A Background Character's Fate

59. Purpose

"Ugh..." I lay on the ground gazing at the sky. Bits of cold snowflakes sprinkles my body.

Hajin takes out two flat cups and another jar of wine, sitting beside me with the jar raised.

...

I pull myself up and takes the jar, pouring wine for him and myself.

"Let me reintroduce myself, junior, I'm Namgung Hajin, a core member of the Namgung clan. How much of the Murim do you know?"

"I know about the nine great sects and five esteemed clans. That is all," I reply.

Hajin takes a sip from the cup and sighs. "Sorry about that. I'm currently a fugitive so I had my guard up."

"I understand."

"So what do you want to know?"

I take a sip of wine. "Blegh!"

Strong Liquor!!

"*Cough* *Cough* ahem..."

"Not a frequent drinker?" Hajin asks.

"Yes sir. Anyways, I want to know why the Martial Artists invade my world."

Hajin stops to ponder how to explain.

"...A tragedy befallen on my world. A demonic purple mist emerged one day at the edge of the continent and slowly spreaded across the land. Anyone who came into contact turned into monsters out for human blood. Martial Artists are no exception, and unfortunately, became even stronger monsters difficult to kill. They retain their Martial Arts and acquire incredible physique complementing their style. We started to call those the Nether Monsters and the Corruption Mist."

Nether...Monsters?

No way...why does it remind me of that fist monster I fought?

Hajin takes another sip. "Faced with a continent wide enemy, every factions came together, orthodox or not and attempted to resolve the situation. Nothing worked. No matter what everyone did, the Corruption Mist continued to spread. In addition, many blinded by greed used the mist as a weapon. No one was safe. Eventually, Cheonsang Clan, a branch clan of the Kunlun Sect, came forward with a prophecy; A revelation."

He points to the head. "They claimed to be communicated with constellations and acquired an ancient method: Soul transmission to this world by reincarnation using the upper dantian. In this world, there lies a solution to our tragedy. That's the prophecy. Thus, the ritual sent every patriarch, elders, and core members of each major clan and sect into this world with one elder from Cheonsang."

He sighs. "A year passed after reincarnation before we could find and gather everyone. From then, we had two objectives: Find the Tears of The World rumoured to grant anything and establish some contact with the Murim. After a fruitless search for many years, we eventually abandoned the first objective and moved to migration to this world. We had no choice, survival was a priority. But those greedy martial bastards tasted top honour and reverence. They refuse to give up such luxuries so easily. Somehow, the plan distorted into conquering this world. Fortunately, it is no easy task; This world has many variables like magic. I opposed the plan and here I am, a fugitive wanted by those bastards."

I see...that sort of explains everything in the future.

...

"Sir, there was a monster I fought before traversing here." I start to describe the appearance of the creature.

Hajin grows slightly pale. "No way...the Corruption Mist does not exist here. How can the Nether Monsters cross over? Don't think about it. Anyways, what do you plan to do now that you know of our existence."