#1
8
5.
Although they are united under the name of the League, they have no right to interfere with one another.
Even if the owner of the existing mountain stronghold changes, they will not be expelled from the Seventy-Two Strongholds Alliance.
This structure has not changed for a hundred years since the Seventy-Two Green Forest Villages were established.
Then why do these people, who have no relation to each other, continue to maintain the name Green Forest Seventy-Two Villages?
That is precisely to engage in a ‘gang’ fight when faced with a crisis.
Due to the nature of their profession, bandits often provoke the wrath of others, making them targets of surveillance by warriors and government troops.
These people, who never know when they might be annihilated, have formed their own unique alliance to generate stable(?) profits by banding together when necessary and scattering when not needed.
And now that coalition has been activated.
Because of the Murim Alliance or the government troops?
No. It was because of a single unmanned person.
“Damn it…….”
Gu Jeong-ryong bit his lip and spoke.
“What should I do?”
“What are you going to do! Stop the march immediately and form a defensive formation! Evacuate the wounded to the back and disperse the able-bodied ones into two lines.”
“All right.”
Gamcheonak quickly ran and began gathering Seunghodang.
The fact that the Green Forest Clans invoked their alliance rights meant that they were treating them as dangerous entities, on par with the Murim Alliance or the government forces. ‘It is true that we are the Murim Alliance, but… there are more patients here…’ If three Green Forest Clans had formed an alliance, one had to anticipate over a thousand enemies.
Hwaeomchae, Jeokhwachae, Heukbongchae.
Mountain strongholds famous for being home to the most notorious ruffians in Sacheon.
“Why on earth did you have to mess with them!”
Jin So-un replied to Gu Jeong-ryong’s words.
Aren’t those guys the worst?
“…….”
To put it bluntly, those bastards monopolize the trade route with the Western Commander and rake in exorbitant tolls.
I heard that whenever small merchant guilds try to break through the western road, the guilds themselves are sometimes raided.
I want to praise you for using such people to stop the Blood Cult, but because of that, I am about to die right here.
Then another voice interrupted.
“What are you doing right now?”
It was a sharp tone, but it wasn’t a clean voice like Gamcheonak’s. It was a bit more ringing, hoarse as if filled with phlegm…
“Why are you forming a defensive formation?”
As he turned around, Elder Suheo and Elder Sangwon were glaring at Gu Jeong-ryong right in front of him.
“They are bandits who dared to block the Murim Alliance’s procession. To think we have to defend ourselves against them? Are you out of your mind?”
“The mighty Seunghodang is trembling in fear of a mere bandit! I will make an issue of this!”
Gu Jeong-ryong’s face turned expressionless.
Although I am on the verge of losing my position as clan head, somehow my heart is boiling like fire, and my head feels like it is about to explode from the heat.
Even if we fight as they say, we will not lose unilaterally.
But what about the damage?
More than half are injured, and there are fewer than 200 who can fight, including Seunghodang.
Most of those who barely survived Sacheonhyeolsa might eventually become wandering souls here. ‘Is that truly what you want?’ The anger that has been building up over the past few days slowly creeps out.
I felt that I should not endure being here, even if it meant being stripped of my position as clan head and imprisoned for insubordination.
“Truly, the elders are like that…….”
Just as I was about to vent my pent-up anger in a growling tone… … .
Are these old geezers out of their minds?
My head goes cold at the sudden interruption of a nasty voice.
Looking towards where the voice came from, I saw Jin So-un approaching the two elders with a ruffian-like expression.
“You, you just! What did you say!”
“Damn it, didn’t you hear? Are you crazy!”
“what!!!”
The faces of the two elders were flushed red, to the point where one wondered if such rage was even possible.
That is understandable, considering they have spent their entire lives holding only the highest positions in the Murim Alliance.
To them, the experience of being verbally abused by a disciple who had just entered the academy, and from a sect called Taeeulmun, which was nothing special, must have been unfamiliar.
“What? The Murim Alliance’s procession? Are you afraid of a single bandit?”
Tuk tuk.
Jin So-un did not stop there and began to kick the two elders.
It seems you still haven’t quite grasped the situation.
