3
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3.
It is on a completely different level compared to when the members of the Hefei branch came out to investigate fifteen days ago.
The formidable Heukmugak and Haenghaenggak suddenly raided Dokamun without warning, and the Dokamun followers, who were savoring their victory as their only rival disappeared, were struck by a bolt from the blue.
“W-what kind of act is this! The Poison Fang Sect is undeniably an ally of the Black Alliance…….”
“Ah, I know. So you don’t have to tell me the whole story.”
“What the…! Are you saying it doesn’t matter if the Murim Alliance and the Dark Alliance go to war!”
I didn’t come here because I have business with you guys. I heard the Electric Door kids are here.
“Uh, huh?”
Here is an official request for cooperation from the Black Alliance. We intend to investigate those who have mastered dark magic. We ask for your cooperation.
Dok-a-geom’s fist trembled at the words of the Black Mugak Vice-Minister who patted his shoulder as he passed by.
They ask for cooperation, but their attitude and method do not appear cautious at all.
What reason could there be to examine the documents of Dokamun to investigate the personnel of Jeondeungmun?
However, due to the prayers and atmosphere they exuded, I could not easily act.
“If it weren’t for the safety of the Jianghu, you wouldn’t have made it back alive!”
The Deputy Head of the Black Mist Pavilion readily nodded at the words of the Poison Fang Sword, who spoke as if chewing on something.
“Well, I suppose that’s to be expected.”
“…….”
“Ah! I really think that’s what happened. So just stay still.”
Bu Gak-ju passed by the Poison Fang Sword and headed toward the Jeondeung sect.
Regardless of Poison Fang Sword’s mood, the disciples of the Lantern Sect felt as if they had fallen into hell upon realizing they had been framed for practicing sorcery.
“W-what are you talking about! Sorcery! I have never heard or seen such a thing! I merely entered the Jeondeung Gate to become a鏢師 (Pyosa)!”
“Is that so? Then why did you scrape together every last penny of your family’s assets and offer it to Jeondeungmun? Why did you go into debt just to give money to a place you joined to make money?”
“Th-that… that… why did I do that?”
We’ll look into that gradually, so don’t worry too much.
“Chacha… what do you mean by investigating?”
Bugakju tilted his head, then curled the corners of his mouth upward.
“Huh? Of course we have to go to the execution building, right? We can’t conduct the investigation here. Our building’s basement is cozy and perfect for the investigation.”
At those words, the faces of the disciples of the light lamp turned pale.
A place where once you enter, you cannot come out unscathed, and when you come out, you can no longer return to your former self.
Because the basement of the Executioner’s Office was the very place where countless ghost stories poured out.
The members of the Murim Alliance who had stormed into Hwangcheonhyeon like a storm returned to the Murim Alliance, pulling eight iron carriages.
The story of the Electric Lantern Gate began to spread throughout the entire Jianghu.
When they first learned that Jeondeungmun was a sect associated with Cheongseong, Cheongseong and its secular sects rose up like wildfire.
A time when powerful martial arts sects were fighting for power over the world.
The fact that subordinate sects with even the slightest connection were being attacked was a matter of sect influence.
Are you ignoring Cheongseong right now!
“Sorcery! There is no way a disciple of our Cheongseong would do such a thing!”
“This is a political maneuver by forces trying to keep Cheongseong’s power in check!”
The people of Cheongseong, who did not even know where Jeondeungmun was in the first place, stormed into Haenghaenggak and stirred up the place, while the secular sects continued to raise objections.
but.
After Deng Gaoxian’s body, which had been frozen in Hefei and arrived at the Martial Arts Alliance, was revealed in Qingcheng, people’s attitudes completely changed.
Two distinctly black pupils with no whites.
Those who had been raising their voices at the strange form that could not be explained without sorcery had no choice but to wipe the foam from their mouths.
“Hmm… To be precise, the Jeondeungmun is not affiliated with Cheongseong.”
“That’s right. I did study at Punghyangmun for a while, but I wasn’t an official disciple.”
“From what I hear, you paid money to learn a little martial arts. You are merely a student; you cannot be considered a formal disciple, can you?”
