Chapter 111

Chapter 111

What is the most enjoyable thing in the world?

Such a subjective topic actually varies greatly depending on the person. If there are ten thousand people, there will be ten thousand different tastes and preferences, and finding something enjoyable deeply involves personal preference.

However, it’s also true that simply saying “there’s no answer” and leaving it ambiguous doesn’t really provide an answer.

That’s why, to those who ask what the most enjoyable thing is, I want to answer with my complete subjectivity like this:

The most fun thing is surprising others with methods they never expected.

“Sect……Master?”

“Executioner.”

I smiled gently at Seonwoo Gang, who was looking at me with an increasingly shocked expression, unable to grasp the situation for a moment. Seonwoo Gang staring directly at me with eyes round as saucers.

“Did you eat well?”

“Pardon? Pardon?”

“The breakfast the Murim Alliance prepares for death row inmates on their last day is luxurious. The budget ceiling is quite generous. Since it’s not your money, it would have been good if you’d asked for a nice spread of delicious food.”

“……Pardon?”

He seems quite confused.

I smiled pfft at Seonwoo Gang, who still didn’t understand the situation and was just tilting his head to the side. And watching that, Jegal Hwi  cleared his throat.

“Kkeuheum. Executioner. The execution is in progress.”

“Ah, my apologies. It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen him.”

“Finish all your business first before doing that.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

I waved my hand slightly at Jegal Hwi, who was giving me a hint, and crossed my arms to signal him to proceed. Then Jegal Hwi sighed and pulled out a document from his robes.

“Silence. Silence!”

“There was a brief disturbance that caused a delay. Now I will convey the Murim Alliance’s decision regarding Seonwoo Gang’s treatment.”

At Jegal Hwi’s voice echoing calmly, the murmuring voices of the crowd gradually subsided. As if waiting for something.

“I convey the treatment of prisoner Seonwoo Gang.”

The moment Jegal Hwi’s words, imbued with internal energy, swept across the plaza.

Confirming that people’s eyes and ears were focused on him as they closed their mouths, Jegal Hwi began to read aloud.

“Prisoner Seonwoo Gang infiltrated Muryeon Hall  as a spy for the Sado Alliance with impure intentions and has been active for four years.”

The first declaration.

The moment the voice fell, Seonwoo Gang’s shoulders trembled greatly. However, Jegal Hwi continued reading Seonwoo Gang’s predetermined sentence without regard.

“This Murim Alliance has determined that it cannot clearly answer how much information was leaked during this process, and has determined that it cannot overlook information about Muryeon Hall, a key facility of the Murim Alliance, flowing outside.”

“Considering the circumstances in which the Sado Alliance Leader personally revealed his identity and examining testimony from Seonwoo Gang’s associates, it is determined that prisoner Seonwoo Gang did not actively engage in espionage activities, and therefore, in accordance with the Alliance regulations , we issue this sentence.”

Jegal Hwi, who had paused his breathing for a moment, looked at Seonwoo Gang with an indifferent gaze before quietly closing his eyes. The final sentence falling.

“Execution.”

“Excluding Neungji-hyeong  and Geoyeol-hyeong , Seonwoo Gang will be executed in a manner that is as non-cruel as possible. The method of execution is left to the executioner’s judgment. Prisoner Seonwoo Gang. Do you have any objections?”

At Jegal Hwi’s cold words, Seonwoo Gang, who had a dumbfounded expression, alternately looked at me and Jegal Hwi before realizing something and forming a bitter smile.

“Will the Sect Master personally take my life?”

“The method is designated by the executioner. Whether to execute directly will depend on the executioner’s judgment.”

“Then…… I have no objections. Thank you.”

“I see.”

Silence.

Jegal Hwi, who had been watching Seonwoo Gang close his eyes as if giving up, nodded wordlessly and looked at me. Then Jegal Hwi’s mouth opened.

“Then I will now proceed with the execution. Executioner, proceed with the execution.”

Execute the sentence as quickly as possible.

“I should.”

I smiled gently at Jegal Hwi’s words, looking at me as if telling me to quickly bring out what I had prepared, and looked around. Eyes and ears focusing on me amidst the silence.

“Heumheum.“

“If it’s not rude, I’d like to introduce myself to the fellow martial artists  of Gangho  before the execution. I am a person called Baek Riyun.”

“……Baek Riyun?”

“Wait, isn’t he the former Changcheon Corps Commander?”

“Former Changcheon Corps Commander?”

“Ah, of the Golden Generation……”

At my sudden words, the crowd that had been looking at me curiously began murmuring and started talking about me one by one. The gazes gradually changing.

