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9.
I know that assassins have already swept through the Black Alliance once.
It was an act intended to divert attention, so they will not appear again.
Nevertheless, he leads dozens of fully armed men around the Black Alliance, issuing meaningless orders.
“Lord Ryeonju! Our Sect Leader…!”
“I will surely capture the culprit! Light all the torches inside and put away your weapons. If anyone resists, take action first and report later!”
This is an opportunity to show who the true leader of the Black Alliance is.
It was also an opportunity to impress upon everyone that Cha Seok-du was not just a temporary leader.
Heroes are born in times of turmoil, and faith comes from competence.
Following someone who dictates what to do in unexpected situations is the most instinctive human trait.
It was no different even for the Black Dao, who possessed a strong rebellious nature.
“Announcement to everyone within the Union! We are currently tracking down the culprit, so rest assured!”
“I respectfully command you!”
“Your Honor!!”
Those who disliked Cha Seok-du came to like him, and those who liked him came to believe in him blindly.
And those beliefs gather and gather to produce the emotion of ‘awe’.
The Black Sect members’ faith in the Black Alliance and Cha Seok-du, which had previously been only half as strong, skyrocketed rapidly.
Cha Seok-du also felt satisfied with the changed public opinion.
“Is this enough?”
Let’s go around just one or two more times.
“Again? I heard they all ran away already?”
At his counter-question, the subordinate firmly shook his head.
“Lord Yeonju, do you know how many connoisseurs are gathered here?”
“What do you mean, connoisseurs… Why are you suddenly making such a fuss with difficult words? They’re just drunkards.”
“……
In any case, today’s events must spread throughout the entire world through them.
If internal cohesion has been solidified by inspiring awe, that power must now be extended outward. Only then will the Black Alliance be able to take root as an official organization.
Cha Seok-du, realizing Suha’s intentions, nodded obediently.
“I get it.”
“Oh, and by the way, please check on the injured. Why do you keep just walking past?”
“You saw it, too. Those clearly aren’t wounds from an attack; they got hurt fighting amongst themselves. Those guys don’t hurt each other. They just kill.”
The subordinate’s brow furrows slightly.
“Master, who exactly are these assassins? I have never seen such skill before. It was incomparably cleaner than the Salmak.”
“…….”
Cha Seok-du was about to answer his subordinate’s question without thinking, but stopped.
Then again, even if I did tell them, would they even understand?
They say its true identity is an organization that disappeared 500 years ago.
Even I can’t quite believe it.
If only I hadn’t figured out their true identity right before my eyes.
Jin So-un must have thought, “I’ve finally gone mad.”
It was clearly the martial arts of the Four Emperors.
The tyrant who was a bodyguard displayed his martial arts skills in front of Cha Seok-du several times whenever friction arose during the process of founding the Black Alliance.
Without a doubt, it was exactly the same as the Four Emperors’ Staff, and even after reviewing my memories, there wasn’t a single strange thing.
however.
That guy turned into a different person once a layer of his skin was peeled away.
If what Jin So-un said is true, it means they are the exact same guys who appeared in the Fuyang Plain… … .
I regretted not having thoroughly investigated what had happened in the Fuyang Plain at that time.
At this point, my head is starting to ache.
I thought we only needed to keep the Murim Alliance in check, but to think there is another force.
My head is throbbing at the thought of having to redraw the future of the Black Alliance.
at that time.
“Lord Ryeon…”
“huh?”
A subordinate extends a finger toward a spot.
“excuse me.”
The place the subordinate pointed to was Dam-ak’s quarters. The delegation, excluding Jin So-un, along with Blood Battle and Yeom Gwi-bi, were gathered there.
I received a report that Damak was rescued… but why are those guys acting like that?
Cha Seok-du moved his feet without delay.
I’ll go.
Cha Seok-du, who had arrived by their side, asked for the reason.
“What is the matter, sir?”
After a bloody battle with the Murim Alliance delegation, who were the meritorious subjects who saved the Saheukryeon from crisis, Yeom Gwi-bi looked at Cha Seok-du with a dejected expression.
“Jin So-un…….”
however.
Bloody battle, which had been answering Cha Seok-du’s question, soon falls silent.
Sensing something was off about the atmosphere, I turned my gaze to see Dang Seo-hui shedding tears like chicken droppings, while the faces of Ak Byeong-bi and Il-myeong were filled with sorrow.
