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The three brothers, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, dressed in the clothes they had prepared for the first day.
The children, wearing luxurious clothes for the first time in their lives, drew laughter from the crowd as they moved with their backs straight and chests puffed out, perhaps due to awkwardness.
Namgung Seon-hwa, Seong Mo-ran, and Hong Sa-ryeon strolled down the street looking as splendid and beautiful as they had in the past.
Their outfits, which were even more splendid than the splendid night streets of Akyang, became the object of envy for many men.
Some of the young masters approached the three people with smiles.
“If you do not mind, may I escort you tonight?”
“I am the eldest son of the Nam family. I am not a suspicious person, so you do not need to worry.”
Come on, isn’t it better to just go along with it? Let’s go together.
They were all formidable figures who tried to forcibly take the women away by leveraging their status or martial arts skills.
However, before Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran could reveal their origins or take direct action, the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers stood in their way.
“Little ones, get out of the way!”
How dare those rootless things.
“Don’t you know who I am!”
The three brothers, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, looked at me at the same time.
The look on their face suggests they don’t know what to do.
I spoke firmly.
“When have I ever been selective about who I acted toward?”
It didn’t take long.
Once the gnats were chased away, no more flower-loving young men swarmed in.
Akyang is unusually noisy.
As Seongmo-ran said, the atmosphere in Akyang was a little different from usual.
Even though the moon was high in the sky, warriors in martial arts uniforms were moving in groups, and fires or screams could be heard from places far from the entertainment district.
Now that the tiger in the mountains is gone, all that remains is to fight for the master’s throne.
As it was revealed that Yu Wol-mun was the mastermind behind the kidnapping incidents that had been occurring in Akyang, Jeomchang’s power diminished in an instant.
Jeomchang said that he would not forgive those who tried to take advantage of this situation to satisfy their own selfish desires, but in reality, no one listened to them as they had lost the justification for their rule over Akyang.
Subsequently, the factions of the Black Path Martial World rose up, centered around the Heukbu Palace and the Mukhyeol Sect. Naturally, the primary target of these factions was the Yuwol Sect.
Having amassed enormous wealth under the protection of Jeomchang and effectively acting as its Akyang branch, it was a target that the Black Dao factions could absolutely not ignore.
However, Jeomchang was not the kind of people to let others take their spoons away.
Less than a day after the incident, Jeomchang attacked Yuwolmun, and Yuwolmun vanished from history.
Having missed out on the delicious prey known as Yuwolmun, the Black Island sect began searching for other prey.
With the shamans driven out and even the fortune tellers having withdrawn, Akyang is effectively a powerless territory.
No Black Faction wanted to miss this great opportunity.
“Still, it’s a shame. Not only is it a matter of the wealth Yu Wol-mun has accumulated, but it is also an opportunity to become the master of the massive commercial district known as Akyang.”
“How about the Iron Sword Sect advance into Akyang this time?”
“Huh? What kind of nonsense is that?”
That’s right.
You should not carelessly put food into your mouth that you cannot swallow.
We headed to the dock, paying no attention to the commotion around us.
And there, I met unexpected people.
“Huh?”
“uh?”
The other person looked at me with a bewildered expression, as if meeting me here was quite awkward.
I spoke first.
It doesn’t seem like a suitable place for a monk to be.
“…….”
A corner of the Shaolin Temple.
I was waiting for a boat at the dock with the members of the Righteousness Society of the Murim Alliance. #If I were to choose the moment I enjoyed the most in my past life, it would be the moment the other person gets flustered after their secret is exposed.
When such a moment comes, no matter how much I taunt and mock, the other person clenches their fist and is helpless.
Because if he threw a punch at that moment, he would expose his pettiness, and if he ignored him, it would be tantamount to admitting his shame.
It was the only chance I, being powerless, could tease the other person.
And this joy did not change even after I became strong.
“Oh, do monks these days spread the Dharma even in entertainment districts?”
“Indeed, since the Buddha’s grace extends to every corner of the world, it is not as if coming to a place like this is a reason not to. I apologize for the intrusion.”
“……
I just visited for a regular meeting.
“Still, since a monk is included, you would expect them to show some consideration… but isn’t Jeong Do-hoe completely disregarding Shaolin Temple?”