The two elders, stunned by the absurd situation, were unable to react and stepped back a couple of steps.
If you want to fight so badly, go fight yourselves.
“……
“You, you ill-mannered brat!”
Suheo and the elders of the Senate also began to raise the stakes, as if they could no longer bear it.
His martial arts uniform swelled as if about to burst in the storm-like waves, and his long beard and hair floated gently into the sky.
A volatile situation.
Even amidst the swirling murderous aura, Jin So-woon’s voice still echoed around.
“Ha, after sacrificing so many innocent lives for that damn pride, you still think pride is that important?”
A voice ringing like thunder.
From the academy students and Seungho Party members forming a defensive formation to the wounded groaning in pain, everyone looked at Jin So-un and the two elders.
If saving face is that important to you, go fight amongst yourselves.
Jin So-un’s cold rage instantly freezes the surrounding air.
“Use that Murim Alliance base and go ahead and fight a thousand of them.”
Jin So-un patted the two men on the shoulder without even drawing his sword, let alone making a bet.
The two elders, who had started a bet like fire, could not wield their hands.
Jin So-un looked at them as if they were insects and turned his head to the back.
“Kunlun Sect! Zhongnan Sect! Come out!”
Then he shouted angrily.
“Your Elder says he wants to fight those Green Forest bandits, so go fight them and die like mere blades of grass for their sake!”
People’s eyes turn toward Kunlun and Zhongnan.
Although the elders of their sect were being insulted by a mere academy student, no one was willing to step forward easily.
The two elders gnashed their teeth as they watched the disciples remain motionless.
Crunch.
“Th-those bastards!”
At that sight, people’s gazes toward the two elders began to change.
What was reflected in their eyes was clear contempt and loathing.
Anger seeking the reason why they are trying to grind people down for what purpose.
Jin So-un’s gaze turns once again toward the two elders.
“Why won’t even your disciples step forward? Can’t you handle this on your own? Are the Martial Arts Alliance’s resourcefulness and reputation not that important compared to your own lives?”
Suheo and Elder Sangwon could only tremble and did not dare to speak.
The damage to innocent people is already too great, and Jeongdohoe has failed to resolve a single issue.
In this situation, it is clear that the only ones who would follow their words are the disciples of the main temple.
However, the loyalty of those disciples has also been fractured.
Soun’s eyes flicker with quiet anger.
“Did you intend to throw away your disciples’ lives so easily with only that level of resolve?”
Jin So-un lashed out at the elders clad in the vain veneer of face and justice.
Hoping that outer shell will be torn to shreds.
Hoping that the weak will not perish as innocent sacrifices, as in the past.
“If you’re not going to step up and do it yourself, shut up and stay out of the way!”
Blood began to flow from Elder Suheo’s mouth, perhaps due to sheer rage.
Eventually, perhaps unable to contain his anger, when Elder Suheo was about to raise his hand.
Gu Jeong-ryong stepped forward.
“Please stop. Commanding troops in times of emergency is the authority of the Murim Alliance’s Mu-gak. The Elders do not have command authority, do they?”
The elders roll their eyes at Gu Jeong-ryong’s words.
“Jin So-woon… just you wait.”
“Don’t think this is the end.”
The two people who turn around abruptly after saying villainous things.
Gu Jeong-ryong let out a sigh of relief.
It’s just right.
If they went any further, they didn’t know what kind of retaliation Jin So-un might face.
It is very kind of you to have stepped up on my behalf.
Thanks to this, the elders could not lay a finger on Jin So-un, who had legitimate grounds.
A definite justification that only the current Jin So-woon can possess.
“Thanks. Thanks to you, I made it over.”
Jin So-un is staring at the back of the two elders’ heads, appearing as if his anger has not yet subsided.
Gu Jeong-ryong spoke out of concern.
“Don’t get your hopes up. No matter what, they are the ones who rose to the Council of Elders through the power of their respective sects.”
Only then did Jin So-un relax his expression and speak.
I don’t plan to do anything right away either. In any case, someone needs to take responsibility for this matter.
“responsibility?”
“Aren’t these the people who spearheaded this event? We absolutely cannot just let this slide.”
