The morning after the discovery of the hidden map was marked by a rare moment of warmth among the group. Ma-Rok and Ji-Mun argued over the best way to roast swamp crab, while Yul-Rin calmly dropped ingredients into the pot like a quiet assassin with a culinary license.
"You two should really open a tavern," So-Ri said, poking at the fire. "Call it 'Meat and Mumbles.'"
Ji-Mun grinned. "Only if you're the singer."
"I'd rather eat poison," So-Ri muttered.
Sun-Ho sat slightly apart, mask on his lap, map spread before him. His fingers traced the faded routes with thoughtfulness. Behind him, Master Jang observed in silence, finally stepping forward.
"Those passages lead into territory claimed by the Black Pearl Sect," the old man said. "They've remained hidden for decades."
"Which makes them perfect for a masked stranger to cause trouble," Sun-Ho replied with a sly smile.
So-Ri heard and raised an eyebrow. "You're planning something."
"Just visiting old friends," Sun-Ho said innocently.
---
Into the Pearl's Domain
They left the marsh and approached the highlands. Before long, black stone towers emerged from the mist—weather-worn but still dangerous-looking. Black Pearl Sect territory.
Master Jang warned, "We can't barge in. They don't like visitors."
"Good thing we're not barging in," Sun-Ho replied. "You stay with the group. I'll go as the Elementless Sovereign."
A flash of movement, a flicker of cloth, and the mask was on. White robes gleamed against the gray sky.
---
The Masked Intrusion
The Sovereign approached the gates alone.
Thoom. Thoom.
His footsteps echoed on the stone.
Guards appeared instantly.
"Halt! State your business!"
"The wind carries secrets," he said cryptically. "And so I come to trade one."
The guards hesitated. One whispered, "He's the one that appeared in the Scarlet Valley... The fire and ice wielder."
"Let him in."
He was led into a dark hall. There, an elder of the Black Pearl Sect waited. Her robes shimmered like oil, and her eyes held both wariness and interest.
"Who are you beneath that mask?" she asked.
"Only someone seeking balance in chaos. I come with information about hidden routes your enemies may use. In exchange, I want a simple agreement: neutrality."
The elder leaned forward. "You want us to stand aside? Why should we?"
"Because the corruption that festers in Murim is not distant from your walls. It claws at every alliance. I offer you a chance to survive what's coming without taking a side."
She studied him for a long moment.
"And if we refuse?"
"Then others will offer less polite alternatives."
A beat.
Then, she smiled. "A ghost with a spine. Very well. You will have our silence."
---
A Party Reacts
Back at camp, the rest waited with mixed nerves. Yul-Rin stirred her tea aggressively. "He's late."
"That means it went well," Ma-Rok offered.
"Or terribly," Ji-Mun countered.
Sun-Ho returned then, mask tucked beneath one arm.
"No blood. So that's good," So-Ri noted.
"They'll stay neutral for now. That gives us breathing room."
"You look too smug," Ji-Mun said. "That makes me nervous."
"Don't worry. I only promised them their own survival."
Master Jang nodded. "One faction down. Many to go."
Sun-Ho sat near the fire, pulling out the map again.
"This route here goes through Mistshade Valley," he said, pointing. "There used to be a temple there. Abandoned. Might be our next stop."
So-Ri leaned in. "Looking for allies?"
Sun-Ho smiled. "Looking for answers. But if we find friends along the way, I won't say no."
---
Meanwhile...
Far from the highlands, in a place shadowed by bamboo and old secrets, a masked observer stood before a scroll.
"The Elementless Sovereign..." the figure whispered. "And he appears only where trouble brews."
The scroll bore symbols known only to the Five Great Clans.
"If he is who I suspect... we'll need to act before he becomes a legend."
The candle flame beside the figure flickered.
And died.
End of Chapter 38