A situation where no one can easily speak up.
Eventually, Yeom Gwi-bi continued speaking.
That child, Jin So-un, is dead.
“yes?”
Cha Seok-du checked again to see if he had heard correctly.
“What do you mean by that?”
You mean Jin So-un is dead?
That guy?
Who is Jin So-un?
He is a tough guy who survived both the Maryeong Plateau and the regular battles.
I mean, I am the guy who tenaciously survived in a place where others wouldn’t have had enough lives to survive even if they had ten.
But to think such a guy suddenly died.
Is it confirmed?
At Cha Seok-du’s words, not only Yeom Gwi-bi but also Hyeol-tu frowned.
Then how did those guys get out of there?
In a corner of Damak’s quarters pointed to by the bloody battle, an ominous red wall was rippling.
It was so red, like the fires of hell, that Cha Seok-du also involuntarily let out a groan.
As Bloody Battle said, it might be obvious without even looking.
But nevertheless.
I need to see it with my own eyes.
Cha Seok-du’s eyes shone with determination. The first thing Cha Seok-du did after founding the Black Alliance was to gather formation masters.
Because I never wanted to go through the nightmare of the Maryeong Plateau again.
However, the nature of the organization called the Black Alliance was the problem.
Would formation masters of scholarly caliber, who are already reluctant to join the martial arts world, really come to the Black Alliance where their safety is not even guaranteed?
However, Cha Seok-du did not give up.
If you don’t have teeth, just use your gums.
We gathered the followers who had fallen into gambling among those who belonged to martial arts sects associated with Qimenjin, such as the Zhuge Clan and the Moshan Sect.
As is typical of gamblers, most of them were heavily in debt and felt their lives were in danger, so it was not that difficult to recruit them.
Because all I had to do was pay the creditors and bring back the bonds.
The members of the Black Law Hall created in this way displayed abilities beyond what they had originally shown in the sect, due to the fact that the creditor was Cha Seok-du.
Finding the Life Gate and the Death Gate in just one hour.
“However, this is just the beginning. To unleash the devastation, we must start with a thorough analysis.……”
“I heard that if you strike the Gate of Life and the Gate of Death simultaneously, a weak Qi Gate Formation breaks. Is that correct?”
“Well, that’s right, but we don’t know how powerful Gimunjin is, and if we’re not careful, the people inside could…”
Cha Seok-du did not pay any more attention to the gambler’s words.
It is a siege formation hastily set up for a raid.
How strong could it really be?
However, there was one problem: one person could not destroy both the Gate of Life and the Gate of Death simultaneously.
I’m with you.
A bloody battle stepped forward.
Aren’t you tired?
“Do you think I can be compared to a nobody like you?”
In this way, Bloody Battle and Cha Seok-du struck Gi Mun-jin at the same time, and as Cha Seok-du had predicted, Gi Mun-jin was destroyed.
And inside that… … .
“flaw…….”
We were able to find Jin So-un lying on the ground bleeding.
“P-save me…… fuck.”
Jin So-woon, unconscious and sending out a distress signal like a groan.
Cha Seok-du shouted, feeling goosebumps all over his body.
there is!”
Cha Seok-du shouted again.
“He’s alive…… He’s alive……!”
At that moment, the delegation knelt down in relief.
“As expected, Jin So-un, the leader of the Black Dragon Clan and vice-leader of the Black Alliance, wouldn’t die easily!”
“Namu Amita Buddha…….”
Furthermore, the Saheukryeondo members gathered at Damak’s quarters also let out a collective cheer.
The sight of the sacrificial and devoted Murim Alliance envoys rescuing Damak, who enjoyed the absolute support of the young Dark Daoists, deeply touched their hearts.
“Jin So-un!”
“Black Flame Dragon!”
Soon, within the Black Alliance, the nickname Jin So-un hated so much began to spread far and wide through people’s mouths. #Zhuge Xiaoming visited He Wujiang’s office.
I received a call from Muyoung.
“What happened?”
“It is said that unknown entities have been blocking carrier pigeons and messengers in the Black Alliance area.”
“Unknown beings?”
Hyeok Mu-gang frowned.
Has Zhuge Xiaoming ever spoken this vaguely before?