“Changcheon Corps, isn’t that the really weak Martial Force Corps ? The lowest ranked one.”

“Hey. My friend! That’s old news. Right now, Changcheon Corps is ranked 3rd in evaluations. 3rd!”

“If he’s the former Changcheon Corps Commander, isn’t he a great figure who greatly contributed to Changcheon Corps’ advancement? He raised Changcheon Corps from the lowest rank to its current level.”

“I’ve heard that name too. Rumor has it his intuition is ghostly, able to accurately pick out which missions will fail and which will succeed.”

“Isn’t he already retired? Why would such a person be playing executioner……”

The reputation I’ve built up until now. Fame.

Such things gather and form ‘power’ regarding me. Most importantly in this place, they form ‘trust.’

It’s natural. How much have I done for the Murim Alliance, and how much have I protected?

Even though most of the Martial Force Corps’ work is close to confidential or classified, just being a Martial Force Corps Commander is as good as proof of my contribution to the Murim Alliance.

And I intend to use that trust.

Like this.

“Do you fellow martial artists truly think Seonwoo Gang engaged in espionage activities?”

“Isn’t it strange? Infiltrating a spy into Muryeon Hall.”

At my unexpected words, the crowd that had been paying attention to me murmured among themselves as if thinking about what I meant. Soon after, one answer burst out from the crowd.

“Isn’t he being executed because he’s a spy? This is a fact directly testified to by the Sado Alliance Leader.”

“Well, that would be so.”

“But that’s not what I’m asking. I’m not asking whether Seonwoo Gang ‘is a spy,’ but whether Seonwoo Gang ‘engaged in espionage activities.'”

Is he a spy or not?

This topic has already been settled. The Sado Alliance Leader testified that he’s a spy, and Seonwoo Gang didn’t refute it.

With that, the fact that Seonwoo Gang is a spy can no longer be overturned.

However, that’s only as far as not being able to overturn the fact that he’s a spy.

“Seonwoo Gang has never engaged in espionage activities until now. I can guarantee it. Because──.”

There was no need for it.

At my declaration, a middle-aged man burst out from the briefly murmuring crowd and raised his voice.

“That’s a strange story. May I ask a question?”

“By all means, may I hear your name?”

“I’m called Chu Mok of Chuga Manor.”

Chu Mok. Chu Mok?

“Dansim-chang . I’ve heard your reputation.”

At my words recognizing him, Chu Mok showed a briefly surprised expression before clearing his throat and shaking his head.

“Heumheum. It’s an honor that former Daeju Baek Ri knows this nameless soldier’s title. In terms of martial arts realm, I don’t even reach your toes.”

“Martial strength isn’t necessarily what determines a martial artist’s value.”

“……Thank you for saying so. But what I want to hear now isn’t such praise. It’s about the words you just spoke.”

Kung!

Chu Mok, who had adjusted his breathing for a moment, lightly struck the ground with the spear shaft he was holding and continued.

“You said that Seonwoo Gang did not engage in espionage activities. And as the reason, you said ‘there was no need for it.’ Why is that?”

“Exactly as I said. Because there’s no reason to make Seonwoo Gang engage in espionage activities.”

“Seonwoo Gang infiltrated as a Muryeon Hall disciple . Muryeon Hall disciples can closely access Muryeon Hall’s information. Yet you say there’s no reason to make him engage in espionage?”

“That’s correct.”

“Why do you think so?”

Why do I think so?

That’s simple.

“Because the Sado Alliance already has all of Muryeon Hall’s general information.”

“……What?”

At the unexpected answer, Chu Mok showed a dazed expression for a moment before asking back.

“What on earth does that……”

“By any chance, Dansim-chang, do you know about the Sado Alliance’s talent cultivation facility that contrasts with the Two Great Halls ?”

“Well, I know roughly. Isn’t it Cheonryeongak ?”

“The Murim Alliance has almost all information about Cheonryeongak’s education. The Sado Alliance is the same.”

“……Is, is that really true?”

“Yes.”

Where in the Murim Alliance is information security most vulnerable?

Well, there are various places, but if you ask current Murim Alliance members, most will point to the Two Great Halls. The reason is extremely simple.

Because the members are young.

“The entry age limit for Muryeon Hall and Mujeong Hall  is minimum 15 years old, maximum 20 years old. Conversely, that means the Hall disciples’  ages can be distributed from as young as 15 to as old as 23.”

“I know that. What’s your point?”

“Since you know, this will be quick. Dansim-chang, do you think someone at the age of fifteen can distinguish between ‘information that can be shared’ and ‘information that must not be shared’?”