Can’t just let it slide?
Is that possible against the elders of the Council of Elders?
When Gu Jeong-ryong is missing the fundamental question.
Gamcheonak approached once again.
“Master, the debt collectors have come from over there.”
“Only debtors?”
“Yes. They say they want to meet our representative.”
What is there to say to those who have finished preparing for battle, gripping their weapons with murderous intent?
As the circumstances did not allow for an immediate battle, Gu Jeong-ryong nodded.
“Alright. And Jin So-un, you. You come along too.”
“Me?”
“I can’t think of anyone else who can go out besides you right now. Let’s go together.” After giving instructions to Mo Yong-jae-hwa and his party, Jin So-un followed Gu Jeong-ryong.
Standing between the Green Forest Alliance and the Murim Academy group were men with menacing appearances, looking as if the word ‘bandit’ was written all over their faces. ‘It won’t be easy.’ That was Gu Jeong-ryong’s first impression of them.
It is not that I do not have a tendency to look down on them as bandits, but their achievements are not that low even when compared to Gu Jeong-ryong himself.
“If the Vice-Chief was at that level, I couldn’t gauge how strong the leader of the group, Chae-ju, must be. ‘If we’re not careful, this could become our grave.’ Gu Jeong-ryong snapped out of it and spoke.”
It is a pleasure to meet you, Mountain Lords. I am Gu Jeong-ryong, the leader of the Seungho Hall of the Blue Dragon Pavilion of the Murim Alliance.
Although he deliberately emphasized his titles as Cheongnyonggak and Seunghodangju, the reaction of the debtors remained unchanged.
“It is Hwaeomchae, Jeokhwachae, and Heukbongchae. I heard they are from the Murim Academy and the Murim Alliance; is that correct?”
The Green Forest Bandits confirming once again, despite having come knowing full well.
“A group of apostles appeared in Sacheon and were carrying out a mission. We have absolutely no intention of causing any harm to the mountain stronghold.”
Gu Jeong-ryong feigned ignorance.
However, the debtors’ expressions show no sign of relaxing.
But I’ve already caused damage.
So, as expected, you knew everything?
Your people intentionally lured our mountain strongholds into battle and inflicted tremendous damage.
Gu Jeong-ryong answered quickly.
“It was likely not intentional. We were in the middle of carrying out an operation in a hurry. If there is any damage, we will fully compensate you.”
The fan owner of Hwaeomchae bared his teeth.
“You would better not even think about denying it. We have absolutely no intention of letting this slide.”
One of the debt collectors glared at Gu Jeong-ryong as if to kill him and said.
“Who is it? Who on earth committed this? Or is this not the act of an individual, but the intention of the Murim Alliance?”
Gu Jeong-ryong swallowed hard.
It’s a checkmate.
If that is the Murim Alliance’s intention, they will kill everyone here.
If it is said that Jin So-woon did this personally, I will not forgive Jin So-woon.
“If you deny it, I will beat you all to death and then console the souls of my comrades.”
Should I fight or not?
A moment of hesitation.
pop.
Suddenly, a signal flare exploded in the eastern sky.
Jin So-un saw that, stepped forward, and spoke.
It flies.
“Jin So-un!”
Gu Jeong-ryong and Gam Cheon-ak were shocked and tried to stop it, but the words had already been spoken.
The debtors glared at Jin So-un as if they were about to kill him on the spot.
According to the witnesses, there were two.
“Ah! His name is Nam Hwa-seong, a disciple of the Samwon Sect. He merely followed my orders, so if you want to hold him accountable, you should ask me.”
“ha……?”
The face of the fan keeper of Hwaeomchae trembles.
“So you mean you want to die?”
Hmm, that’s not it. But there is a bit of a problem. I will take responsibility, but I plan to do so a little later.
“What?”
At that moment, a commotion broke out from the direction of the mountain strongholds.
There was a commotion, people were cursing, and the sound of something being hammered echoed.
Then, with a loud bang, the bandits all flew up into the sky at once.
“W-what is this!”
“Is this a raid!”
“Do you want to fight?!”
