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4.
When this news was first heard, the other elders of the council could not help but laugh.
The news that a fierce competitor has fallen and broken their nose is more filling than any food.
The members of Baekdohoe and the 12 Peaks, who had been feeling uncomfortable with the petty Jeongdohoe event, felt as if a painful tooth had been pulled out.
Upon receiving news from Sichuan, the Murim Alliance immediately prepared to assemble a unit to dispatch.
In contrast, the Council of Elders, hoping that Jeong Do-hoe would face difficulties a little longer, began to repeatedly postpone discussions regarding preparations to organize a unit, and because of this, the Martial Arts Pavilion of the Murim Alliance
He was confused about whether or not to prepare.
However, it did not take long for the triumphant faces of the elders to turn sour.
– Numerous casualties in the Cheongseong Sect and Seokga Sect.
– Numerous casualties among the Emei Sect and secular sects.
– Numerous casualties in the Hwasan Sect and Seokga Sect.
– Numerous casualties in the Joint Faction and Secular Faction.
– Disappearance of Elder Eun Hee-gwang of the Cheongseong faction.
– Elder Jeongmyeong of the Amipa is missing.
– Death of Hwasan Sect Elder So Chung-hyeon confirmed.
– Confirmation of the death of Elder Jeong Sa-ik of the Joint Faction.
– Side effects caused by Elder Hyeseong of the Shaolin Temple’s sorcery.
– Side effects caused by Elder Myeonghyeon of the Jeomchang Sect’s sorcery.
Not only the Council of Elders but the entire Murim Alliance was appalled by the endless stream of negative news.
At the end of the document, some were on the verge of fainting at the part stating that the number of casualties was not listed because it was difficult to distinguish them accurately.
Consequently, no one put the brakes on the matter of dispatching the Alliance’s warriors to Sichuan anymore.
However, if it ends like this, the Murim Alliance wouldn’t be the Murim Alliance.
This time, the brakes were put on regarding the scale of the dispatch.
“Military Advisor Zhuge. Do you think this makes any sense? Has the Great War of White and Black broken out? Blue Dragon Pavilion, Red Dragon Pavilion, Black Martial Arts Pavilion, and even Golden Phoenix Pavilion? Do you intend to fight the entirety of Sichuan?”
It appears the Council of Elders is not taking the current situation seriously. Elders from Mount Hua, Kongtong, Qingcheng, and Emei have gone missing or died. Furthermore, Elder Hyesung of Shaolin and Master Myeonghyeon of Diancang are also suffering from the aftereffects of sorcery.
“Even so, you’re going too far. Go too far!”
Did those who understand the Way raise doubts about the dispatch of warriors and put the brakes on it?
“Listen! Commander-in-Chief!”
Those who had raced through the martial arts world together in their youth forgot all sense of dignity and continued their verbal sparring, pointing fingers at each other just like in their spirited younger days.
To put it bluntly, if it weren’t for his position and the judgment of others, a fierce verbal battle would have ensued to the point where he would have wanted to settle it with his martial arts, and Zhuge Xiaoming, who knew the truth, was on the verge of exploding with frustration. ‘I can’t exactly say that the Blood Cult has appeared!’ The story conveyed by Jin Xiaoyun was, after all, nothing more than speculation.
He also thought Jin So-un’s story was credible, so he intended to dispatch only the bare minimum—really the bare minimum—but even that only angered the Council of Elders and the other sects.
Moreover, on the other hand, in Sacheon, which is practically their own backyard, Cheongseong and Ami, whose elders had gone missing, are acting up by raising martial artists to catch the villain without waiting any longer.
It is literally chaos itself.
Someone was complaining about why so much manpower was being sent, while Cheongseong and Ami were acting up, saying they would dispatch unmanned personnel on their own.
Even the marketplace looks more orderly than this.
“Damn it. If you threw a problem, you should have come up with a solution!”
At Jegal Somyeong’s words, Meng Juwon, whose bump on his forehead had not yet subsided, grumbled.
“Isn’t persuading the Council of Elders originally the Commander-in-Chief’s purview?”
“……
Why is this bastard eavesdropping on my monologue and making such a fuss!
Of course, he knew that this wasn’t Jin So-un’s problem, but from Jegal So-myeong’s perspective, it was incredibly frustrating.
If I believe the story that the Blood Cult has appeared, even that large number of people looks small.
Looking at it simply as an incident where the elders died, I feel uneasy that if this is the real Blood Cult, it is not something that can be resolved with such a small number of people.
While I was spending time worrying about such things.
The messenger arrived once again.
– Appearance in Steel City.
– The enemy’s true identity is confirmed to be the Blood Cult.
They say your mind goes blank when you hear something too ridiculous.
The message sent by Jin So-un turned the entire Murim Alliance into stone.
Zhuge Xiaoming, who had predicted it was the Blood Cult, trembled violently as if struck by lightning.
“G-Jiangshi? Gaaaaangshi? Cheonggangshi?
“General, hold your ground.”
