Chapter 163: Baek Moo-jin’s Sect

After Baek Moo-jin left, the Chief of the Undercover Demon Clan surveyed the surrounding atmosphere. The Chief understood Baek Moo-jin’s character. Despite killing the Demon Soul Sect Leader, he hadn’t killed them all, just as the Chief had anticipated. The Chief approached Mokseon, who stood with a dazed expression.

“Greetings, Elder Mokseon.”

Moksun turned to the commander and said.

“What? You’re still alive?”

“Yes.”

“How did you survive? The Five Armies clearly…”

At Moksun’s words, the commander looked around and said.

“Am I the only one who survived? Look here. Baek Moo-jin is that kind of man.”

“Hmm… Even if we all followed him, he was the kind to refuse.”

At those words, the commander smiled faintly.

“It’s only natural. The secret agent was the same.”

“What do you mean?”

“Isn’t he being mistaken for a demon? The lowly ones are watching. Accepting the Demon-Sealing Badge in that position is madness.”

Moksun looked at the commander.

The commander spoke.

“For the time being, Elder Moksun must lead as the elder. What can these people do?”

“And you?”

“I’ll just keep doing what I’ve always done. But since even the secret demon carriage has vanished, I’ll assist you. Ah, we must be cautious about the name Demon Cult now too. Since Lord Baek issued a warning…”

Moksun was a man who had spent his entire life holding a brush, writing or reading books. He was well-versed in the history of the martial world, but he lacked the ability to directly manage the Demon-Hunting Sect. Yet, when the Chief Administrator blurted out words he didn’t immediately understand and expressed his intention to help clean up the mess, Moksun felt relieved.

“For now, you handle the cleanup.”

The chief steward bowed his head to Mokseon as he spoke.

“I humbly request your guidance. Please assist me greatly, Elder.”

Moksun, who had been silent, nodded and quietly uttered the words he had been hesitating to say.

“I’ll give you a list soon. It’s the spies I’ve weeded out… You handle them.”

“Understood.”

After Moksun left, the commander stood with his hands behind his back, observing the remaining Mahonjong forces. They were all working to repair the wreckage or clean up, their expressions lost. Some aimless stragglers wandered about, unsure what to do, while others, like the commander, seemed to be watching for an opportunity. It was a predictable outcome the moment they lost their powerful leader, the Mahonjong Lord.

The commander moved to a quieter spot with the subordinates he had brought along from the secret investigation unit and spoke with them. One subordinate asked.

“What are your plans from here?”

The commander answered indifferently.

“First, let’s reduce our numbers.”

“Reduce our numbers?”

“I mean the forces of the Magas. Some will want to return, some will be utterly fed up, and some will be traitors. We must weed them out to create an elite force.”

“And after forming an elite force, will you engage Baek Moo-jin in a decisive battle?”

When one subordinate asked without a clue… the commander, realizing it was a joke, burst out laughing.

“Haha.”

“Hahaha.”

The commander laughed first, then scolded the subordinates who followed suit.

“Stop laughing.”

“Yes.”

“Is this a time to laugh?”

“No.”

“Look over there.”

The commander pointed at the ship, which was growing smaller and smaller. The vessel carrying Baek Moo-jin and his party was gradually fading into the distance.

“It doesn’t matter that he doesn’t want us. I’d wager my entire fortune that if anyone in this martial world faced off against Lord Baek, Lord Baek would win. But even he would struggle against the lowly. Everything is blurred over there. He could have already made us all his subordinates. He refused. But he didn’t kill us either. I can’t tell if he’s a demonic cultivator or a righteous one. But when the Baek Clan Leader needs forces, we’ll be there. That’s my plan. And it’s also the wager I’m making with the Baek Clan Leader.”

“What kind of contest is that? Last time, Baekgwi also said the General was good at betting…”

“Doesn’t Lord Baek regard me as little more than a stone rolling by the roadside? I must show him that’s not the case. Personally, it’s a wager on whether he’ll recognize me as a man. The day will come when Lord Baek will seize control from us. Those who feel uneasy, leave. I won’t hold you back. And I won’t kill you either. I’ve learned that’s Lord Baek’s way.”

“Suppose we help Lord Baek achieve everything he intends to do, as you say, General. What happens after that?”

The subordinates looked at the General.

Then the General gave an answer that pierced the essence of the world.

“If that happens, we become the lowly of the next era.”

“······.”

This time, the subordinates thought the Commander was joking and burst into laughter again. But this time, the Commander spoke with a stern expression.

“Lord Baek is neither a demonic cultivator nor a righteous cultivator. He is a challenger who stands against the powerful. If he wins, the hidden ruler of the martial world will be renamed Baek Mujin. The factional war is over. The power struggle remains. There is only one seat. I have placed my bet on Baek Mujin. Let only those who join me remain.”

The Chief Administrator headed toward the main headquarters as if to carry out his usual duties. Of course, not a single person left. Though they felt things were taking a strange turn, the Chief Administrator’s words were increasingly weighing on their hearts.