“They are practically strangers, so you can’t really call this a matter related to Cheongseong.”
Of course.
As if nothing had happened, they severed all ties with Jeondeungmun and completely cut off all connection with Cheongseong in this matter.
With the restraints from Cheongseong gone, the Executioner’s Office could begin the investigation with peace of mind.
A clearly externally manifested form of rebellion against heaven, unlike previously known sorcery.
This instilled fear in those who walked the right path.
How much chaos has a single powerful Sa-gong and demonic power thrown into the martial arts until now?
Chaos has always led to the destruction of the existing order, and destruction brings about a new order.
Those who did not want to be swept up in this destruction watched their surroundings more sharply than ever, and those hoping for something new also discussed throughout the night how they could make use of this situation.
It would be difficult to link it with Cheongseong, wouldn’t it?
“Is Cheongseong just any Cheongseong? They must be aware of their current predicament. They must be well-prepared.”
But isn’t it a bit of a shame to just let it slide?
And the desire of those who wanted to rise higher was greater than that of those in high positions who did not doubt their status.
“How about using the person who uncovered the secret of the electric door this time?”
“You mean that bastard Jin So-woon from the Taeeul Sect? Come on. Don’t talk nonsense. He’s already acting as he pleases since becoming the top student at the academy; if we promote him even more now, what do you think will happen?”
“Haha, you only know one thing and not the other. The power of the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families will only wane once that guy’s influence grows, won’t it? To put it bluntly, isn’t it a situation where he found the ‘Golden Technique’ while still just a student at the academy?”
Ahem…
“Just imagine if the Nine Great Sects or the Five Great Families had done this. They would have been shouting about a hero being born and causing quite a stir throughout the martial arts world.”
Cheongseong has been condemning Jin So-un for attacking Jeondeungmun, a fellow Baekdo sect, and killing its leader.
People pointed this out.
“What do you think is the reason they regard Jin So-un as a thorn in their side? Isn’t it because he keeps shaking up their position?”
“So, are you saying we should hype him up? He’s already uncontrollable; what if he grabs our topknots and shakes us?”
“Isn’t he alone? No matter how much a wretch like him tries to pull off, how high can he possibly go?”
Then what is the reason to go out of your way to praise that guy?
The person advocating for Jin So-un lowered his voice and grinned.
He becomes a small hole.
“A hole?”
“They say that a reservoir weir collapses due to a small hole, don’t they? Jin So-un is exactly that small hole.”
“Hooo…….”
“Furthermore, consider this. The Nine Great Sects have Yong So-ah, and the Five Great Clans have symbolic figures like Dang Seo-hee and Namgung San. However, we do not have anyone who can rival them, do we?”
A sense of unease permeates the cruel truth.
“Good grief, I don’t know why you look down on the kids.”
It’s not like my kids are particularly bad, is it?
“Exactly! That’s what I’m saying. If that guy Jin So-un stands shoulder to shoulder with the previous generation’s Dragon Phoenixes, wouldn’t the names of the previous generation naturally fade away?”
As a vivid plan formed in their minds, the corners of their mouths curled slightly toward their ears.
Let’s take it step by step. They aren’t going to collapse in a day or two. We can just think of this as part of the process.
Then, what should I do first?
“First, send people to Taeeulmun to congratulate them on this matter…….”
To a higher place.
While those aiming for higher positions continue their discussions in a closed room.
“Hmm…….”
Deep within the Murim Alliance, this incident was being viewed seriously from a different angle.
Alliance Leader Hyeok Mu-gang spoke with a face full of worry.
“What do they say at Cheonmokgak?”
For now, I am tracing the past of Oil-sik, who is most closely associated with Deunggohyeon. If anything significant emerges, I will report it to the Alliance Leader immediately.
“Considering those who appeared in the Tian Shan, should we say it has been a hundred years?”
Zhuge Xiaoming took his mouth off the teacup and spoke.
Since the Blood Cult is also showing a connection to them, I suppose we should say it has been half a year.
“Half a year and a hundred years… that is too long a gap.”
Hyeok Mu-gang, who had remained silent until the steam rising from the car cooled, raised his head once again.
