CHAPTER 36: CHAPTER 35: RESTORATION OF ORDER

"Which means that everything that has happened here was just the opening move in a much larger game. And we’re already several steps behind."

The weight of Pavilion Master Hyeon Ryu’s words settled over the destroyed Supreme Chamber like dust after a storm. Jinmu helped the weakened Grandmaster steady himself against a section of wall that had survived the explosion, his mind already racing through the implications of what they had discovered.

An unorthodox alliance. Formal coordination between sects that have been enemies for generations. Do Giseon didn’t just betray the Mugang Martial Pavilion, he helped orchestrate something that could reshape the entire martial world.

"We need to move quickly," Jinmu said, his enhanced senses detecting the approach of multiple groups throughout the pavilion complex. "My copies should have completed their missions by now, but there will be cleanup operations that require direct supervision."

Hyeon Ryu nodded, though the simple motion seemed to cost him considerable effort. "The immediate priority is stabilizing the pavilion’s leadership structure. With eight of the Twelve Blades compromised and three more injured during the fighting, we have a dangerous power vacuum."

"The loyal Blades are receiving medical treatment in the carved stone pavilion," Jinmu assured him, offering his arm for support as they began to make their way toward the chamber’s exit. "My people are maintaining security there while keeping up the illusion that the original prisoners are still being held."

They moved slowly through the debris-filled corridors, Hyeon Ryu’s condition requiring frequent rest stops despite his obvious desire to reach the pavilion’s administrative centers as quickly as possible. With each step, the sounds of organized activity grew louder, indicating that Jinmu’s copies were indeed carrying out their assigned tasks with typical efficiency.

"Tell me about the tournament situation," Hyeon Ryu said as they paused near a window that offered a view of the arena grounds in the distance. "How many people know what actually happened? How much of the conspiracy has been exposed?"

"My copies moved to secure the arena the moment Do Giseon’s escape was confirmed," Jinmu replied, watching streams of people moving away from the tournament grounds in what appeared to be an organized evacuation. "The official story is that structural damage from the fighting made the venue unsafe for continued competition."

Which isn’t entirely false. The kinds of techniques that were being thrown around could have legitimately compromised the arena’s integrity. Better to err on the side of caution than risk a collapse that kills thousands of spectators.

"And the captured duplicate? Your other self?" Hyeon Ryu asked with the kind of careful delicacy that suggested he was still trying to understand the full implications of Jinmu’s copying ability.

"Recovered safely, along with Eun Haria," Jinmu confirmed. "The elders who were holding them tried to resist, but they weren’t prepared for a coordinated assault by multiple copies working together. Most surrendered when they realized the scope of what they were facing."

They resumed walking, passing through sections of the pavilion where signs of the recent fighting were evident in scorched walls and scattered debris. Servants and disciples moved through the corridors with the kind of careful purpose that indicated they were following emergency protocols, though most seemed uncertain about exactly what kind of emergency they were responding to.

"Master," one of the approaching disciples said, his relief evident as he recognized Pavilion Master Hyeon Ryu despite the man’s weakened condition. "We heard explosions from the inner chambers and feared the worst. Are you injured? Do you require immediate medical attention?"

"I am weakened but functional," Hyeon Ryu replied with the kind of dignity that reminded everyone present why he had been chosen to lead the Mugang Martial Pavilion. "Gather the senior instructors in the main administrative hall. We have much to discuss and little time to waste."

The disciple bowed deeply and hurried away to carry out his orders, while others began to cluster around their restored leader with expressions that mixed relief, confusion, and growing awareness that something significant had changed in the pavilion’s power structure.

"Where is First Blade Do Giseon?" asked another disciple, this one wearing the robes of someone responsible for internal security. "There are rumors that he was involved in some kind of incident, but the reports we’ve received are contradictory."

Hyeon Ryu and Jinmu exchanged glances, both understanding that this conversation would be repeated dozens of times over the next few hours as word of the conspiracy spread throughout the pavilion community.