“Hey, you punk! Do you think this is going to stay in place?! It’s a Jiangshi! A Jiangshi! And not just any Jiangshi, but a Gaaaaangshi!”
Although the events unfolding in Sacheon were to be treated as secret, for some reason the news began to spread throughout the entire Murim Alliance, and the Alliance became more chaotic than ever.
The Murim Alliance, which could not stop trembling like an anxious entrance exam student shaking their feet, eventually decided to dispatch its most elite personnel to Sichuan.
In this regard, no distinction was made regarding the scale or affiliation of the dispatch, and the elders processed the dispatch plan with unconditional approval.
Murim Alliance Leader’s Battle
Jegal So-myeong, who had brought the dispatch approval letters from the Council of Elders and the Ministry of War, was having a conversation with the Alliance Leader just before receiving the Alliance Leader’s seal of approval.
“Cheolgang-si… What do you think?”
Jegal So-myeong answered Hyeok Mu-gang’s question without hiding his worry.
I just hope… that it isn’t true.
So, even the Commander-in-Chief thinks it’s real.
There is a somewhat questionable point. Even after searching through historical records, there is no mention of the Blood Cult being able to manufacture Iron Shards.
Does that mean it is ultimately connected to the Demonic Cult?
Hyeok Mu-gang asked in a light tone, but Jegal So-myeong kept his mouth shut tight.
This is because there is a truth that even the Chief Military Advisor of the Murim Alliance does not want to face.
He was someone who believed that while preparations should be made thoroughly, the most important thing was to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.
Even so, if it has already happened, I suppose we have to face it.
“…….”
Jegal So-myeong also gave a silent affirmation to Hyeok Mu-gang’s words.
The number of dispatched warriors is impressive.
“It is just a hypothetical case, but if even the Iron Sect had appeared in the Blood Cult, this number would not be enough.”
“Wouldn’t the Black Dao Alliance be uncomfortable?”
Mobilizing such a large number of people is bound to annoy competitors.
For the Dark Path Murim, which has just begun to establish itself and is trying to form an alliance, the Murim Alliance’s events are bound to be uncomfortable.
Furthermore, if this incident became the starting point and they had to face the Black Alliance during the battle with the Blood Cult, the Murim Alliance could be driven into a desperate situation.
Zhuge Xiaoming answered while suppressing a rising sigh.
It seems we must quell their discontent by conveying the detailed situation. Even if it means taking a slight loss, we cannot simply leave the Blood Cult alone, can we?
Hyeok Mu-gang could not shake off his worried expression.
I’m already worried about what the Four Emperors’ Lord will demand.
Jegal So-myeong also nodded as if agreeing.
However, what matters right now are the Blood Sect and the Iron City. If they emerge into the Jianghu, the damage will be on a completely different level than the skirmishes with the Dark Paths.
“Understood. I will think about what to give. By the way, what happened to the students at the academy?”
At that question, the commander’s expression became complicated again.
It is said that major damage was prevented thanks to Seunghodang, who went to Sacheon.
“That is truly a relief. I hear this is also thanks to that child, Jin So-un?”
As Hyeok Mu-gang showed an excited expression for some reason, Jegal So-myeong let out a long sigh.
That is correct. However, since there may be procedural issues, I am not sure whether to impose a punishment or a reward.
Everything is good.
You deserve to be rewarded for going and rescuing the students, revealing the existence of the Blood Cult, and making known that Steel City exists.
However, he ignored the academic schedule and swindled the head of the Mantong Department to dispatch Seunghodang.
Although there appear to be no procedural issues on the surface, there are problems that can be found if one looks closely.
I was already having a headache due to the numerous problems piled up, and the thought of Jin So-woon’s situation being added to the mix made my head feel like it was going to explode.
We should award a prize.
Hyeok Mu-gang’s calm voice.
Zhuge Xiaoming frowns.
“It’s not that easy…….”
Wouldn’t procedural issues also be considered trivial when compared to a major problem? It saved countless lives and bought time to respond to the crisis.
widely
The leader puts down the teacup he was holding with a loud noise.
If such a person is punished, no one will act easily in the future, prioritizing their own safety.
Since it was a fact that even Zhuge Xiaoming knew all too well, he could not add anything.
How much does a human being conform within a system?
If you lose the will to doubt and reflect and become consumed by the system, from then on you become a being who simply overlooks wrongdoings even when you see them.
Bringing Maeng Ju-won, who was a lower-ranking scholar, to the Mantong Department, and trying to bring in Jin So-un from the Taeeul Sect.
It was all to keep this in check.
“If anyone puts a stop to the awarding of prizes in this matter, the Alliance will take responsibility.”
At Hyeok Mu-gang’s firm voice, Jegal So-myeong eventually nodded as well.
“Understood. The Mantongbu will do the same. However, please handle rewards and punishments after the Blood Cult’s affairs are concluded.”
Of course.
Having finished most of what needed to be said, Zhuge Xiaoming handed over the order to march.
“Then, here…….”
Hyeok Mu-gang, who had been reading through the documents, raised his golden chain to stamp the seal but stopped abruptly.
