2
5
4.
“What do you mean?”
The hand of the bloody battle moved like lightning.
There wasn’t even time to react.
His left hand had already touched the pressure point and controlled the movement.
I don’t know when he pulled it out, but he was clutching a dagger filled with energy in his other hand, pressing it firmly against the nape of my neck.
A situation where he would not be able to escape death if he exerted even the slightest force.
Gulp.
After undergoing a complete transformation, I thought I had approached his level a little, but as expected, it was not a distance that could be caught in a day or two.
“I asked how he knew… that the place actually existed.”
I didn’t know.
“……
I am not joking. Tell me the truth about how you knew.
I can understand the overreaction to the bloody battle to some extent.
Because the Black Forest is like a final sanctuary for them.
I answered without moving my neck as much as possible.
I really didn’t know. But now I know.
“what?”
“With that reaction just now, isn’t it practically the same as revealing the fact that the Black Forest exists?”
“…….”
The Black Forest is one of the rumors that circulates like a legend in the martial arts world.
A place where retired masters of the Black Dao live together.
In other words, the Black Immortal Realm
It is called [something] and is frequently mentioned as a good snack to accompany drinks for many alcoholics.
In my previous life, I also thought of it as merely one of the fanciful rumors, just like the Taeeul Sword Emperor.
However, seeing this reaction, I am convinced.
“That’s surprising. To think the Black Forest really exists.”
Is that really true?
Bloody’s eyes shook violently.
Leaving aside whether it is true or not, who would think that such a place actually exists?
Of course, it is a lie.
There was a time in a past life when a large number of masters from the Black Forest poured into the Jianghu.
That is when I also came to know that the Black Forest actually existed.
After the Demon Lord’s Black Alliance collapsed and the Black Path martial arts world was devastated, the gate to a place that had only existed in legends opened.
The appearance of the absolute masters of the Black Dao, most of whom were known to have died or retired due to old age, was quite a shock even to the Murim Alliance.
I endured the pain running down my neck and added.
It seems that consistently cracking jokes has brought such an unexpected benefit.
Don’t you realize that your life is in even greater danger?
“Isn’t the fact that you didn’t kill him right away an admission that it was your mistake, sir?”
Sreuk
-The hand of the bloody battle goes down.
I rubbed my neck with my body now freed from the blood pressure.
There was a little blood, but it was on the weaker side considering the price for bringing out the story of the ‘Black Forest’.
Bloody Battle warned quietly.
You would be best to forget what you just heard completely.
“Why?”
Hyeoltu put the dagger back in his bosom and stared at me blankly.
Not only do people not believe it in the first place, but anyone who hears even the slightest bit about that place from you will be killed off one by one.
As I listened quietly, it occurred to me that the reason the existence of the ‘Black Forest’ had been circulating as baseless rumors all this time was because they wanted it.
I will absolutely never tell anyone about this.
“That is what must be done. If you do not want to witness a futile death.”
After nodding once, I got to the point.
I have a favor to ask on your behalf.
This is not a condition of the deal.
Then I will just leave it to you.
Bloody Battle looked at me with a look of disbelief, but I did not give in.
Because if the Black Forest appears at the same time as in the previous life, it will be too late.
I met the bloody battle’s eyes straight in the eye.
Please allow me to meet the elders of the Black Forest.
“Do you think the Black Forest is some kind of tourist attraction?”
It is not that I want to sightsee the Black Forest. It is that I want to meet the people inside.
“why?”
In situations like this, it is faster to make them understand the reason on their own rather than explaining it in detail.
“You have seen it yourself, sir. The Black Alliance and the events unfolding in the current Jianghu.”
“What are you talking about…….”
The bloody battle that was speaking suddenly frowns.
Even without me explicitly stating it, if you look at the series of events that unfolded in the Black Alliance, you will easily understand what I will do in the Black Forest.
The bloody battle drew a firm line.
That is a matter of the martial arts world.
“Isn’t the Black Forest also within the Jianghu?”
We do not interfere in worldly affairs.
However, I cannot back down easily either.
“Isn’t the visit of Elder Bloody Battle and Elder Yeom Gwi-bi to the Black Alliance an interference in worldly affairs?”
“that…….”
In the end, Bloody Battle keeps its mouth shut tight.
They are well aware that this kind of argument is nothing more than a pointless, drawn-out affair.
“This incident happened within the Black Alliance. Don’t you realize that the longer you keep your feet on the Black Path, the more your standing in the White Path disappears?”
