Chapter 13 …
Chapter 7: Discipline (2)
Yeongjin, the head of the Jeomchang Sect, was of the Gi-jong faction, but he didn’t particularly feel any aversion toward the Geom-jong faction.
On the contrary, he possessed a flexible mindset, believing that whether Gi-jong or Geom-jong, one should accept the good qualities of each without prejudice.
Thus, he respected Yeongho, who could be considered the only Geom-jong member in the Jeomchang Sect.
Recently, as Mujin gained prominence through various incidents, Yeongjin had even shown genuine joy.
He saw Mujin as the great hope to revive the weakened Jeomchang Sect.
After Mujin’s confrontation with Jinyoung, many Jeomchang disciples began following Yeongho, the Geom-jong member, which Yeongjin also noticed.
He thought that this event could serve as a good opportunity for the Jeomchang Sect to take a step forward.
However, the thinking of the other staunch Gi-jong elders was sharply different from Yeongjin’s.
“Headmaster, we’ve gathered the elders’ opinions. Please make the decision.”
Yeongcheol, Yeongsu, Yeongmu, Yeongji, and other key elders of the Jeomchang Sect came to Yeongjin together.
Representing the elders, Yeongcheol pressed Yeongjin almost as if to intimidate him.
“Huh…”
Yeongjin exhaled, clearly troubled, at the elders’ resolution to discipline Mujin.
“Brother Yeongcheol, isn’t a severe punishment a bit too extreme?”
Yeongjin carefully expressed his opinion.
The elders were not asking for a mild reprimand—they demanded a severe one.
Having grown fond of Mujin through recent events, Yeongjin was reluctant.
“Even if it was a duel, he unleashed lethal techniques on Saji! Lethal techniques! If we don’t punish such a man, then who will we punish?”
“Still, a severe punishment…”
“Ah!”
Yeongcheol, already imposing and fierce in appearance, became even more forceful, causing Yeongjin to shrink back.
Though Yeongjin was officially the top-ranking head of the Jeomchang Sect, in practical terms, Yeongcheol held just as much authority.
Yeongcheol was not only Yeongjin’s senior brother, a master martial artist, and terrifying in demeanor, but he also held the position of chief elder in the core council of the Jeomchang Sect.
In contrast, Yeongjin was kind and excelled in administrative leadership but was weak in martial arts and somewhat timid.
So, despite being formally first in rank, Yeongjin was practically just a figurehead.
“Is this truly the will of all the elders?”
“It is.”
Yeongjin summoned his courage to speak again, but Yeongcheol waved his hand dismissively.
“Brother Yeongmu, do you share this view?”
Yeongjin turned his gaze to Yeongmu.
Yeongmu was the strongest in the Jeomchang Sect, held firm convictions, and was Jinyoung’s master in this incident.
If he opposed the elders, Yeongjin might have had a stronger voice.
“…I share the same view as Brother Yeongcheol.”
“Ah… I see…”
Yeongmu’s expression was not particularly bright either.
Nonetheless, since Yeongmu agreed with Yeongcheol, Yeongjin had no choice but to yield.
“Very well. I will follow the opinions of Brother Yeongcheol and the other elders.”
“A wise decision.”
“But even with a severe punishment, Mujin must never be expelled from the sect or have his martial arts nullified. Understood?”
“Heh… I now understand how much Headmaster cherishes Mujin. Perhaps you’ve grown interested in the martial arts of the Geom-jong faction?”
Yeongcheol sneered at Yeongjin’s protective stance over Mujin.
“That is not the case. I simply value Mujin’s abilities and wish this much to be preserved.”
“Very well.”
Satisfied, Yeongcheol gave a broad smile.
“Then we shall take our leave.”
“Yes.”
After bowing lightly, Yeongcheol left the headmaster’s quarters, followed by the other elders.
“Brother, weren’t you originally planning to nullify Mujin’s martial arts and confine him to the Repentance Peak?”
As soon as the elders stepped outside, Yeongji, the head of the Hyungui Hall, asked with concern.
“That was the plan.”
“Then what shall we do now? The headmaster has ordered that we do not nullify his martial arts…”
“Heh heh heh. Isn’t it simple? Just don’t nullify his martial arts.”
“What do you mean?”
He whispered something into Yeongji’s ear with a sly grin.
“Ah!”
“In Hyungui Hall, handle it as I instructed.”
“Understood.”
Thanks to Mujin, who had been acting recklessly lately, Yeongho had been somewhat troubled. But now he finally felt relieved.
“Servants can get cocky when they have a good disciple, but now it’s perfectly deserved.”
Having lost everything and relegated to the backrooms, Yeongho now carried Mujin on his back, brimming with pride.
Yeongcheol despised this the most, but thinking of the suffering Mujin would soon endure, he couldn’t help but grin maliciously.
