“W-what’s wrong, sir?”

“Are you kidding me? That’s so careless! Even a hundred and eight golden needles wouldn’t be enough! And you think sealing a few acupoints with your fingers is enough?”

He was referring to the “One Hundred and Eight Golden Needles Acupoint Sealing Technique,” a forbidden technique used to suppress internal energy by inserting a hundred and eight golden needles into the body’s vital points. It was so cruel and dangerous that only a handful of villains throughout history had been subjected to it.

“That’s inhumane, Master! The One Hundred and Eight Golden Needles Acupoint Sealing Technique is a legendary forbidden technique used by demonic sects like the Blood Moon Demonic Cult! He hasn’t even been found guilty yet! How can you use such a cruel and terrifying technique? And besides, we don’t have anyone who can perform such a powerful technique.”

Even destroying his dantian and severing his tendons wouldn’t be enough! Yeomdo cursed inwardly. They were clearly oblivious to the gravity of the situation. They were worried about human rights violations while a potential disaster was brewing!

“Alright, if you don’t have anyone who can do that, then I guess there’s nothing we can do. But at least you used strong handcuffs, right?”

“Of course, sir. He might be a suspect, but we can’t be careless.”

He sounded confident, but Yeomdo was still skeptical.

“What are the handcuffs made of?”

“Made of? Many people have visited this prison, but you’re the first one to ask about the material of the handcuffs, Master Yeomdo.”

“I have my reasons. What are they made of?”

He might be known for his aggression and brutality, but he wasn’t a sadist who enjoyed watching innocent guards suffer.

“They’re made of iron, sir.”

The materials used for transport and detention were different.

Disappointment flickered in Yeomdo’s eyes.

“Iron? You might as well tie him up with straw.”

He scoffed.

“Most handcuffs are made of iron, sir.”

He was met with a snort.

“Hmph, I don’t want to hear such useless facts! Request some Ten Thousand Year Steel handcuffs from your superiors!”

“Y-you’re joking, right?”

Anyone who knew Yeomdo would know he wasn’t the type to joke about such things. But Hyun-Bin didn’t know him.

“T-Ten Thousand Year Steel handcuffs are only used for the most dangerous criminals, the former demonic cult leaders who are imprisoned in the ‘Demon Sealing Prison.’ They’re expensive and rare. They’re not issued to lower-level prisons like this.”

“What?! You’re telling me you’re using flimsy iron handcuffs on a dangerous man like him just because of budget constraints? You might as well just release him. It’s the same difference.”

Hyun-Bin was speechless.

“S-surely they’re not that flimsy? They’re made of iron, after all.”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

There was no point in wasting his breath on someone who wasn’t willing to listen. It was almost lunchtime. He needed a break.

“Enough! Lead the way.”

Hyun-Bin, relieved, turned and led him into the prison.

* * *

Prisons were always gloomy places. And being underground only amplified that feeling. Yeomdo entered the dark, oppressive space. He felt a sense of unease as he descended the moss-covered stone steps. How could they possibly prevent an escape with such lax security? He had heard about their flimsy defenses, and he was worried.

“This is it.”

Yeomdo, lost in his thoughts, looked up. Hyun-Bin had stopped walking and was pointing at a cell in the deepest part of the underground prison.

“Your visitation time is one hour. I’ll be back to escort you out later.”

“Thank you.”

Hyun-Bin bowed and left. Yeomdo slowly approached the cell. And then he was furious.

“H-how could this be?!”

His premonition had come true. The being who deserved special treatment was receiving none. How could the cell be made of wood, just like the others?! It was a typical prison cell, made of thick wooden bars.

He couldn’t imagine those flimsy walls and bars containing that man. His mind was too clear to believe in such fantasies.

A cage for a monster should be made of Ten Thousand Year Steel. But he knew they would just give him the same excuse about budget constraints. He couldn’t accept this. It was a disaster waiting to happen!

And there he was, humanity’s greatest threat – in his opinion – behind those flimsy bars.

“How did you end up like this?”

Yeomdo asked, his voice slightly gruff. Bi Ryu-Yeon shrugged.

“The weak are always oppressed, regardless of the era. No one listens to the powerless.”

“What? Don’t twist the truth. Who’s powerless?”

Yeomdo said, suppressing the urge to cough up blood.

“You’re not exactly powerless, are you?”

He was curious about the logic behind that statement.

“I’m right here! In prison! It’s the truth.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon said calmly.

“Is there such a thing as a false truth?”

Yeomdo scoffed.

“Of course. There are countless false truths. Most people live their lives believing in false truths. It’s nothing new.”

“So you’ve decided to add another lie to the mix? Why are you acting like this?”

“What’s wrong with how I’m acting?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon stretched his arms, the chains rattling in the silence.

“Why are you so calm about being imprisoned? It’s not like you!”

He didn’t know why he was so angry.

“What’s ‘like me’? Are you saying you understand me? Really? Are you sure about that? Have you ever considered that what you know about me is just a fraction of who I am, a fraction filtered through your own subjective lens? Why are you trying to define me? Does defining something mean discarding everything else?”

“W-well…”

Yeomdo was speechless, overwhelmed by his barrage of words.