Create the next generation’s Bicheonju?

Aren’t we magicians?

Yet at that moment, a thought crossed the minds of those who remained.

How can we know if the Heavenly Lord is a demon or a righteous path?

The lowly are simply the lowly…

2.

The commander’s thoughts were merely his own ambition, tangled with delusion and greed. The commander was the commander, and Baek Moo-jin was Baek Moo-jin.

Baek Moo-jin and his party, having disembarked at Soryuho, returned to the inn where Dang Gwi-soon had gone to buy food ingredients, feeling refreshed, and rested there.

The composition was peculiar.

Kwonwang and Dowang were clearly figures of the White Path, but Lee Neung-so was different. While his martial prowess was so high that no one could stop him from appearing here and there, he was fundamentally someone who openly provoked conflict with figures of the White Path.

Yet, Yi Neung-so was the one talking the most.

“He’s a proper villain, isn’t he?”

He was referring to the Demon King.

Even Kwonwang and Dowang had to acknowledge it. If he were a lesser figure, he wouldn’t have invited Baek Mujin to a duel. In a way, he could be considered an even more peculiar figure than Lee Neung-so. Lee Neung-so addressed Baek Mujin.

“What does Lord Baek intend to do now?”

As everyone’s gaze turned to him, Baek Moo-jin replied.

“For now, I shall wait here for Seo Mun-geuk and Hong Yu-gang, the family head.”

“And then?”

Baek Moo-jin looked at Yi Neung-so.

He hesitated to reveal his plans to someone he had only recently met. Hanjung was nearby. To the north lay the Jongnam Sect and the Huashan Sect; having come to Hanjung, he intended to visit these sects. Yet another thought also occupied his mind.

‘Should I establish a foothold in Hanzhong?’

Baek Moo-jin had let the Mahon Sect’s forces go, but the moment he saw them, he couldn’t help but ponder the matter of ‘subordinates’.

The Snow Mountain Bai Clan was his family.

Marrying, gathering retainers, and raising children would take a long time. He needed power before that. After all, the Northern Alliance and the Ximen Clan were merely allies, and the Sunghwa Palace still fell under his father-in-law’s influence.

Bai Wuzhen needed direct subordinates.

‘I must establish a martial arts sect.’

The thought of a martial sect made Hong Yugang come to mind even more. Additionally, he needed to reclaim the wealth he had gathered within the North Heaven Alliance.

Lost in these thoughts, Baek Moo-jin casually brushed off Lee Neung-so’s question with a different response.

“I have no immediate plans. For now, we should drink, eat… and rest. With the Demon Soul Sect Leader defeated, what trouble could possibly arise in the Northern Martial World for the time being?”

The drinking party lasted late into the night. Returning to his room, Baek Moo-jin revealed his plans to Jin So-hye, now alone with her.

“Sohye.”

“Yes.”

“We need to establish a martial arts sect.”

“A sect? What about the Northern Alliance?”

Jin Sohye didn’t immediately grasp Baek Moo-jin’s plan and waited for his explanation. Baek Moo-jin said.

“Not a force built by others… but one I will create myself.”

“You mean take on disciples?”

“Only disciples?”

“Then what?”

Baek Moo-jin smiled as he looked at Jin So-hye.

‘Including our own children—whether sons or daughters.’

Jin Sohye asked.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Hmm, no. Come to think of it, once our children are born… no, our disciples will learn it for now… but I realize it will be difficult to pass down the Baekhwa Divine Art.”

“Huh?”

Only then did Jin Sohye begin to grasp a bit of Baek Mujin’s meaning, though the full implication still eluded her.

“If you can’t pass down the White Flower Divine Art, how do you plan to establish a sect?”

Baek Moo-jin replied with a bitter expression.

“Even if I teach the White Flower Divine Art, it’ll be hard for them to become as strong as me. What I possess was prepared by the previous sect masters… In a way, it’s a rare case. But if my disciple or child were to learn the White Flower Divine Art, they wouldn’t be able to wield it like I do. They’d be prime targets for ridicule. It’s like using a paddle. The White Flower Divine Art is a martial art that yields results with great difficulty. To learn it effectively, one must go to the snowy mountains to train.”

“Then what will you teach them, and how?”

At that, Baek Moo-jin gave a surprising answer.

“I’ll have to create it myself.”

Jin Sohye’s eyes widened.

“Create it…”

“I must leave behind martial arts of the righteous path—ones my disciples, my descendants, can master to become a pillar of the martial world.”

“But you can’t just let the White Flower Divine Skill die out.”

Baek Moo-jin nodded.

“I’ll ponder that later. I have no intention of doing so either. However, when I establish a sect, I plan to personally create martial arts suitable for most disciples to use.”

“What about weapons?”

“Swords, of course.”

Jin Sohye nodded.

Baek Moo-jin revealed his plan.

“I’ll take in many disciples. Young children, as much as possible… And I’ll limit the number of children I teach personally.”