As I said this, the faces of the other members of the Jeongdo Association began to stiffen one by one.
I am truly delighted with this moment.
Seeing that expression on his face as he agonizes over whether or not to use his hands is always fresh and thrilling.
“Seeing the Jeongdohoe hold a meeting to worry about the future of the martial arts world in a place like this, it seems like a truly joyful gathering. If I had known it would be like this, I would have joined the Jeongdohoe long ago.”
Ilgak’s face turns pitch black. At this rate, he might really end up in hell.
“Monk, there is one thing I am really curious about, so I would like to ask you.”
At my one-sided question, the eyes of the Jeongdo members began to gather one by one.
How do you endure it when holding meetings at the Red Tower?
I’ve heard enough of this guy.
One of the Jeongdo members standing to the side gets angry and steps forward.
Il-gak tried to stop him with a stiff face and changed the subject.
“Representative of the Student Center, what brings you here?”
Unlike the Jeongdohoe, we came to enjoy our vacation.
okay.”
A moment when one is about to turn their head slightly.
You might be thinking of getting away like this, but I had no intention of letting you go.
You aren’t answering the question I asked earlier. Do you consider holding meetings at the Red Tower as part of your cultivation?
The members of the Jeongdo Association raised their killing intent as if they could no longer bear it.
Our group also joined in the speculation, and the atmosphere near the dock became hostile, as if a battle were about to break out at any moment.
“What a truly wicked-speaking child you are.”
With a deep voice, the members of the Jeongdo Society withdrew their killing intent and retreated in unison.
Ilgak, who had been standing at the very front with a stiff expression, steps aside and bows his head respectfully.
“They said you were a divine being raised in the Dark Martial World; was that rumor true?”
A bald middle-aged man dressed like a corner.
Although it was someone I was seeing for the first time in this life, they were not much different from the appearance I had seen in my past life.
“Are you swayed by such wicked rumors, Venerable Monk?”
“Do you know who I am when you say that?”
Golden Buddha Comet.
The current abbot’s disciple and the leader of Geumgangdae.
He held great influence even within the Murim Alliance and was one of the key figures leading the Jeongdohoe.
“If you don’t know Ambassador Hye-seong, can you call yourself a martial artist?”
You are a kid with a keen eye as well as a good tongue.
Thank you for the compliment.
“But you still haven’t answered my question. I heard you are deeply connected to the Dark Path martial arts world. Is that true?”
For the past five hundred years, Taeeulmun has been the blood ally of the Murim Alliance and has never once left Baekpalbong.
“That is why I am suspicious. If you are going to raise spies, where is there a better place than Taeeulmun? Besides, haven’t I heard that Taeeulmun’s martial arts have become dramatically stronger recently?”
Hyeseong speaks, even flashing a gentle smile.
With the addition of political acumen gained from years of training, in addition to his unwavering mind, he displayed a cunning that put ordinary politicians at a disadvantage. ‘Still, they are weak compared to the Sojeong Unit.’ Those guys were practically criminals rather than warriors. How many years had I spent grappling with them?
I asked with a serious expression.
“Did you perhaps disgrace Elder Paggeom?”
huh?”
“Elder Pa-geom clearly acknowledged that it is indeed the Taeeul Sword Emperor’s martial art… To think you would call it the Black Dao Sect’s martial art… The Moyong Clan won’t sit idly by.”
Hyeseong’s smile twisted slightly.
“I must submit the royal decree immediately. I wonder if Elder Pageom will truly let this slide.”
Do you think Shaolin will fear the Murong Clan?
“Would the mighty Shaolin really do that? However, Master Hyesung must find Elder Pajeom frightening. Isn’t that right?”
Laughter escaped from my companions at my words. It was the kind of laughter that simply couldn’t be held back, no matter how hard one tried.
Hyeseong composed his expression and spoke.
What a cheeky fellow you are.
Hyeseong, who had barely managed to compose himself, suddenly scowled.
So, did you come here to take a boat?
I promised my companions that I would give them the best vacation possible.
“In that case, how about you take our ship as I just mentioned? There are plenty of seats left on the ship Jeong Do-hoe borrowed.”
Hyeseong pointed to the ship waiting for them and said.
Jeongdohoe rented the entire large ship with a two-story roof.