I smiled gently at Chu Mok, who couldn’t bring himself to answer. Of course that’s impossible.

“Among the Two Great Halls’ disciples, there are many precocious children. But being precocious doesn’t mean being mature. Without experience, there are naturally mistakes one makes.”

No matter how trivial the information, if it leaks bit by bit, a huge outline will inevitably be revealed.

Dozens of people per class, hundreds when combined—controlling the mouths of all these people is close to impossible. Even weathered Martial Force Corps members who don’t stay in one place sometimes fail to control information and face trouble, so how much could greenhorn Muryeon Hall disciples control information?

“So the Murim Alliance and Sado Alliance used a different method.”

“A different method?”

“Yes. It’s not even a secret. It’s a simple story.”

The method taken by the Orthodox Path  and Demonic Path . It’s extremely simple.

Make it so it doesn’t matter if information flows out.

Make it so even if they know, they can’t replicate it.

“Quite interestingly, the Orthodox Path’s Two Great Halls and Demonic Path’s Cheonryeongak education have similar frameworks. What differs is only the values emphasized and detailed direction.”

The framework wasn’t important to begin with. Whether it’s the Two Great Halls or Cheonryeongak, they examine students’ situations and prepare customized education matching their methods.

“One-on-one education. Something like this would have no value even if extracted as information. Because Cheonryeongak doesn’t have Seonwoo Gang. Isn’t that right?”

“Therefore, Seonwoo Gang did not engage in espionage. Because there’s no need to extract information everyone already knows while taking risks.”

At my words, Chu Mok, who had been keeping his mouth shut in silence for a moment, looked directly at me with blazing eyes. A question thrown again.

“I understand your words. Seonwoo Gang, at least until now, did not engage in espionage. Because there’s no benefit to be gained from espionage activities. That’s sufficiently persuasive.”

“Yes.”

“But just because he hasn’t engaged in espionage until now doesn’t guarantee he won’t in the future. Muryeon Hall is a training ground for prospective Martial Force Corps members, and Martial Force Corps members can access information much deeper than Muryeon Hall disciples can. Isn’t that right?”

“Yes. That would be so.”

At my light affirmation, Chu Mok made a briefly deflated expression, shook his head, and continued.

“Then nothing changes. We’ve simply caught someone who will engage in espionage in the future. Whether or not he engaged in espionage until now isn’t that important……”

Just as Chu Mok was sharply digging into the loophole in my words to counterattack.

“That’s only if Seonwoo Gang was used as a discarded piece.”

“……What do you mean by that?”

I dug into Chu Mok’s opening.

“By any chance, Dansim-chang, did you watch this exchange competition?”

“I did. The Two Great Halls’ matches aren’t something easily seen.”

“If you watched, you’ll know. How outstanding Seonwoo Gang’s capabilities are.”

“Well……”

Chu Mok trailing off. It’s a natural response.

Anyone who watched the exchange competition couldn’t deny Seonwoo Gang’s strength. It was Seonwoo Gang who defeated Baek Risan  and Namgung Hyeon , who displayed strength worthy of being called the Golden Generation.

If he denies that capability, he’d also be denying Baek Risan and Namgung Hyeon’s capabilities. So Chu Mok can’t deny Seonwoo Gang’s capabilities.

“Dansim-chang, if you were the Sado Alliance Leader, would you use Seonwoo Gang as a discarded piece? A talent of that caliber?”

That becomes a self-defeating move.

“……Could he not be a discarded piece? If as a spy he gains a foothold in the Murim Alliance’s upper echelons……”

“The Alliance’s Secret Pavilion  isn’t that easy. Even I had to undergo five preliminary investigations and seven background checks before rising to the Daeju position.”

I underwent such investigations even though I’m a direct descendant of the Baek Ri Family  with clear origins.

It was probably because I briefly secluded myself after leaving home. There must have been suspicion that I might have contacted the Sado Alliance or Magyo then.

“To rise above Martial Force Corps Commander, even if you prepare clear origins, the probability of successfully infiltrating is slim. But.”

“When Seonwoo Gang entered Muryeon Hall, his identity was that of a disciple from an unknown single-transmission sect. His origins are extremely ambiguous.”

“What do you think? Isn’t it too strange to have been trying to send him into the Murim Alliance’s upper echelons?”

“Kkeuung.“

Chu Mok, who had been frowning for a moment as if finding it hard to refute my words, let out a groan and carefully presented a counterargument.

“It is strange but…… then doesn’t it not make sense? That the Sado Alliance sent Seonwoo Gang to use and discard him as a throwaway piece?”

