Heavenly Inquisition Sword Novel - Chapter 276
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Chapter 276: Bodhisattvas Fear Causes, Commoners Fear Effects
Jang Mudeok, the Apprentice of the Supreme Tao, listened with an impassive expression before he finally spoke.
“Did you say you are Yuk Jishin of the Beggar’s Sect?”
“Yes, yes.”
“Long ago, it was said that a beggar’s bowl didn’t discriminate between good and bad.”
Yuk Jishin forced a smile and replied.
“Yes, it used to be that way. But nowadays, we don’t associate with the Evil Faction.”
“Really? I’ve heard that there are still beggars frequenting the Yoomyung Cult. I suppose they aren’t from the Beggar’s Sect.”
“They… are not true members of the Beggar’s Sect.”
Yuk Jishin mumbled, visibly uncomfortable.
Not all beggars from the Beggar’s Sect were loyal to the Heaven and Earth Alliance. Some branch leaders maintained close relationships with the Yoomyung Cult.
Jang Mudeok continued to watch Yuk Jishin calmly as he spoke.
“Think about how your advice to avoid Five Peaks Mountain might be perceived. It could be enough to arouse suspicion. It’s not something that should come from someone from the Beggar’s Sect who hasn’t discovered anything in two months.”
“My apologies.”
Yuk Jishin offered no excuses and lowered his head, acknowledging there was no fault in Jang Mudeok’s words.
Seeing Yuk Jishin’s slumped shoulders, Jang Mudeok consoled him.
“I don’t doubt your loyalty. I know the leader and elders of the Beggar’s Sect work for the common good.”
“In comparison to the Seven Great Sects, we are insignificant.”
Jang Mudeok’s praise brought a spark of life back to Yuk Jishin’s downcast face.
“Don’t worry about Five Peaks Mountain. We will take care of it. By the way, has the Beggar’s Sect investigated the mountain?”
“In truth, everyone is afraid, so not yet…”
“I understand. If you remember anything else, don’t hesitate to tell me. We will be in Gyogu for a while.”
“Yes.”
Yuk Jishin bowed deeply and returned to the temple.
Moyong Hwang, the Head of the Moyong Family, watched the temple with an ambiguous expression and commented.
“I’m not sure how much to believe him.”
Mu Beop, the Leader of the Shaolin Sect, nodded in agreement.
“Namo Amitabha. While it is proper to trust them, the actions of the Beggar’s Sect have been inconsistent. What does Leader Jang think?”
Moyong Hwang, Mu Beop, Jegal Joongyeong, and Jang Kangho all turned their gazes to Jang Mudeok.
“We will discover the truth as we investigate Gyogu. We will see whether Yuk Jishin is telling the truth or not.”
“Leader, what do you plan to do about Five Peaks Mountain?”
Jegal Joongyeong asked, to which Jang Mudeok responded with another question.
“What do you think? Should we investigate Five Peaks Mountain or leave it?”
He looked at him with a challenging expression, as if expecting Jegal Joongyeong to demonstrate the cunning of his family.
Jegal Joongyeong avoided an immediate response, still stunned by Yuk Jishin’s unexpected warning.
Jang Mudeok, as if he had lost hope in the Jegal Family, looked away.
“Damn it! He is as impatient as they say.”
Just as Jegal Joongyeong was about to speak, the sound of horse hooves echoed, and a group appeared at the end of the road.
Jegal Joongyeong looked with regret at the newcomers, recognizing his missed opportunity.
Seeing the flags and uniforms, he deduced it was the magistrate of Gyogu.
Before he could express his thoughts, Jang Kangho, the former Justice Alliance Leader, spoke first.
“It seems to be the magistrate of Gyogu.”
“Really? He arrived faster than expected.”
“He must be desperate. It’s been over two months since the incident.”
“He seems to be a magistrate who cares about the people. He’s taking the trouble to come in person.”
While Jang Mudeok and Jang Kangho conversed, the officials quickly approached.
One of them looked at Jang Mudeok’s group and asked.
“I am Jin Yubaek, magistrate of Gyogu. I heard you are from the Heaven and Earth Alliance. Who is the Apprentice of the Supreme Tao, Jang Mudeok?”
“I am Jang Mudeok.”
When Jang Mudeok spoke, Jin Yubaek bowed deeply.
“Oh, it’s an honor to meet you. I’ve heard much about you. It’s an honor to meet you.”
“Thank you. What brings you here?”
“I heard you’re investigating the murders in Gyogu. Is that true?”
“We are here to determine if the Yoomyung Cult is involved.”
“Oh, how wonderful! We haven’t found any clues, and the rumors won’t stop. Please help us.”
“Understood. We will inform you if we find anything new.”
Jang Mudeok promised to inform the magistrate even though he hadn’t asked.
Jin Yubaek, oblivious to this consideration, expressed his gratitude repeatedly.
For someone accustomed to the coldness of Murim warriors, Jang Mudeok’s kindness was surprising.
After a brief conversation, Jang Mudeok introduced his group to the magistrate.