As expected, the Jeongdohoe is formidable. I appreciate the offer, but I will decline. We have already rented a boat, you see.
“Wouldn’t this boat be better than a small ferry?”
It is not a small ferry. Ah, there it is, coming just in time.
I pointed at the huge cruise ship approaching the dock.
A whole four-story building.
“We paid such a high price to rent this, so it would be a waste to throw it away. If you don’t mind, would Jeong Do-hoe like to board with us?”
Hyeseong’s face contorted violently, as if he had tasted feces.
It was a truly refreshing feeling. The group that boarded the cruise ship could not soothe their excitement for a while.
Because we were the only ones who could fully enjoy the boat, which shone more brilliantly than any other on Dongting Lake.
“Is this okay, Young Master Jin?”
Seong Moran, who had been exclaiming in awe at the night view of Dongting Lake for quite some time, asked as if something had suddenly occurred to her.
“What do you mean?”
In the end, Jeomchang wasn’t punished, was he? And Jeongdohoe is still openly active like that.
“Ah… so you mean that. Of course it’s fine.”
“yes?”
“Everyone who knows about this case is aware of it. That Jeomchang was the one who committed this in the end.”
That’s right.
“And at the same time, you must also be aware that Yuwolmun has been sacrificed. From now on, the sects under Jeomchang will begin a fierce battle of wits. Whether to remain in Jeomchang or to leave.”
“Still, there is the name of Jeomchang.……”
“Of course. Right now, it is more advantageous to pretend not to notice and stay rather than leave. However, once the second and third incidents occur, you will no longer find a reason to remain.”
“You mean something like this will happen again?”
“Why do you think there won’t be any?”
I spoke as I looked at the countless boats floating like stars on Dongting Lake.
A colossal entity like Jeomchang will never be brought down by the immorality of one or two people. This is because Jeomchang itself is a massive living organism.
Then what do you plan to do?
It’s simple. You break it down little by little, step by step, savoring every moment.
“Jeomchang?”
I turned my gaze to the Virgin Mary.
“Anyone, including Jeomchang.”
I really don’t know. Young Master Jin.
Seongmoran shook her head and said.
“Anyway, the wealth Yuwolmun has amassed must not be insignificant. It’s a bit of a waste when you think about how Jeomchang just squandered it. Though it was originally theirs to begin with.”
Namgung Seon-hwa quickly interrupted as the conversation was wrapping up.
He looked trembling with anxiety, as if he were somewhere he shouldn’t be.
“Young Master Jin. Is this… alright?”
Namgung Seon-hwa points to the floor and speaks.
It looks like we’re the only ones on this ship.
“Didn’t I tell you? If you’re going to have fun anyway, shouldn’t you go all out?”
“Still… still, this is a bit too much. To think we’re the only ones on this huge ship.”
It seems even the mighty Namgung Seon-hwa has never splurged to this extent.
Just as she said, I rented the largest boat on Dongting Lake. However, as she said, we weren’t the only ones there.
Oh my, that’s a bit disappointing. Did you forget me?
Haeryeong appearing with the horse.
At the mention that there was no limit on food orders, the Geum-Eun-Dong brothers, who had been ordering and eating like crazy, stopped abruptly and looked at Haeryeong.
Splendid golden crown and fluttering silk clothes.
It was an outfit that suited this splendid ship better than anyone else here.
“Haeryeong-nim…….”
“Master Manbin…….”
Not only Seong Moran and Namgung Seonhwa, but also Sa Ryeon, who was seeing Haeryeong for the first time, stared at her in awe.
The cleanup is finished, Young Master Jin.
As expected, you are excellent.
Then, shall we enjoy the banquet after we finish the work?
“I will.”
The group tilted their heads in confusion at the conversation between me and Haeryeong.
I looked at the Virgin Mary and said.
You said it was a shame that Jeomchang completely took over Yuwolmun, didn’t you?
“Huh? Yes…….”
If you go together now, you won’t really have such thoughts.
Seong Moran and Namgung Seonhwa looking at each other with doubts.
We headed toward the lower part of the ship.
Haeryeong guided us through the warehouses where various goods were stacked, and we followed her.
And when I reached a warehouse after passing through a chaotic path.
The group gaped in amazement.
Why is that person here?