“If they intended to use him as a discarded piece, they would have sent someone else.”

Using a talent like Seonwoo Gang as a discarded piece is a huge loss even for the Sado Alliance. The premise of using him as a discarded piece is fundamentally wrong.

“Then……”

“But what if the spy’s purpose was different?”

“You can’t squeeze out all tumors with your own hands.”

“What does that……”

Chu Mok frowned, not understanding my words spoken like a Zen dialogue. And just as he was about to speak again, a martial artist wearing a conical hat interjected from the side.

“So to summarize, is it like this?”

“The Sado Alliance sent Seonwoo Gang to the Murim Alliance as a ‘blade’ to eliminate troublesome internal figures?”

“Yes.”

“The reason the Sado Alliance Leader cast out Seonwoo Gang is because he was certain the ‘blade’ would no longer cut.”

“Precisely.”

“What if the Sado Alliance denies that?”

“Even if they deny it, can you make people believe them?”

As I asked with a gentle smile, the martial artist, who looked around while pressing down his conical hat, laughed deeply and shrugged his shoulders.

“I wouldn’t be confident in making them believe.”

“At least this seat wouldn’t.”

The moment the martial artist removed his conical hat and people confirmed his face, they were startled and backed away greatly from him. Naturally so.

“Ma, Manwang ……!”

“It’s Manwang!”

The martial artist in the conical hat was none other than the Sado Alliance Leader.

Manwang, Mumyeong .

“I came thinking I could see an interesting spectacle, but well now, you dug a trap and were waiting for this seat. Should I praise you?”

“It’s not really a trap. It didn’t matter whether you came or not. Manwang.”

“That’s called a forced move. The feeling of being stuck in a quagmire with nowhere to go. Absolutely excellent.”

The Sado Alliance Leader, who burst out with a pfft laugh, tucked the conical hat under his arm and looked at me leisurely with his hands clasped behind his back.

“I’ll acknowledge this seat’s defeat on this point. Though the reality is a bit different…… I can’t think of anything to use as an excuse.”

“Thank you.”

“But even if Seonwoo Gang betrayed the main alliance, it’s true that he was a spy, and it’s also true that he didn’t turn himself in to the Murim Alliance. Seonwoo Gang’s execution can’t be canceled. What’s the intention of speaking so elaborately?”

The intention of speaking.

“Of course, from the position of having once taught this fellow, it would be wonderful if I could save him.”

“That won’t happen. The Murim Alliance is conservative, and regulations are regulations.”

“Yes. So I’d like to make one proposal to the fellow martial artists gathered here.”

As I smiled bitterly and looked around, people’s eyes and ears focused on me again.

“Seonwoo Gang dying is the same either way. Then what if we open a path for this pitiful prisoner to go without pain?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean to execute the sentence in the most humane way possible.”

“That’s originally within the executioner’s authority.”

“Doesn’t public sentiment  matter?”

“I see. I suppose so.”

Watching the Sado Alliance Leader smile pfft and step back, I glanced around. The crowd now murmuring one by one as if agreeing with my words.

“Among the fellow martial artists gathered here, is there anyone who opposes giving Seonwoo Gang a humane punishment?”

No one could raise their hand. Not only has crowd psychology tilted that way, but the fact that he’ll die anyway doesn’t change.

“There doesn’t seem to be anyone.”

In this situation, no one wants to stand out. In the Orthodox Path that values righteousness and chivalry, if they say they’ll execute humanely, at least publicly no one will oppose it.

Then I’ll simply use that.

“Then by the executioner’s authority, I will determine the punishment Seonwoo Gang will receive.”

I paused briefly and looked around before smiling gently. Just then, I saw Military Affairs Department members struggling to carry something from far away.

“Seonwoo Gang will be put to death. And the specific punishment content is this.”

Kwadeudeuk!

“Uh, uhhh!”

I went down below the execution platform and lifted with one hand the object the members had brought, placing it on top of the execution platform. Then water splashing and overflowing.

“……What on earth is that?”

“It’s an iron cauldron.”

“I can see it’s an iron cauldron, but what does that have to do with the death row prisoner……”

“Don’t you know?”

Looking at Chu Mok, who had been pressured by the Sado Alliance Leader’s aura and was asking with a dumbfounded expression, I smiled pfft and knocked on the side of the giant iron cauldron.

“The punishment that can be done with this is predetermined.”

The Murim Alliance has numerous execution methods. And among them, there are forms of punishment that have rarely been used in history.

This is one of them.

“It’s Paeng-hyeong .”

Boiling a person to death,

The most humane punishment in Murim Alliance history.