I shook my head firmly.
“This is not something that happened solely within the Black Alliance. I have constantly seen traces of those responsible for this incident throughout Henan, the Puyang Plain, and Sichuan.”
Bloody Battle was still frowning, as if he was displeased.
However, it is just that you do not like it; you must know better than anyone what I am saying.
If the Black Forest exists within the Jianghu, the Black Forest cannot exist without the Jianghu. Furthermore, if the Black Forest does not cooperate against ‘that group,’ the Jianghu will be in danger.
You bastard.
Bloody’s face hardened more than ever.
“You are too timid. Even so, they are nothing more than a group among many in the vast world of martial arts.”
That one group is shaking the Murim Alliance and the Dark Alliance to their core. Leaving not a single trace of themselves behind.
Seeing the troubled look on Hyeoldu’s face, I also closed my mouth.
If I add anything more, it would only serve to add to the negative feelings.
And a short while later.
“What do you intend to do in the Black Forest?”
Bloody Battle spoke up.
I brought out the plan without delay.
I plan to prepare so that it isn’t too late.
“You’re going to bring out the Black Forest members?”
“yes.”
Bloody Battle closed his eyes and shook his head.
It is impossible.
Even if they have left the secular world, their roots still lie in the martial arts world. Joining the battle so late is nothing more than locking the stable door after the horse has bolted.
Bloody Battle remained silent for quite a while.
Are you planning to repeat the regrets of your past life?
I took another step closer to him.
It is no use regretting after everything is gone.
That is not it.
“yes?”
Bloody Battle continued speaking with difficulty.
That’s not it.
Is there a reason?
Bloody battle stares at me for a long time with complex eyes, wondering what is on his mind.
Soon, his heavy mouth opened again.
I’ll let you know when you come to the Black Forest.
“……!”
Done.
I inwardly cheered.
This means that visiting the Black Forest is permitted.
However, the joy was short-lived.
The subdued voice of the bloody battle is heard.
However, not now.
Then when would it be possible?
I will let you know then.
“Do you not know how long it might take?”
A bloody battle that leaves one lost in thought for a moment.
He slowly nodded his head.
okay.”
Then who am I supposed to contact? I’m going to keep on the move.
“Wherever you are, we will come find you. And we will let you know when the time comes.”
Although I was left with a lot of regrets, it was enough that the story reached this point.
I decided that I shouldn’t press them any further.
I will wait. But I hope it isn’t too late.
“If it’s you, maybe it’s possible…….”
Bloody Battle muttered incomprehensible things to himself. I tried my best to persuade Cha Seok-du until the very end.
However, he, who had pretended not to hear me, eventually didn’t even meet me in the end.
I was the one who established the Black Alliance and brought it to stability, though.
That’s why it’s a black-haired beast.
They say you shouldn’t trust someone with a dark heart, especially.
“That is enough. Since the Murim Alliance has dealt with the Blood Cult of Sichuan because of this incident, you have done your part sufficiently.”
Since Ak Byeong-bi, the head of the delegation, said this, I must have done a good job.
“Moreover, they are the Dark Path. They are beings incompatible with us. Look at them now. You can tell just by the fact that no one is seeing us off, even though we saved the Dark Alliance from crisis.”
As he said, I could understand up to Cha Seok-du, but it was disappointing that even the big shots of the Black Sect with whom I had a connection didn’t show up.
“If anyone speaks ill of you for failing to secure an alliance, do not worry, for I will step forward.”
What’s wrong with this guy?
Why are you suddenly so sweet?
Hmm… It’s good that our misunderstandings seem to have been cleared up, though.
For some reason, it feels like the relationship has gotten even more twisted.
Dang Seo-hee goes a step further.
You don’t need to worry. If you really can’t get through to it, you can just become the Vice-Leader of the Black Alliance.
Dang Seo-hee, who has become much closer to the warriors of Sahwangbong, for whatever happened while I was sleeping.
She was the person among our delegation members who was most reluctant to return to the Murim Alliance.
Just as I was starting to shake off some lingering feelings thanks to the two of them, the escort reported.
“Director, preparations are complete.”
At the escort’s words, we also gathered our personal belongings and headed outside.
The carriage that had come full of gifts was empty, with only a few supplies left for the return journey.
Just as we were about to mount the horses led by the escorts.
Suddenly, it became noisy outside the gate, and a group of people began to enter the arena.
And, a familiar face stepped forward.