"Do Giseon has been removed from his position due to actions incompatible with his duties," Hyeon Ryu said carefully. "The details will be explained during the general assembly, but for now, all personnel should focus on maintaining normal operations and ensuring the safety of our guests."

He’s being diplomatic about it. No point in creating panic by immediately announcing that the First Blade was a traitor who poisoned his own master. Better to let the information spread gradually and in a controlled manner.

As they continued toward the administrative centers, Jinmu became aware of a commotion developing in one of the side courtyards. Raised voices, the sound of someone giving orders with military precision, and the general bustle that indicated the arrival of a large group of people who weren’t originally part of the pavilion community.

"That would be Palace Master Danhye Yeoryeong," Jinmu said, recognizing the authoritative tone that carried clearly over the other voices. "I sent word that her people had been rescued, and she apparently decided to come personally rather than wait for a detailed report."

Hyeon Ryu managed a weak smile at this information. "Yeoryeong never was one to sit quietly while others handled situations she could address directly. Her presence will be helpful for stabilizing the political situation."

They altered their route to approach the courtyard where the commotion was centered, and quickly found themselves observing a scene that spoke of efficient military organization applied to a chaotic situation. Palace Master Danhye Yeoryeong stood at the center of a group of perhaps fifty Yeonhwa Lotus Palace martial artists, her presence commanding attention despite her travel-worn appearance.

"Status report," she was saying to one of Jinmu’s copies, who had apparently been coordinating the security efforts in this section of the pavilion. "How many of the conspirators have been secured? What is the condition of the prisoners who were being held? And what is the current threat assessment for additional hostile action?"

The copy responded with professional efficiency, providing details about the various operations that had been completed and the current security arrangements that were in place. Watching the interaction, Jinmu was struck by how naturally his duplicates adapted to working with other people, their shared consciousness allowing them to coordinate seamlessly while still maintaining individual initiative.

She’s treating them like separate people rather than extensions of myself. Which is probably the healthier approach, both politically and psychologically. If people think of them as individuals, they’re less likely to be disturbed by the implications of what I can actually do.

"Pavilion Master Hyeon Ryu," Danhye Yeoryeong said, her attention shifting as she noticed their approach. "I am relieved to see you alive and recovering. The intelligence we received suggested that your condition was quite serious."

"Serious but not fatal," Hyeon Ryu replied, accepting her formal bow with the dignity appropriate to his position. "Thanks to timely intervention, the poison has been neutralized and I am slowly regaining my strength. The greater concern is the scope of the conspiracy that has been uncovered."

Yeoryeong’s expression hardened at the mention of the conspiracy, her eyes flicking briefly toward Jinmu in a way that suggested she had questions about his role in recent events. "Yes, we need to discuss that immediately. But first, there is something you both need to know about Elder So Wolhyang."

The way she said the name made it clear that whatever had happened was significant and unpleasant. Jinmu felt a cold premonition settling in his stomach as he considered the possible implications.

"She was among the five elders arrested during the operation to rescue the tournament captives," one of Jinmu’s copies reported, approaching from the direction of the detention area. "But when interrogation began, when it became clear that her involvement in the conspiracy would be fully exposed, she chose a different path."

Suicide. Of course. Rather than face the shame of having betrayed her own sect, rather than endure interrogation that would reveal the full extent of her treachery, she took the final way out.

"How?" Yeoryeong asked, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer.

"Poison needle, hidden in her robes," the copy replied. "A fast-acting toxin that caused cardiac arrest within seconds of administration. By the time we realized what was happening, it was already too late to intervene."

The news settled over the group like a heavy blanket, everyone understanding the implications of losing one of the primary sources of intelligence about the conspiracy’s scope and objectives. Elder So Wolhyang had been the highest-ranking orthodox official involved in the plot, which meant her knowledge would have been invaluable for understanding how deeply the corruption had penetrated the sect leadership.

"Did she say anything before the end?" Hyeon Ryu asked quietly. "Any final words that might provide insight into the conspiracy’s ultimate goals?"

The copy shook its head. "She maintained her innocence until the moment she activated the poison. Claimed that she was being framed by unorthodox infiltrators and that history would vindicate her actions. Either she was genuinely delusional, or she was committed to the deception until the very end."

