The Alliance Leader folded his hands on the table, his expression darkening.
"As you all know… the Emperor has declared that we must take responsibility for this incident. And you understand what that means. If we do nothing—if we fail to respond—then the people's support for the Murim Alliance will vanish."
A heavy frown appeared on all ten Havens.
For an organization like the Murim Alliance, the support of the common people was its foundation. Their protection fees, donations, and trust were what kept the Alliance running. Without it, the Alliance would collapse within a year.
"If the people believe we can't even protect a single city," the Alliance Leader continued, "then they will turn to the Empire. They will pay them for protection instead of us. That would be a crippling blow."
The room grew colder.
"And our image as righteous warriors is also at risk," he added. "A city was annihilated… yet not a single righteous martial artist arrived to save them. What will the people think of us then?"
His words echoed like thunder.
No one had an answer.
From behind the Alliance Leader, a calm voice suddenly spoke.
"If I may… I would like to suggest a way to escape this situation."
Everyone turned.
It was the strategist—Seojin, the Sage of Wisdom.
The Alliance Leader nodded. "If it is the Sage of Wisdom, then I am willing to listen. Speak."
Seojin bowed slightly.
"You honor me with your trust."
He raised his head and continued.
"As you all know, the people of the Murim are questioning us. They demand to know how a city could be wiped out without our intervention. But… what if we change their perspective? What if we show them that we ourselves were kept in the dark?"
The room fell into confusion. Some frowned, others narrowed their eyes, trying to interpret his meaning.
Hong Shunbao was the first to speak.
"You mean… we shift the blame to someone else?"
Seojin nodded.
Hong Shunbao's expression darkened. "And who exactly do you intend to blame?"
Seojin's gaze slowly drifted—to the Alliance Leader, then toward Abbot Mingyuan. And finally he spoke, his voice cold.
"I believe those two young men… would make the perfect scapegoats."
The room froze.
Every pair of eyes widened.
Every Heaven stared at the Alliance Leader and Abbot Mingyuan in disbelief—because Seojin was talking about Soho and Hao.
One belonged to the Alliance, the other to the Shaolin Temple.
Neither the Alliance Leader nor Abbot Mingyuan spoke at first. The silence was suffocating.
Finally, Abbot Mingyuan smiled gently, as if nothing had happened.
"I will not allow the name of my temple to be slandered," he said softly.
Seojin replied smoothly, "You need not worry, Abbot. I will make sure no stain falls upon the Shaolin Temple."
Abbot Mingyuan's smile grew faint.
"It is a difficult decision… but for the sake of the Alliance, I can make that sacrifice."
Seojin bowed respectfully.
"The Alliance will never forget your contribution."
Of course, Seojin understood exactly what he was doing.
Hao had humiliated Abbot Mingyuan in the past, accusing him of poisoning his master… and Hao's growing influence had become a thorn in the Abbot's side.
This plan was the perfect way to remove him—without dirtying his own hands.
Seojin glanced at the Alliance Leader, who sat deep in thought.
Around the table, the Ten Havens remained silent—shocked by Abbot Mingyuan's willingness to sacrifice a member of his own temple.
In the end, no one spoke up.
Because in this world…
justice is decided by the strong.
The Alliance Leader fell silent… lost in thought.
His mind drifted back—years ago—to when he first met Soho.
It was during a tournament held by the Namgung Clan, a trial where anyone who proved their strength could join the clan.
Even commoners.
Soho, a ragged boy from nowhere, was the first to step onto the stage and challenge the clan's disciples.
And he won.
Easily.
Without fear.
That day, Soho entered the Namgung Clan.
But for the Alliance Leader… it was a humiliation he never forgot.
A commoner defeating his clan members?
Stepping into his clan's ranks?
Taking a position that should've belonged to someone noble?
His pride couldn't accept it.
Soho was bullied every day in Namgung Clan — and the Alliance Leader didn't lift a finger to stop it.
He simply watched.
He let a child suffer, because watching him break eased the stain on his pride.
But Soho didn't break.
Bit by bit, he fought back.
He grew stronger.
He defeated more disciples.
And slowly, people began to recognize his talent.
Worse…
Soho started recruiting other commoners like him and formed his own platoon.
A unit of lowborn warriors who were producing results.
Results the Alliance Leader had no excuse to punish.
And that made the hatred grow deeper.
A commoner becoming valuable?
Becoming respected?
Becoming someone others followed?
Unforgivable.
Now… finally… an opportunity appeared.
The Alliance Leader looked around the room—at the Ten Havens—and then at Abbot Mingyuan.
If even the Abbot is willing to sacrifice one of his own…
How could I step back?
Seojin noticed the shift in his expression and smiled, bowing.
"An excellent choice, Alliance Leader."
Around the table, every face belonged to a "righteous" hero… yet each was agreeing to sacrifice two innocents to protect their reputation.
They spoke of justice.
Of duty.
Of responsibility.
But the truth was simple:
The Alliance Leader wanted to erase a shame he carried for years.
Abbot Mingyuan wanted to destroy a rising thorn in his temple.
The others? They just needed someone—anyone—to blame.
If Soho had been from the Namgung bloodline, or any noble clan, Seojin's suggestion would have been rejected instantly.
The Alliance Leader might have even killed him on the spot.
But Soho was only a lowly commoner.
And for Abbot Mingyuan, Hao was simply an obstacle.
Two sacrifices.
Two innocents.
Wrapped up in beautiful words like justice and righteousness.
In truth…
It was nothing but selfishness.