Chapter 103 : Chapter 103

Chapter 103: The Chase (1)

There may be various ways to solve the problem at hand, but in the grand scheme of things, it eventually converges into two paths.

The first is to crush the problem itself with overwhelming force.

Those who prefer this method break the obstacles in front of them and crush the opponents who block them.

This is a method usually preferred by those with a disposition like the Emperor Breaker Yeom Gi-ha.

In the Jianghu Murim, overwhelming force is like a shortcut to solving all problems, so in the case of an exceptional person like Yeom Gi-ha, it could also be called an excellent method.

However, it cannot be denied that the Jianghu Murim is full of troubles because even those with ambiguous power try to solve problems only with force.

The second is to solve problems through strategy or dialogue.

Those who prefer this method seek to either bypass the problem itself in an extraordinary way or to persuade the opponent to make the problem itself non-existent.

This is a method usually preferred by people like Singija.

For reference, those who prefer strategy and dialogue usually end up evaluating people like Yeom Gi-ha, who try to solve everything with force, as ignorant, eccentric, stupid, arrogant, incorrigible, and so on.

The reason why Singija dislikes Yeom Gi-ha or feels anxious as if he were a child left by the water is because such psychology is at the bottom of it.

The reason why I can guess Singija's inner thoughts well is not for any other reason.

It's because Myeong-gae's way of solving problems also resembled the so-called Singija's way.

That's right. It means our minds are connected.

Beggars often tried to solve problems with force because they were often uneducated, and I imagine my feelings looking at them were not much different from Singija's feelings looking at Yeom Gi-ha.

Anyway…….

Ma Sok and I are currently facing a big problem.

It means we are at a crossroads where we have to choose between strategy and force.

“How is your body?”

“I'm fine, thanks to you.”

Ma Sok answered firmly, but I shook my head slightly.

“It's just a temporary measure.”

I am not a physician.

Although I managed to calm Ma Sok's agitated state, where his qi and blood were in turmoil, by using acupoint stimulation with the help of the Stabilizing Immortal Fruit, it would be difficult to call it a complete cure.

In truth, I know that completely curing a martial artist who has been on the verge of Qi Deviation in a short period of time is a realm that is impossible even for most physicians.

It would be possible for a divine physician (神醫), but am I not just an ordinary physician, let alone a divine one?

The fortunate thing is…….

“Since you have taken the Stabilizing Immortal Fruit, there is no need to seek a separate physician. You will recover in about three days.”

That Ma Sok had taken the Stabilizing Immortal Fruit.

Since he had taken a mystery of the Jianghu Murim, it would be better than most physicians.

As if he knew the name of the Stabilizing Immortal Fruit, a hint of admiration briefly appeared in Ma Sok's gaze as he looked at me.

But Ma Sok's complexion soon darkened again.

“But……”

“But you can't do that.”

Ma Sok started to speak, but I cut him off.

How could I not know that Ma Sok is a person who cannot take care of his own body for three days in a situation where Yeo-wol has been kidnapped?

“Where should we go? Lead the way.”

There is no time to delay.

Although it would be to overwork Ma Sok, I know that this is the way to help him.

It was also for Yeo-wol, who must be suffering somewhere.

“……Thank you.”

“Let's go.”

“Yes.”

As I said before, I do not prefer to solve problems with force.

But I also know that there are times when problems must be solved with force.

Since I have accumulated enough power so far, this would also be a good method.

Therefore, in this case, I chose to use force.

Perhaps my recent actions with the Emperor Breaker had influenced my disposition.

Furthermore, it was a situation where I also needed to move quickly.

This was because I had discovered an unusual sign in the process of stimulating Ma Sok's acupoints.

Although I didn't tell Ma Sok because it was still just a suspicion without clear evidence, it was an intuition close to certainty.

In Ma Sok's blood vessels, I think I clearly smelled the lingering scent of demonic qi.