“uh?”
I’m a little late.
As Soldier Dam grasped the bow of Ak Byeong-bi, who was about to mount his horse, Ak Byeong-bi instinctively returned the greeting.
I didn’t know you would come out.
Ak Byeong-bi’s face was filled with bewilderment.
At this, a faint smile appears on the corners of Soldier Dam’s lips.
The sages of old said that failing to express gratitude is worse than being an animal.
Does Akbyeongbi know that they had badmouthed them a lot?
Damak looked around at the delegation members, then fixed his gaze on me and added
“They could become colleagues with whom I will walk the path together in the future, couldn’t they? Of course, I should come forward.”
Ak Byeong-bi desperately tried to keep his expression straight.
Oh, I wonder if his face is going to explode at that rate.
Thank you for your concern.
He waved his hand as if denying it was Damak, then pointed straight behind him and spoke.
In addition, there is a gift prepared by the Master.
“gift?”
Shortly after, about a dozen people carrying large and small boxes entered the horse stable one after another.
“What is that?”
As soon as Dang Seo-hui, full of curiosity, finished speaking, they stood on either side of Dam-ak and opened the box.
“Ugh! That’s!”
The first one to scream was Il-myeong.
He could not take his eyes off the box closest to Damak.
Then, as if deeply moved, he let out a cry of awe.
“M-Maitreya Buddha statue!”
A so-called person who trembles as if meeting a real Buddha.
The sight of it vibrating violently all the way to the scalp is quite rare.
“Hooo……!”
Of course, the reaction of the other members of the delegation was no different.
Damak, who actually prepared the gift, remained composed, though.
“The Alliance Leader also expressed regret that we were unable to form an alliance this time. However, two distant groups cannot suddenly become close all at once. He suggested that we narrow the distance one step at a time like this.”
As I looked at the items inside the box, I blurted out something without realizing it.
It feels like we’re about three steps closer.
Akbyeongbi glared at me with sharp eyes at my audacity, but soon turned his head and bowed to Damak.
I will definitely convey the Saheukryeon’s intentions to the Murim Alliance.
Before he knew it, the corners of his mouth had also slowly curled upward.
Anyway, pretending it’s not true.
“Alright, alright! Just load it this way!! Good luck, hang in there!”
As the escorts loaded the items Damak had prepared onto the empty carriage one by one to the enthusiastic cheering and chants of my voice, Damak approached me.
Then, after staring at my face without saying a word, he blurted it out.
Thank you.
“What do you mean?”
At my counter-question, he cleared his throat a couple of times and turned his head away.
See you again next time.
For some reason, my ears seem to have turned a little red.
I gave him a smirk.
Of course I’ll see you again.
Although it wasn’t conveyed exactly, I felt like I could sense Damak’s feelings somehow.
Damak lightly nodded and turned around.
yet.
Just as I was about to pull the reins hard, thinking that we were really about to set off.
We had to stop again because of the crowd filling the front of the horse arena.
“What is this……!”
The Black Sect members filled the road.
Because of them, there was no way for the escort agency’s carriages to pass.
“Uh, what should I do?”
As Ilmyeong’s brow furrowed at the sight of the men, all of whom looked menacing, Akbyeongbi spoke calmly.
You just need to go.
Akbyeongbi raised his head and stared straight ahead.
I mean that I am not trying to stop us.
The moment doubt settled in the eyes of Il-myeong and Dang Seo-hui.
The people who had been blocking the road began to split to the sides.
and.
Starting with someone, the sound of applause began to ring out.
Soon after, cheers can be heard.
Goodbye! See you again next time!
“Black Flame Dragon! You really are a Divine of the Black Path!”
“The Murim Alliance henchmen, go carefully!”
It seems like there is some unpleasant sound mixed in, but…
Anyway, friendly voices enveloped us.
There were also people here and there throwing rice cakes or pouches.
Dang Seo-hee carefully picked out only the ones that would make good snacks from among them.
Turning my head to look, I saw that the guards of the Alliance Headquarters had expressions of bewilderment at the situation that had just occurred.
None of us returned their greeting, but their cheers continued endlessly.
And a faint smile hung on the faces of the delegation members.
Around the time they were no longer in sight after I came out of the Black Alliance.
Akbyeongbi pulled the reins to slow down, approached me, and whispered softly.
“Maybe I’m wrong.”
“What’s with the sudden…….”
Akbyeongbi left only those words behind and moved forward once again.