“What do you think? Should we assume that it has… entered the interior as well?”
I cannot say for sure.
Hyeok Mu-gang chuckled at Jegal So-myeong’s words.
“You are usually so pessimistic; how is it that you are so optimistic today?”
I suppose he is being cautious because it is such a serious matter.
Seeing Hyeok Mu-gang’s bitter expression, Jegal So-myeong spoke in a clear voice.
We need to approach this matter very conservatively.
Because there are already those within trying to create a situation where people suspect one another.
In times of world turmoil, the winds of rebellion always blow in Beijing.
Framing someone is a sure way to eliminate an enemy and secure one’s own interests.
The Murim Alliance is no different.
Because it has become a single political group.
The only difference is that if the winds of rebellion blow in Beijing, the winds of Geumgong blow in the Murim Alliance.
Moreover, among the Metal Arts, the Demonic Arts is the fiercest and most terrifying wind.
“At least it’s a relief that the word ‘demon magic’ wasn’t mentioned.”
Everyone must be cautious. Because they know how powerful the ripple effect that word will bring.
Because strong winds often bring a headwind.
Everyone does not cross the final, precarious line.
Of course, I don’t know how long that patience will last.
Still, the reason we haven’t heard any strong voices yet is… surely thanks to the person who first raised the issue writing the report indirectly using the word ‘sorcery,’ isn’t it?
“That guy is really good at scheming, isn’t he?”
Jegal So-myeong read Hyeok Mu-gang’s expression.
A face filled with anxious worry.
What is it that you don’t like?
“Ah, no, nothing. It’s just… I was thinking that so many things are happening to this child, Jin So-un.”
“Since he’s the type to go around stirring up trouble everywhere, he’s just making things worse for himself.”
“……
For some reason, it reminded me of something from my younger days.
As Jegal So-myeong had spent his youthful days with Hyeok Mu-gang, he knew better than anyone what kind of life he had led.
Jegal So-myeong cracked a joke to change the atmosphere.
“If you keep subtly mentioning the successor like that, the Old Faction and the clans will rise up in rebellion.”
Hyeok Mu-gang smiled dryly as he looked at Jegal So-myeong.
You know the saying that trials make heroes.
“Haha! Good grief! You keep doing this. Why? Do you think that fellow is going to become a hero?”
Jegal So-myeong tried to lighten the mood with a joke, but Hyeok Mu-gang’s voice remained serious.
“If you have to overcome trials to become a hero, then I am not a hero. Because in the end, I ran away.”
“That is because the Alliance Leader…”
Zhuge Xiaoming, who had been speaking, clamped his mouth shut.
Because he knew better than anyone how painful and lonely he was at that time.
Hyeok Mu-gang’s self-deprecating voice continued.
“And in the end, I couldn’t change anything.”
“You have changed a lot, Leader.”
However, Jegal So-myeong’s comfort did not reach Hyeok Mu-gang.
That’s why I’m worried about that friend. It feels like fate keeps taking an interest in him.
Because sometimes, you yourself know best how cruel that fate is.
“Because the ordeal that awaits that friend somehow seems incomparable to mine.”
Hyeok Mu-gang turned his head and looked out the window.
It is time for spring to come, but the snow outside the window has not yet completely melted.
I wish warm spring would come soon. This winter feels unusually long.
The sight looked so lonely that Jegal So-myeong could not speak any further. Life is inherently not easy.
This was a state I had already realized in my previous life.
So I tried hard not to repeat it in this life.
Undonely.
“Alright, I will give them to you one by one, so stand in your places.”
The training ground where the young disciples of Taeeulmun are gathered.
Seriousness filled the faces of the children lined up in rows on the left and right.
At least for today, even the leaders of each party could not let go of their solemn expressions.
“The spiritual pills I am distributing this time are different from the Jeongsimdan you consumed last time. Changes will likely occur in your Danjeon immediately, so you must begin your cultivation exercises right away.”
The elixir made with Oryeong Seonhwa oil was completed a week ago, and the elders of each clan took it first and experienced its effects.
And now it is the turn of the young disciples.
Saryeon and the brothers Geum, Eun, and Dong, as well as Yusung and the existing disciples, were all sitting there, unable to relax their tense expressions.