If my guess is correct, the unidentified assailant that Ma Sok talked about will have a connection to the Hidden Shadow.

Whether one solves a problem with force or with strategy and dialogue, the important thing is that rational and cool-headed thinking is necessary.

I know that when solving a problem, heightened emotions become the starting point for ruining things.

Even people like the Emperor Breaker Yeom Gi-ha, who at first glance seem to act without considering the consequences due to their hot-tempered nature, I know that they all move with thorough calculation.

-Kwahahaha. I am the Emperor Breaker Yeom Gi-ha! I will smash everything to pieces!

Well, if not, then there's nothing to be done about it.

Anyway…….

Since my basic disposition is cool-headed and calculating, it would be inevitable for me to consider many things.

This is the same even now that I have decided to solve it with force.

It is the same reason why the ancient sages emphasized the importance of the Golden Mean (中庸).

It would be right for cool-headed thinking to start by assuming the worst-case scenario.

“Will the Mistress of the Pavilion still be alive?”

The worst I thought of was this.

In truth, this was also the most important question.

This is because Ma Sok's answer to this would act as a watershed that determines the future course of action.

“Hmm……”

As if he didn't expect me to ask so directly, Ma Sok's expression wavered for a moment.

“Please answer as objectively as possible.”

Kidnapping is not a common method in the Jianghu Murim.

I know that in the age of barbarism before the framework of 'chivalry' (俠) was established in the Jianghu Murim, human trafficking was prevalent, but this too was just a culture of the common people.

In most cases, the crime of kidnapping is committed for profit, but there are almost no ways to profit from kidnapping a martial artist.

Moreover, aren't Geombigak and Yeo-wol rivals competing for the position of successor?

Since killing the opponent would bring greater profit than kidnapping them, the possibility that Yeo-wol has already lost her life cannot be ruled out.

“……She will be alive.”

“Please answer with certainty.”

“She is alive.”

In truth, it was an answer I had expected.

If he hadn't been sure that Yeo-wol was alive, Ma Sok would have asked me to help with revenge, not to rescue her.

“May I know the reason?”

“It is the law of the Rogues' Guild. Geombigak is a greedy person, so he will not make the mistake of violating the law himself and having his qualifications revoked.”

“Hmm?”

“In the laws of the Rogues' Guild……”

Only after hearing Ma Sok's detailed explanation did I learn about the law of the Rogues' Guild successor competition that the branch lords could not kill each other.

Since Myeong-gae was not an omniscient (全知) being, it was a natural fact.

Even if I had regressed, how would I have known about the laws for the Rogues' Guild successor competition?

Anyway, my impression after grasping the situation was…….

“That's a relief.”

This was it.

It was a statement filled with sincerity.

It meant that I was relieved that my friend, the Mistress of the Flower Moon Pavilion, Yeo-wol, was alive, but it was also because the path I would walk now might not be the murderous path of an avenger.

Nevertheless, a question follows.

“If so, what is Geombigak's objective?”

“Hmm.”

Only then did Ma Sok begin to deliberate.

I guessed that he hadn't had the chance to think about such things, having rushed to me in a state where his qi and blood were exhausted after the sudden attack and kidnapping.

“I can wait, so take your time and think.”

I know that sometimes, moving slowly is the way to solve problems quickly.

Moving with a clear direction is the way to arrive at the destination faster than moving blindly.

Ma Sok, who had been deliberating for a while, reached a conclusion.

“Imprisonment.”

In that short phrase, a complete meaning was contained.

I agree with Ma Sok's opinion.

Perhaps he intended to put a brake on the Mistress of the Flower Moon Pavilion's growing power by kidnapping and imprisoning her.

I had a thought that perhaps it was something brought about by the Immaculate Pomegranate I had given to Yeo-wol and the Fleeceflower Root colony I had informed her about.

“Doesn't that violate the law?”

“He did not take her life, so it would not be a violation.”

Ma Sok's expression darkened as he answered so.