The three debtors immediately gripped their weapons and prepared to charge.
“No. For now, you will have to deal with that person first.”
“what?”
At that moment, the bandits of the Green Forest Village split to the sides in unison, and hundreds of them began to walk out.
People dressed in attire not much different from the existing Green Forest Alliance.
For a moment, Gu Jeong-ryong even wondered if more people had joined their party.
However, the new group walking out after shaking off the bandits clearly exuded a different spirit from the existing group.
Moreover, the two people at the very front.
A huge man on a black horse and a beautiful woman on a white horse.
The two of them calmly walked past the three fan masters, as if they didn’t care at all that they were emitting killing intent, and approached Gu Jeong-ryong.
The black horse was not of ordinary size, and the body of the man riding on it was truly massive, like a mountain.
A hulking man moving nonchalantly looked to the side of Gu Jeong-ryong and spoke.
“Brother, it’s really hard to even catch a glimpse of your face.”
Then Jin So-un smiled and replied.
I, your younger brother, am very busy with work and business, so I have made a difficult request of you, my older brother.
A lovely voice interrupts the conversation between the two.
“Young Master Jin, can’t I see?”
Jin So-un bows and smiles broadly.
“Sister-in-law, have you been well? I was worried that you might be coming such a long way just for me.”
“Well, I have been doing well. And thanks to you, I even got to travel all the way to Sichuan; it’s wonderful.”
At the sight of the woman responding with a radiant smile like a single flower, even the fans of the Green Forest Village are so entranced that they cannot step forward.
Three people exchanging greetings, appearing to be acquainted.
Then, the hulking man subtly turned his head and looked at Gu Jeong-ryong.
“Brother, is that person your boss?”
“Yes, I apologize for the late introduction. He is Great Hero Gu Jeong-ryong, the head of Seunghodang at Cheongnyonggak.”
The hulking man moved his large body nimbly and dismounted from the horse.
Then, he strode toward Gu Jeong-ryong.
It felt like I could feel a faint vibration from the floor with every step I took.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Bang Du-chil!”
“Speaking of Bang Duchil…… the Green Dragon King?”
Do you know me?
I heard such a rumor.
Something strange is happening in Zhejiang.
People have appeared who are subjugating the Seventy-Two Green Forest Villages, which are merely an alliance, one by one.
Two dragons who wiped out Ssangmachae, which had been committing evil deeds on Mt. Cheonmok, in one fell swoop and took its place
This is the main character.
One of them was the Green Dragon, Bang Du-chil. ‘I heard he was actively engaged in outside activities, unlike the one shrouded in mist…’ I thought he was incredibly arrogant for a mere bandit to go around revealing his identity.
The impression I got from meeting them in person is completely different.
No, I could understand the reason why he walked around revealing himself. ‘Ah, overwhelming…!’ I am not talking just about the physical body visible to the outside.
The massive and overwhelming energy he harbors, like Mount Tai.
It was truly an atmosphere of reign akin to that of a king.
Gu Jeong-ryong lowered his head without realizing it.
I’ve heard a lot of rumors.
They said he would be the one to unify the Green Forest Alliance, and that was by no means an exaggerated rumor.
“Is that so? Hahahaha!”
I tap my shoulder, and my bones thump.
The laughter was so loud that it felt like the entire area was shaking.
Gu Jeong-ryong, who had been trying hard to ignore the pain in his shoulder, suddenly remembered a word he had missed.
“By the way, you just said ‘younger brother’…….”
He asked again whether what he heard was true (whether he had heard it correctly).
Ow, I’m sure you said ‘Ow’…
Bang Du-chil’s gaze, which had been observing Gu Jeong-ryong’s confused expression, slid
– It was transferred to Jin So-un.
For some reason, Jin So-un was frowning and shaking his head slightly.
Just as Gu Jeong-ryong’s confusion was about to deepen further at the contrasting reactions of the two people.
“Ah! I am Jin So-woon’s sworn brother.”
Bang Du-chil burst into hearty laughter.
“yes?”
I mean, we are sworn brothers who agreed to die on the same day and at the same time.
Gu Jeong-ryong’s brow furrowed deeply.