Jegal So-myeong nodded.
They said they couldn’t find any trace of where it belonged.
Hyeok Mu-gang could predict who those unknown beings were from Jegal So-myeong’s bitter reaction.
Zhuge Xiaoming is probably thinking something similar.
However, true to his nature as someone who handles information, he did not speak of anything unless it was certain.
Moreover, it is said that vicious beasts who had mastered the martial arts of the White Path Sect were hiding within the Black Alliance.
What did you say!
Hyeok Mu-gang flinched.
To think that Baekdo is the main culprit in a situation where information is blocked.
Hyeok Mu-gang asked urgently.
Shouldn’t we clear up any potential misunderstandings? We need to let people know that they are not beings we sent.
It is the perfect situation for the long-standing animosity between the White and Black factions to erupt.
I could not be sure if the delegation sent by the Murim Alliance would be safe.
Because it was a situation that could lead not only to the safety of the delegation but also to war.
Is the delegation alright?
Jegal So-myeong let out a small sigh as he watched Hyeok Mu-gang, who was fidgeting as if he were about to run to Shanxi at any moment.
They say it’s okay.
“Are you perhaps being detained?”
Just because such an opportunity has come, the Black Alliance will not be able to wage a full-scale war.
However, there was a possibility that the delegation would be used as a scapegoat to appease the wrath of the Black Martial Arts World.
They say that isn’t the case, so you don’t need to worry.
“You’re saying I don’t have to worry?”
Hyuk Mu-gang’s eyes were filled with doubt.
Even just hearing about it, it is clear that unusual things are happening.
If he has realized it to this extent, Zhuge Xiaoming surely cannot be unaware of the gravity of the situation…
How can it be so peaceful?
As if aware of that question, Jegal Somyeong added.
The delegation has found the villain who infiltrated the Black Alliance.
What on earth is this all about?
It’s not like the people within the Black Alliance found the culprit, but rather that an envoy dispatched by the Murim Alliance found him…
If the villain was using White Path martial arts, wouldn’t that actually be the perfect situation to be framed as a suspect?
“To be precise, I heard that Jin So-woon found the villain who had infiltrated the Black Alliance.”
“Jin So-woon? Why? No, how on earth?”
Jegal So-myeong twitched his lips as if he didn’t even want to mention it.
Hyeok Mu-gang became even more anxious at the sight.
General Staff.
At Hyeok Mu-gang’s urging, Jeogal So-myeong finally spoke.
He found it using mind-reading.
yes?”
Silence filled the room.
Hyeok Mu-gang frowned without realizing it.
Did I hear that wrong?
“Mind reading?”
“yes.”
But isn’t Taeeulmun the Daoist-Wu Sect?
“Leader…….”
Whether it is the Taoist school or the Buddhist school, mind-reading (?) from the very beginning
Shouldn’t you find it strange that they caught the culprit with such a ridiculous thing?
“Oops, that’s not it. What on earth do you mean?”
“I don’t know either. That was the only thing written in the letter Muyoung sent.”
While it was welcome that the information that had been cut off was restored, fragmentary information—and even that was preposterous—could not paint a proper picture.
Moreover, while writing about the nonsensical concept of mind-reading, they didn’t even provide a proper explanation.
Jegal So-myeong thought that as soon as Mu-yeong returned, he should educate the guards on how to report information.
“Anyway, thanks to the capture of the villain, the misunderstanding that the Murim Alliance had imprisoned a spy has been cleared up.”
That was a close call.
The Blood Cult still remains in Sacheon.
If a war with the Black Alliance broke out, the Murim Alliance might face an unprecedented crisis.
So, even if they didn’t know, clearing up the misunderstanding is truly a remarkable achievement.
“however…….”
Hyuk Mu-gang, who had been lost in thought for a moment, opened his mouth.
Did you really use mind-reading?
Leader.
Hyeok Mu-gang felt like he was going to go crazy with curiosity.
Otherwise, how on earth is it possible to find the hidden culprits when dropped right in the middle of enemy territory and framed as a suspect?
“Aren’t you curious about the total military?”
Seeing Jegal So-myeong’s lips trembling, his feelings did not seem much different from mine.
“Now is not the time to discuss that.” Judging by the addition of the word “now,” it seems he intends to investigate when Jin So-woon returns.