“Or are you saying I should be breaking out of this shoddy structure right now? Would that be more ‘like me’?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon chuckled, tapping the bars of his cell.

“That would be more like your master, not you. Violence isn’t always the answer.”

It was a surprisingly sensible statement, coming from a man who claimed he would split gods and buddhas in half if they stood in his way.

“I’m more shocked that you know that.”

Yeomdo expressed his honest opinion.

“But I don’t plan to stay here long. It would be best to find the real culprit quickly. I can play along for now, but I don’t want to die for something I didn’t do.”

“So you’re saying you really didn’t kill them?”

Yeomdo asked skeptically. Bi Ryu-Yeon pondered the question, his chin resting on his hand.

“Well…? There are so many ways to make someone suffer more than death. Why would I resort to such a simple and meaningless solution? Just like a conversation, revenge requires two participants. And unfortunately, corpses and ghosts aren’t my type.”

It was strangely convincing.

“You can’t interrogate a dead man, can you? You need a living subject to interrogate or torture.”

“I guess…”

Yeomdo found himself agreeing.

He could definitely see Bi Ryu-Yeon doing that.

“We don’t have much time left. Hmm, exactly one week.”

“Why one week? The entrance exam is still ten days away.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon seemed too relaxed, considering the time constraint.

“You have to clean up your mess.”

He replied matter-of-factly.

“You’re planning to make another mess?”

“Of course. It’s a rare opportunity. I can’t let it go to waste.”

“One week from now is Gungsang’s duel. His opponent is the famous Emei Goddess…”

“Anything else? I’ve entrusted my temporary business partner with managing the odds, but… I’m not completely at ease unless I’m managing it myself.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon had made a bigger mess than he had promised Namgung-Sang. He couldn’t ignore it, even if he was told to. Money had a way of focusing your attention.

“Oh, by the way, what are you betting on?”

He asked.

“You’re still doing business here?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon grinned.

“It’s important to maintain a normal state of mind. Or did you want me to start crying and begging?”

“I’ve never wished for such a horrific sight.”

Yeomdo shuddered, imagining the scene. Nightmares were enough. He didn’t need them while he was awake.

“I wonder which will happen first, the real culprit being caught or me breaking out of here.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon said casually.

‘This is absurd…’

Yeomdo sighed, but he was determined to catch the culprit as soon as possible.

“Do your best.”

It would have been a simple encouragement, but the next sentence turned it into a threat.

“I’m sure you don’t want to be the witness to the biggest jailbreak in the history of Cheonmu Academy.”

Yeomdo tensed up.

Would he just be a witness?

If that happened, he would have no choice but to side with Bi Ryu-Yeon. He was still bound by their agreement, and he wasn’t the type to break his word. He sometimes regretted it, but it was better than having a weak will. But he didn’t want to be an accomplice to the biggest jailbreak in history.

“Give my regards to the kids. I heard they have less than a week left.”

Why were the people outside the prison more anxious than the person inside? The prisoner was the one who should be waiting for his judgment. It was absurd.

“Is there a solution?”

“Not yet.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon shrugged.

“You’re so calm. ‘Not yet’ means…?”

“Yes. There’s no solution right now. But! If something unexpected happens, there might be a solution.”

“That’s not very reassuring.”

* * *

“How is Eldest Senior Brother, Master Yeomdo?”

Namgung-Sang and Jin-Ryeong were waiting for him outside the prison.

“Ah, it’s you two. I heard you were denied visitation. Have you been waiting long?”

“No, sir. Not long. We were hoping to hear some news…”

“Is that so?”

He didn’t question his lie.

“Master Yeomdo, are you certain that Eldest Senior Brother is innocent?”

Namgung-Sang asked the question that had been weighing on his mind.

“I’m certain.”

“Then do you have any evidence?”

“Of course I do.”

Namgung-Sang leaned forward.

“Would you mind telling us why?”

“You haven’t even noticed that?”

Yeomdo clicked his tongue, his expression disappointed.

“I-I’m sorry. My insight is lacking.”

“I won’t scold you any further since you’re aware of your shortcomings. Have you heard that the corpses were missing their money pouches?”

Namgung-Sang and Jin-Ryeong’s eyes widened.

‘That’s right! Why didn’t we think of that?!’

Bi Ryu-Yeon, wouldn’t have left money behind. Some might call it heartless, but he would just scoff. They could already imagine his response.

‘Hmph, if you’re going to criticize me, then don’t kill them in the first place! What conscience are you talking about after you’ve killed them? It’s just self-righteous hypocrisy. One side has lost its meaning, so wouldn’t it be better for the other side to benefit? They say a warrior dies for someone who recognizes their worth. I’m sure money wants to be spent by someone who recognizes its worth too. It’s obvious.’

That was definitely something Bi Ryu-Yeon would say.

“So Eldest Senior Brother is innocent…”

Namgung-Sang’s voice was weak, his joy muted.

“Unfortunately, yes. But will he be safe?”

The public outcry demanding Bi Ryu-Yeon’s punishment was growing stronger. He could be killed, regardless of his innocence.

Could the leadership withstand the pressure? No one could guarantee it. All Namgung-Sang could do was wait and see. But the situation was turning against Bi Ryu-Yeon, without him even realizing it.