“Hmm…”

Baek Moo-jin continued, imagining the future form of the martial arts sect he would establish.

“It will be large in scale. I’ll buy a vast piece of land somewhere in Hanjung, even if it feels a bit empty at first… We’ll fill it up step by step.”

“Why such a large place? If you’re just teaching a few disciples for now, wouldn’t starting in a small space be fine?”

Baek Moo-jin shook his head.

“No, I plan to hold a martial arts tournament there. It’s unrelated to teaching disciples.”

“A martial arts tournament?”

“A martial arts tournament to determine the best under heaven.”

“It seems to be growing in scale more and more. Is there a particular reason you insist on holding it in Hanzhong?”

Baek Moo-jin nodded.

“The old Gu Pai faction has established itself here. The Huashan faction, which claimed the role of leader, isn’t far either. We should hold the martial arts tournament here to draw the crowds.”

Jin Sohye tilted her head.

‘Martial arts tournaments were usually led by the Nangong Clan… Could my brother’s reputation make it possible?’

Jin Sohye was mistaken. Baek Mujin’s fame was already firmly established in the Northern Martial World. Moreover, once news spread that he had killed the Demon King, Baek Mujin’s name would resound throughout the entire martial world once more. Furthermore, the Sword King, the Fist King, and Yi Neungso were here with him now. The kings’ testimonies would elevate Baek Mujin’s fame even higher, so there was no need to worry about his reputation.

Jin Sohye asked.

“Why did you suddenly start thinking about founding a sect?”

At her words, Baek Moo-jin smiled and replied.

“Because I don’t want to fight alone.”

“Huh? But I have people too. Brother Seo Mun and the North Heaven Alliance.”

Baek Moo-jin sighed.

“Having many comrades is good. But it’ll be hard for my descendants. To be precise, it’ll be hard for the Snow Mountain Hundred Families. Rumors about me being the White Flower Demon… the origin of my martial arts will be brought up too. I don’t know who the Heavenly Fallen are, but judging by their information network, martial arts, and actions, they might be an alliance of major powers. Even if I immediately embark on a reign of conquest, visiting the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families to challenge them to duels, the Heavenly Fallen might not show up. That said, it’s not like the Heavenly Fallen and I are clear enemies either. So, we have to compete in a different way.”

“By establishing a sect and training disciples?”

Baek Moo-jin nodded.

“It would be best to settle our rivalry before that… But if they keep acting like a secret society and digging into my affairs… I need to strengthen my foundation too. Develop martial arts techniques and build my power base.”

“I understand to some extent.”

Baek Moo-jin smiled.

“Alright.”

“Then how can I help you?”

When Jin Sohye widened her eyes, asking how she could help, Baek Moo-jin suddenly burst out laughing.

“Hahaha.”

“Ah, why are you laughing?”

“Nothing.”

“So, how can I help?”

Baek Moo-jin stroked his chin as he spoke.

“Once you’re settled in Hanjung, your father-in-law… Hmm, that sounds odd. Anyway, let’s bring your father here and hold the wedding ceremony. Or we could do it at Sunghwa Palace Palace.”

Jin Sohye glared at Baek Moo-jin and said.

“Wow, how can you propose marriage in such an unromantic way?”

“Ah, I guess I just got carried away explaining the plan.”

Baek Moo-jin spoke with a more tense expression than ever before as Jin So-hye glared at him.

“Hmm… Why the sudden change in expression?”

“I’m feeling stifled anyway, let’s just do it.”

Jin Sohye abruptly stood up and walked outside. Baek Moo-jin watched her back and thought.

‘Hmm, when So-hye gets angry, she’s definitely scarier than the Demon King.’

Baek Moo-jin got up and followed Jin So-hye. He simply thought that if Jin So-hye was angry, it must be his fault.

Before establishing a sect, taking disciples, forming a faction, allying with the North Heaven Alliance and the West Gate Clan, and rallying those gathered under the name White Hero Alliance back under the sect’s banner, he needed to appease Jin Sohye first. After all, Jin Sohye was the most important person to Baek Moo-jin. Whether he realized it or not…

Jin Sohye, seated in the spacious area, drew the Silver-Lined Sword from her waist and said.

“I should go to the Holy Sword Palace and get a sword for myself too. If you plan to teach future generations with a sword, brother.”

“Hmm, yes.”

Baek Moo-jin couldn’t have been more grateful for the fact that he was stronger than Jin So-hye. He nodded and replied.

“Ready?”

As Baek Moo-jin drew his sword and watched, Jin So-hye swung the Silver-Lined Blade with more fierce intensity than usual, without a word. Sparks danced before Baek Moo-jin’s eyes. Clang! After parrying the Silver-Lined Blade, Baek Moo-jin reaffirmed his resolve once more.

‘I need to watch my words.’

Baek Moo-jin returned to a serious expression, parrying the Silver-Lined Blade while pressing Jin So-hye back. And he resolved: Before teaching disciples and children, he would make Jin So-hye far stronger than she was now.

Baek Moo-jin’s Sect End