Thinking that, Hyuk Mu-gang nodded.
“That is right. The matter in Sacheon is taking longer than scheduled.”
Winter is coming.
If the war drags on any longer, the Murim Alliance might be shaken to its roots.
Even so, we cannot back down with the Blood Cult right in front of us.
Because I have absolutely no idea what might happen if I keep those who practice bizarre sorcery behind me.
Hyeok Mu-gang cautiously asked for an opinion.
Even if the misunderstanding at the Black Alliance has been cleared up, we can’t make the Black Dao sects in Sichuan back down, can we?
A situation where you can neither move forward nor back.
I knew there was no hope, but seeing it turn out this way makes me incredibly frustrated.
After a moment of thought, Zhuge Xiaoming spoke in a firm voice.
“Alliance Leader, let’s deal with the Blood Cult.”
Are you sure you’ll be alright? The Dark Dao sects of Sichuan will be targeting your back.
The Black Alliance says they will support Sa Cheon-il.
Hyeok Mu-gang’s eyes widened.
Jegal So-myeong continued speaking calmly.
The Murim Alliance delegation concluded an agreement at the opening ceremony, officially declaring the Blood Cult an enemy, and simultaneously promised to maintain peace with the Murim Alliance until the Blood Cult disappears.
Hyeok Mu-gang opened his mouth wide.
On the battlefield, one should be grateful just to avoid being stabbed in the back, but a public declaration?
Although it may be weak, if the Dark Path of the Martial World provides support, the Blood Cult can be finished off in an even shorter time.
“What on earth are you talking about?”
They say that when you hear a story that is too good, it sounds like a lie.
That was exactly how Hyuk Mu-gang felt right now.
Even Jegal So-myeong lets out a hollow laugh, finding it absurd.
“It is true. They say Jin So-un brokered the agreement.”
“Jin So-un?”
“Since it is a report submitted by that friend Akbyeongbi, it must be accurate.”
“If it’s the Evil Spirit….”
Hyeok Mu-gang also heard about what happened between Ak-ga and Jin So-un.
Considering how deeply the rift between them must have been caused by that incident, Ak Byeong-bi’s report is unlikely to be a false report fabricated to praise achievements.
“What on earth happened at the Black Alliance?”
I don’t know either.
Since Ak Byeong-bi is also from the Inspection Bureau, he does not know what kind of information is needed by the General Affairs Bureau.
It was Zhuge Xiaoming who felt a desperate need to take this opportunity to unify the reporting format, transcending the various departments and factions.
“Anyway, that is how things turned out. So, let’s briefly observe the movements of the Dark Dao sects in Sichuan before dealing with the Blood Cult. A harsh winter will come soon.”
Hyuk Mu-gang, who had been silent for a long time, nodded.
“You owe a debt to that child, Jin So-un.”
Yeah, well. Though the process is quite suspicious.
They achieved unimaginable results in a completely unexpected way.
For Zhuge Xiaoming, it was simply impossible to compare Chen Xiaoyun on the same level as the other divine beings.
Even that great Yongso-ah, for that matter.
Because Yong So-ah wouldn’t be able to accomplish something like this with her martial arts.
“Hmm… I shouldn’t say this, but hearing about the agreement makes me even more greedy.”
“What do you mean?”
“I speak of the alliance. Not only the Murim Alliance, but the entire Jianghu must prepare for a massive war ahead, mustn’t it?”
The Demonic Cult, which keeps revealing its traces not only in the Murim Alliance but also in the Dark Alliance.
What was happening now was merely a prelude to what was to come.
And when that time came, the distinction between white and black would have no meaning.
I wanted to ride on the same ship as the Black Alliance for the time being in preparation for that time.
Jegal So-myeong slowly shook his head.
“There are many in the Black Alliance who have gathered because they want to wage war against the Murim Alliance. I do not think Cha Seok-du has complete control over them as well.”
“Hmm… I guess it’s impossible, right?”
Despite Jegal Somyeong’s immediate reply, Hyeok Mu-gang continues speaking once again.
“If I asked for more than this, I’d be a thief, wouldn’t I?”
“Even Jin So-un would find that a bit too much, wouldn’t he?”
This gentleman… …?
For some reason, Jegal Somyeong felt that Hyeok Mu-gang was like a thief.