“How about requesting mediation from the leader of the Rogues' Guild?”

“……Since Geombigak has not violated any part of the law, that would also be impossible.”

“Even though it's kidnapping and confinement?”

“The law only regulates murder.”

“Hmm.”

Although it was called a law, it was ultimately the standard of the Evil Faction. One could not expect things like compassion.

But if the law is the problem, then shouldn't the solution be found in that law?

“By any chance, is there a law that a third party cannot intervene?”

Ma Sok's stiff lips, which had realized my intention, loosened for the first time.

“There is not.”

That was enough.

“Do you know Geombigak's base?”

“He would not have left Anhui.”

I nodded at Ma Sok's words.

“Give me a moment.”

“Yes.”

With Ma Sok in tow, I went to Chun-baek hyung.

Since it was a time when preparations were needed for an unforeseen situation, there was no one more reliable than Chun-baek hyung.

“Chun-baek hyung, I need your help.”

“Tell me.”

I explained the plan to Chun-baek hyung.

“Hmm…… it won't be easy.”

“I'm always sorry.”

“Not at all. I will succeed, so trust me.”

“Thank you.”

As expected.

Chun-baek hyung did not betray my trust.

A pavilion located on the outskirts of the city, in a remote place where one could not expect any security from the authorities.

Thwack!

“Keuk.”

Thud.

The guard, struck by a palm that flew out of the darkness, lost consciousness without knowing why.

Although it was a stealthiness like that of an assassin, I had no intention of continuing to move stealthily like this.

Bang!

“Geombigak! Come out!”

As if reflecting that sentiment, Ma Sok, who had knocked out the guard, roared as he kicked the entrance of the pavilion roughly.

He looked like a ferocious beast that had lost its cub.

Clang!

“Who goes there!”

“Where do you think you are!”

“You crazy bastard!”

“I'll tear you limb from limb!”

Vicious figures drew their weapons, spewing vulgar words.

“Where is Geombigak?”

“What are you talking about?”

“He seems crazy.”

“Can we kill him?”

“Kwahahaha.”

As if this situation were normal, the vicious figures did not give Ma Sok an answer and just chuckled.

The killing intent contained in their laughter showed the internal energy of the men.

“You're the kind who'll only listen after a beating. Shut up and just come at me.”

Without minding the bloodlust, Ma Sok smiled viciously and spoke arrogantly.

Everyone inside the pavilion was an extraordinary figure.

They all had rugged appearances, and some even had knife scars on their faces.

But Ma Sok knew.

The fact that the only extraordinary thing about them was their faces (面).

This was because he knew that they were all good-for-nothings who roamed around the third-rate to second-rate level.

For a master of Ma Sok's caliber, it was a vast gap that made it difficult to even try to be tense.

Tat!

Ma Sok flew into the midst of the good-for-nothings.

Even if he was not in a perfect state now, he was a master who had crossed the threshold of the State of Harmony.

He was not a person who could be defeated by good-for-nothings.

Even if wounded, a ferocious beast is still a ferocious beast.

No, he had to show them that sometimes, a wounded ferocious beast is more dangerous.

Crack!

“Ugh!”

Crack-!

“Keoheok!”

Ma Sok's unhindered handiwork as he beat down the good-for-nothings was proving that fact.

“Kill him!”

“This bastard! How dare you!”

Despite Ma Sok's imposing presence, the good-for-nothings did not cower and rushed at him.

It wasn't that they were brave, but because the gap was so large that they hadn't noticed Ma Sok's sublimity.

But this was recklessness, and…….

Crack-!

“Keub!”

Crack!

“Keueok!”

They received back the results of their recklessness as they were.

It is said that the law of the Jianghu Murim is that if you don't know, you learn by being beaten.

Although Ma Sok's handiwork seemed rough at first glance, it was not actually that cruel, so no good-for-nothings lost their lives.

Perhaps those good-for-nothings had encountered a stroke of heavenly luck.