Or she was protecting something even more important than her own life. The kind of secret that’s worth dying to keep hidden. Which raises the question of what could be significant enough to justify such extreme measures.

"What about the other four elders?" Jinmu asked. "Were they more cooperative?"

"Mixed results," the copy replied. "Elder Gwak Cheonmyeong of the Hwagyeong Sword Sect claims he was coerced into cooperation through threats against his family members. Elder Baek Muyeol of the Baekrin White Tiger Hall insists he was acting to prevent an even greater catastrophe. Elder Noe Yeongtae of the Azure Thunder Hall says he was promised significant reforms that would benefit all orthodox sects."

"And Elder Yeon Seolhwa from our own pavilion?" Hyeon Ryu asked, his voice carrying the particular pain of someone learning about betrayal from within his own organization.

"Complete denial," the copy said grimly. "Claims that Do Giseon forged evidence against him and that he never participated in any conspiracy. Says he was investigating suspicious activities when he was framed and arrested."

The pattern of responses painted a picture of conspirators who had either been manipulated into cooperation or who were now trying to minimize their culpability in the face of exposure. None of them seemed prepared to provide the kind of comprehensive intelligence that would be necessary to understand the full scope of what they had been involved in.

"We need to relocate this discussion to a more secure environment," Yeoryeong said, glancing around the courtyard where their conversation could potentially be overheard by anyone with sufficient motivation to listen. "The administrative implications of what we’ve learned require careful consideration."

As they moved toward the main administrative building, one of Jinmu’s copies approached with a scroll case that bore the distinctive seal of urgent military intelligence. The expression on the copy’s face made it clear that whatever information the case contained was both important and unwelcome.

"This was discovered during the search of Do Giseon’s private chambers," the copy reported, handing the case to Pavilion Master Hyeon Ryu. "It appears to contain correspondence with various unorthodox sect leaders, including detailed discussion of future operations."

Hyeon Ryu opened the case with hands that trembled slightly, whether from weakness or apprehension it was impossible to determine. The documents inside were numerous and appeared to represent months or even years of careful communication and planning.

"This is extensive," he said after scanning the first few pages. "Far more comprehensive than anything we discovered in the Supreme Chamber. Names, locations, operational timetables, resource allocations... it’s a complete strategic overview."

Which means Do Giseon was sloppy about operational security, or he wanted us to find this information. Given his careful planning for everything else, I’m inclined to believe the latter. But why would he want us to know about the alliance’s capabilities and intentions?

"Read the summary section," Yeoryeong suggested, looking over Hyeon Ryu’s shoulder at the documents. "The overview that would give us the strategic picture without getting bogged down in tactical details."

Hyeon Ryu flipped to the section she indicated and read in silence for several moments, his expression growing increasingly grim as he processed the information. Finally, he looked up at the assembled group with the expression of someone who had just learned something he wished he could unknown.

"According to this," he said slowly, "the unorthodox alliance has been operating for over three years. Their membership includes not just the Crimson Flow Blade Union, but also the Shadowmoon Valley sects, the Northern Waste barbarian tribes, several mercenary organizations from the borderlands, and at least a dozen smaller unorthodox groups that we previously considered independent."

The implications of such comprehensive organization sent a chill through everyone present. The orthodox sects had always assumed that unorthodox groups were too fractious and competitive to achieve meaningful cooperation. The idea that they had been working together for years while maintaining the appearance of traditional rivalries suggested a level of strategic sophistication that no one had anticipated.

"What are their stated objectives?" Jinmu asked, though he suspected the answer would be exactly as disturbing as the revelation about their membership.

"Complete reformation of the martial world’s power structure," Hyeon Ryu read from the documents. "Elimination of what they call ’orthodox hegemony’ and establishment of a merit-based hierarchy where strength determines authority regardless of sectarian affiliation."

Which sounds reasonable when phrased like that, but the implementation would involve destroying everything that currently exists and replacing it with whatever system the alliance leadership prefers. The kind of ’reformation’ that usually involves massive casualties and years of warfare.