At Hyungui Hall, which handled punishments, Mujin’s penalty was determined swiftly.
As usual, Yeongsu, who conveyed news from the sect headquarters, came to inform Yeongho of the result.
“The punishment for Mujin from Hyungui Hall has been decided.”
“Very well. Tell me.”
Many disciples of the Jeomchang Sect were visiting Yeongho’s residence.
He had already heard that Yeongcheol and the other elders were scheming against Mujin.
It was hardly surprising—they had long felt threatened by Mujin’s prominence.
Moreover, the incident with Saji Jinyoung provided the perfect excuse.
“He will be confined to Repentance Peak for five years, with his internal energy sealed.”
“Hahahahaha!”
Yeongho laughed loudly in disbelief at the outcome.
“You may feel discontent… but thanks to the headmaster’s order to not expel Mujin or nullify his martial arts, it ends here.”
“Truly, the headmaster’s grace is boundless. Hahaha!”
After laughing, Yeongho glanced at the expressionless Mujin quietly standing behind him.
“Are you okay with this?”
“Well… the punishment isn’t as severe as I thought.”
“Five years in Repentance Peak is not a short time. And with your internal energy sealed…”
Yeongho frowned.
“If you can’t train your martial arts properly, it will severely impact your daily life.”
“Yes…”
Yeongho nodded; indeed, sealing internal energy for five years would prevent proper martial arts training and might even permanently damage it.
Yet, despite the severity, Mujin remained calm, showing only a shadow of emotion.
“Master, is my crime that I inflicted lethal techniques on Saji during the duel, causing serious injury?”
“Yes.”
“Serious injury…? At first glance, it seemed bloody, but they were mostly minor wounds, right?”
“….”
Yeongsu could not respond, seemingly stung by Mujin’s words.
“Jinyoung was indeed injured. And even if he hadn’t been seriously injured, the fact remains that lethal techniques were unleashed.”
“Are you claiming that you adjusted your power and deliberately missed vital points?”
“It’s possible.”
“Even if true, no one would believe it.”
“I can demonstrate it.”
“Hm?”
―Clang!
Mujin drew his long sword with a faint smile.
“See for yourself whether my words are false.”
―Flash! Flash! Flash! Flash! Flash!
Before Yeongsu could react, Mujin executed his 36-Sword Specter Technique.
Thirty sword lights surrounded a thick tree, just as they had aimed at Jinyoung.
―Chachachachatt!
“Whoa!”
Yeongsu gasped in shock.
Astonishingly, all thirty sword lights had only shaved the bark thinly—nothing more.
Mujin’s claim was true.
“See? Doesn’t this prove my words?”
Grinning proudly, Mujin addressed the astonished Yeongsu.
“Impressive… really remarkable.”
“Still, it won’t change anything.”
“Hm?”
“Jinyoung likely wasn’t seriously injured, but they’ll find some pretext to punish me.”
“….”
“Yeongcheol is probably behind it all.”
“You insolent! Watch your words!”
“Yes, yes.”
Yeongsu snapped in anger at Mujin’s piercing words.
“When will Mujin be sent to Repentance Peak?”
Yeongho asked.
“Tomorrow, Hyungui Hall will come to escort him. His internal energy will be sealed immediately, and he’ll be sent to Repentance Peak.”
“Very well. You may go now.”
“Yes… take care.”
Yeongsu bowed respectfully and left.
Seeing Yeongho so deflated made him feel guilty, but there was nothing he could do.
“Are you really okay with this?”
“Of course. For five years, I can focus entirely on training, uninterrupted. Though it’s unfortunate I won’t receive your guidance.”
Mujin smiled.
“Once internal energy is sealed… proper martial arts training will be difficult.”
“Master, don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”
“Yes…”
“Moreover, I have something to teach you.”
Mujin’s expression grew serious.
“Hm? Teach me what?”
“Master, please do not question what I’m about to teach.”
“What are you talking about?”
With a mysterious tone, Mujin continued.
“The heart technique I will teach you handles innate energy.”
“Innate energy?”
“It’s called the Honyon Divine Skill. By mastering it, Master, you can use innate energy.”
Mujin’s eyes were unwavering.
“This means you will be able to use internal energy, stronger than the normal internal energy people use.”
“Huh…”
Yeongho’s jaw dropped at Mujin’s shocking revelation.
“You may have many questions, but please don’t ask yet. There will be time. Now, we must begin training immediately.”
“Uh… alright…”
Faced with Mujin’s determination, Yeongho reluctantly accepted the Honyon Divine Skill.
Honyon Divine Skill!
The legendary supreme heart technique that had made Salwang Cheon Mundeok one of the true Five Kings of the Rogue Sect.