After the introductions, Jegal Joongyeong asked.
“Magistrate Jin, you mentioned disturbing rumors. Could you specify?”
“Oh, yes. For the past month, it’s been said that the gate of hell has opened and that it’s the beginning of the end…”
Jegal Joongyeong, perplexed by the magistrate’s words, was left speechless.
After Yuk Jishin’s warnings and now this, the stories in Gyogu were bewildering.
“They say Five Peaks Mountain is infested with monsters. The people are terrified.”
Once again, Five Peaks Mountain.
Mu Beop, frowning, finally spoke.
“Why is it said that Five Peaks Mountain is infested with monsters?”
“Well, for the past month, strange things have been happening at Five Peaks Mountain.”
“Strange things?”
“Yes, herb collectors and hunters have gone missing. Even woodcutters don’t return. Recently, they’ve been calling Five Peaks Mountain the ‘mountain of death,’ and no one dares to enter.”
“Has the government investigated?”
“Almost thirty soldiers have gone missing. None have returned. We’ve brought in exorcists, but…”
“What did they say?”
“Some fainted at the entrance, others said it was cursed and refused to go up.”
“Oh dear! Namo Amitabha…”
Mu Beop, without realizing it, began reciting sutras.
The perception of exorcists and shamans had recently changed. What once would have been ignored was now taken seriously.
Jin Yubaek pleaded with Jang Mudeok.
“For us, Five Peaks Mountain is a forbidden place. Please, investigate the mystery of the mountain.”
Jang Mudeok nodded in understanding.
After Jin Yubaek bid farewell and left, an odd silence remained.
Unlike Yuk Jishin, Jin Yubaek was the magistrate of Gyogu. His words carried more weight.
Moyong Hwang spoke first.
“This is getting stranger. Talk of the gate of hell and the end of the world…”
“Namo Amitabha. Bodhisattvas fear causes, commoners fear effects. Perhaps there is something greater hidden here.”
Jegal Joongyeong glanced at Mu Beop.
“If the disappearances are the effect, what is the cause?”
Not knowing what the cause was, Mu Beop feared it, even while being accompanied by the best warriors of Murim.
Not only Jegal Joongyeong understood the meaning of Mu Beop’s words.
“Hmm…”
Jang Mudeok let out a heavy sigh, acknowledging the truth in Mu Beop’s words, but also feeling a slight irritation.
With him were the best masters of Murim and the elite of the Black Turtle Division. They couldn’t let themselves be intimidated by absurd rumors.
“First, we will investigate the Myriad Blessings Manor, also known as Mansubang. If we don’t find clues there…”
Jang Mudeok paused, still undecided.
His eyes caught sight of a blossoming tree, though he preferred the sturdy paulownia trees that don’t bend.
“Lastly, we will investigate Five Peaks Mountain.”
“…”
The four nodded silently. Although they didn’t want to, they couldn’t return after hearing such rumors.
Jang Kangho raised his hand, and the warriors of the Black Turtle Division gathered.
Jang Mudeok watched his warriors and sighed. A mission that had seemed simple now felt heavy.
‘Will I be able to return to the Heaven and Earth Alliance with all of them?’
Looking at the smiling young warriors, he felt a pang of guilt.
Jang Kangho spoke.
“Let’s go.”
With Jang Mudeok leading, the Black Turtle Division advanced slowly.
————————-
Leaving the temple, the Black Turtle Division went to the Myriad Blessings Manor.
Like others before them, they found nothing.
The bodies had long been buried, and only illustrations remained to observe.
They searched thoroughly around the Myriad Blessings Manor, but found no clues.
Everyone responded similarly: they didn’t know and hadn’t seen anything. After the government and the Beggar’s Sect investigated, the responses were predictable.
When night fell, Jang Mudeok sent his warriors to their lodgings.
——————–
Songin Inn, Midnight
Jang Mudeok remained alone in the inn’s dining hall, drinking.
Though the alcohol didn’t affect him, he couldn’t bring himself to stand.
“Father, are you still here?”
Jang Kangho dropped down in front of Jang Mudeok, grabbing the teapot instead of the bottle.
Jang Mudeok slapped his son’s hand and poured a cup of liquor.
Jang Kangho accepted the cup and drank respectfully.
As he savored the bitter taste, he heard Jang Mudeok’s voice.
“Looking back, I’ve had many difficult days, but this is the most unsettling.”
Jang Kangho put down the chopsticks.
“Does Five Peaks Mountain worry you that much?”
“No, rather my own inadequacy.”
Jang Kangho, surprised by his father’s self-criticism, didn’t know what to say.
But he thought the underlying cause was Five Peaks Mountain.
“If you’re worried, postpone the investigation. The Great Strategist only expects us to come this far.”
“Once you commit, you can never go back. It’s not something someone who planted paulownia trees at the entrance of the Mugeuk Sect should say.”
“Today, you’re the one deciding, not me.”
Jang Kangho looked at his father with a meaningful expression.
He was grateful that his father was the one who had to make the difficult decision.
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