"There’s more," Hyeon Ryu continued, his voice growing heavier with each revelation. "According to these documents, the conspiracy within the orthodox sects was just the preparatory phase. The real offensive is scheduled to begin within the next month, coordinated with what they call ’favorable seasonal conditions’ for large-scale military operations."

Yeoryeong moved closer to examine the documents for herself, her expression shifting from concern to alarm as she processed the detailed intelligence they contained. "These troop movement schedules, these supply chain arrangements... they’re planning something on the scale of the ancient sectarian wars. This isn’t just political maneuvering, it’s preparation for comprehensive military conquest."

The administrative building around them suddenly felt inadequate for the scope of the crisis they were facing. What had seemed like a internal political problem within the Mugang Martial Pavilion was now revealed as part of a coordinated campaign that threatened the entire orthodox structure.

"Where is their primary staging area?" Jinmu asked, scanning the documents for geographical references that might indicate where the alliance was concentrating its forces. "If they’re planning large-scale operations, they must have central command and logistics facilities."

"Shadowmoon Valley," Hyeon Ryu replied, pointing to a section of the correspondence that included detailed maps and facility descriptions. "According to this, they’ve been building fortified positions there for over two years, using the natural terrain advantages to create what amounts to an impregnable fortress complex."

Shadowmoon Valley. The same location Do Giseon mentioned during his escape. So he wasn’t just fleeing randomly, he was heading toward the alliance’s primary stronghold. Which means he’ll be able to provide them with detailed intelligence about our capabilities and current weaknesses.

"The timing is significant as well," Yeoryeong observed, noting marginal annotations that provided context for the operational schedules. "They’re planning to launch their offensive during the autumn gathering season, when representatives from all the major orthodox sects will be traveling to various conferences and ceremonies. Maximum disruption with minimum warning."

The autumn gathering season was a long-standing tradition that brought together leaders from across the orthodox martial world for diplomatic meetings, trade negotiations, and ceremonial events. It was also a time when most sects would have their leadership away from their home bases, making coordinated defense significantly more difficult.

"We need to send immediate warnings to all orthodox sect leaders," Hyeon Ryu decided. "Cancel the autumn gatherings, recall all traveling delegations, and begin emergency military preparations. If the alliance is planning to move within the month, we have very little time to organize effective countermeasures."

"That assumes the intelligence is accurate," Jinmu pointed out, though his tone suggested he believed it probably was. "Do Giseon had every reason to leave false information that would send us chasing shadows while the real attack comes from an unexpected direction."

"The level of detail suggests authenticity," Yeoryeong said, continuing to examine the documents. "This kind of comprehensive planning would be almost impossible to fake convincingly. The resource allocations alone represent information that only genuine alliance members would have access to."

One of Jinmu’s copies approached the group with additional intelligence gathered from the ongoing interrogation efforts. "The captured elders have begun providing more detailed information now that they understand the scope of what they were involved in. Elder Baek Muyeol in particular seems eager to cooperate in exchange for consideration of his family’s safety."

"What has he revealed?" Hyeon Ryu asked.

"Confirmation of the Shadowmoon Valley staging area," the copy replied. "He was personally involved in coordination meetings there over the past six months. According to him, the alliance has assembled something close to ten thousand trained fighters, along with siege equipment and other military resources that would be necessary for attacking fortified positions."

Ten thousand fighters represented a military force larger than anything the orthodox sects had faced since the ancient wars that had originally established the current sectarian boundaries. The implications for defending against such a force, especially one that had been planning its campaigns for years while maintaining the element of surprise, were sobering.

"Then we’re looking at the beginning of a new sectarian war," Jinmu said, voicing what everyone was thinking but no one wanted to acknowledge directly. "The first comprehensive conflict between orthodox and unorthodox forces in over a century."

"Which means," Yeoryeong concluded grimly, "that everything we thought we knew about the current balance of power in the martial world is about to become irrelevant. The alliance has been preparing for this war while we’ve been assuming that peace was the natural state of affairs."