“If I take this, there’s no turning back, right?”
Despite the lack of response from Jegal Somyeong, Hyeok Mu-gang nodded and pressed the seal heavily.
thud.
The colossal giant known as the Murim Alliance, which had been completely immobilized like a rotten old tree, began to move.#“Master.”
Gu Jeong-ryong turned around at Jin So-un’s call.
Did you pack everyone in your party?
Yes, thanks to your consideration.
Gu Jeong-ryong furrows his brow slightly.
What did I even care about?
In fact, all he did in this incident was transport the injured.
The person who took the lead in resolving the incident in Sacheon was Jin So-un.
I dare to predict that if Jin So-un had not come to Sichuan, the Jeongdohoe of the Murim Academy would have met its end there.
As he thought about it, Gu Jeong-ryong became curious about Jin So-un once again.
“What on earth is wrong with you?”
“yes?”
“What exactly is your identity?”
“My identity? I am a disciple of the Taeeul Sect and the representative of the Murim Academy………”
“Never mind. I asked a pointless question.”
Seeing Gu Jeong-ryong shake his head, Jin So-un scratched the back of his head with a look that seemed to say he didn’t know what he had done wrong.
“Anyway, why did you call me?”
Ah, I have a question.
“Huh? To me?”
“Yes. Some Seungho Party members keep asking me when I’m going to buy the ‘Pasajeoryeong.’ What are they talking about?”
Gu Jeong-ryong’s face turned bright red.
“Cough……. Well…….”
“Is the Pasajeoryeong perhaps the Pa (破邪) that I know?”
and exorcism
Do you mean that?
Gu Jeong-ryong’s cough grew louder.
“Cough! Cough! Cough!”
Did you happen to sustain an internal injury?
“Ugh… never mind. I just had a personal matter to attend to. Um, um… could you buy me some random food and let me know it’s called Pasajeoryeong?”
Jin So-un tilts his head, making a face that shows he simply cannot understand.
Gu Jeong-ryong eventually had no choice but to reach into his bosom and take out a few silver coins.
I’ll pay. They’ve worked hard, so you just sweet-talk them a little.
Then, as if nothing had happened, Jin So-un smiled brightly and readily accepted the silver coins.
The innocent expression has vanished without a trace.
Of course. I’ll do anything for those who have worked so hard.
Gu Jeong-ryong was left with a somewhat uneasy feeling.
He quickly changed the subject.
“I’m thinking of gradually increasing the speed of the matrix. What do you think?”
There are many injured people; will you be okay?
“From the looks of it, things are not going well in Sichuan. The Blood Cult… There is absolutely no way they will give up.”
Ah, that’s fine.
Gu Jeong-ryong tilts his head.
You’re saying it’s okay?
“Yes. I’ve beheaded the Young Cult Leader. For now, the Blood Cult won’t make a move, if only because of the report regarding that.”
At the nonchalant explanation, Gu Jeong-ryong was momentarily speechless before finally managing to speak.
“You cut off a head…? You mean you?”
“Yes. I figured they might chase after me, so I niped it off in the bud.”
Gu Jeong-ryong’s gaze naturally turned to the bundle in his hand.
About the size of a watermelon, with a moderately round shape.
Even the way Eun Seol-ran uses ice magic morning and evening… … .
“Surely not that…….”
Jin So-un answers in a cheerful voice.
Yes! It is exactly what you are thinking.
Why are you holding that?
The question burst out of his throat, but Gu Jeong-ryong held it back.
Starting with the fact that he anticipated the events in Sichuan from the very beginning, there are more than a few things I am curious about regarding Jin So-un.
However, if I heard the whole story, it seemed like my head would get too muddled.
Gu Jeong-ryong decided to quickly cut off interest.
“Hmm, I see. You’re quite something.”
You are too kind.
At the same time, they quickly changed the subject.
“Still, I think we should speed things up. It looks like not only the Blood Cult but also the Green Forest Headquarters are involved in this matter.”
Ah. You mean that?
“As you can tell from seeing the corpse…”
I’m the one who did that.
What?
Gu Jeong-ryong started to feel dizzy, wondering what on earth this was all about.
Unlike himself, Jin So-woon’s expression remains composed.
Well, since there was absolutely no way to break through the Blood Cult members, they brought in the Green Forest Bandits to start a fight.
Gu Jeong-ryong tried once again to ignore the complicated story, but this time he simply couldn’t stand it.
“Are you out of your mind? You’ve dragged the Green Forest into this when the Blood Cult is already a tough one?”
“Ah, I’ll take care of all that………”
At that moment, Gam Cheon-ak approached the two with a rare, stern expression.
“Master.”
“why!”
A response that turned irritable for no reason.
Gam Cheon-ak, who would normally have gotten angry just the same, spoke in a still firm voice.
The Green Forest appeared ahead.
“What?”
It seems like there are about a thousand people.
There was a reason why Gam Cheon-ak endured Gu Jeong-ryong’s barbed tone.