Wang Xiaosuo was almost excluded because she had a special constitution. However, Sima Zheng changed a few of the medicinal ingredients, allowing Wang Xiaosuo to take the elixir as well.
Finally, the long-awaited time.
The leaders of each party could not take their eyes off this moment.
“Those guys probably don’t even know what’s going into their mouths, do they?”
“It would be a disaster if they found out. If that happened, who knows what might happen with Jongnam, so we must keep it an absolute secret.”
“Still, once I solidify my Danjeon a bit with the spiritual pills, I don’t think I’ll have any major problems taking elixirs in the future.”
The head of the outer hall must be busy.
The clan leaders looked at my father with bright eyes, and he turned his head awkwardly, then looked at me with a sullen expression.
“Why are you still sticking your mouth out?”
“What do you mean?”
“You said it wouldn’t do you any good anyway. Isn’t that why you gave your share to the clan leaders?”
Who said what?
Before taking the elixir, Sama Jeong examined the pulses of all the Taeeulmun members.
In the midst of all this, I heard the shocking news that taking Oryeong Seonhwa-yu would be of little use. ‘But wait, even so, wouldn’t it be beneficial for me to take it now so it can be medicine later?’ I thought.
In the end, I couldn’t eat.
Oryeong Seonhwa Yu.
Damn it.
The disciples of Taeeulmun put the spirit pills into their mouths in one go.
And then, one by one, they began the cultivation.
There were children who practiced energy cultivation in silence, children whose robes swelled up while cultivating, and even children whose hair stood on end. ‘Have we roughly reached the starting point now?’ Compared to the prestigious sects, it was only one step, but the children of Taeeulmun had now laid the foundation as warriors.
And so, I carefully took in the scene with my eyes, making sure not to miss a single thing, until all the children, along with the clan leaders, finished their cultivation.
And the children who woke up one by one could not help but look at their hands and feet with surprised expressions.
Kang Chae-seok silenced the surroundings in a low voice.
“Those who have risen, quietly step aside. There are still those practicing their cultivation.”
And so, the people of Taeeulmun could not leave the training ground until night fell.
As if not wanting to miss even a single moment of the change. #That night.
I headed to the doctor’s office at Sama Jeong’s summons.
You seem quite disappointed.
Would it be just disappointment?
However, I feigned ignorance.
“What do you mean?”
Sama Jeong tilted his head.
“Honestly, I don’t understand why you are so greedy for more internal energy.”
Isn’t it always better to have more of anything?
Anyway, I have to prepare for the Demonic Cult, and maybe it’s also because I’ve been so deprived of food in my past life that it’s become a deep-seated regret.
“Ah… I’m sorry. It’s just that I have a very greedy personality.”
“Tsk tsk. With such a narrow mind, do you think you can achieve great things in life?”
It’s because I want to live mainly doing small things.
“ha!”
Sama Jeong shook his head and threw a small wooden box.
widely!
A wooden box that fits perfectly in the hand, just like the spiritual tablets the children received.
“What is this?”
“Can’t you tell by looking? It’s the spiritual formula that drives you crazy.”
“It is a different elixir from what people have eaten.”
What? If it doesn’t contain Oryeong Seonhwa Yu, it’s useless.
There were so few materials that I could only make one thing.
Then does that mean it is the only elixir created by Sima Zheng?
Then the story changes again.
Sama Jeong cleared his throat for no reason and gestured toward the wooden box with his chin.
That will be better for you than Oryeong Seonhwa Yu.
Then you should have said that earlier.
You’re making a fuss and giving people a bitter taste in their mouths for no reason.
As I grumbled, Sama Jeong let out a smirk.
“Are you feeling better now?”
“I’ve never felt offended. It’s my family, the Samun people, eating it.”
“The corners of your mouth, which had drooped, have gone up all the way to your ears?”
Good heavens, what am I even saying? To someone who naturally has a cheerful face.
In my past lives, I was beaten up so many times for picking fights with people asking, “Are you laughing at me?” because of this face.
I opened the wooden box, letting Sama Jeong’s teasing go in one ear and out the other.
