#1
8
8.
The branch manager looked at me with an expression as if water splashed from a dung carrier had gotten on his new clothes.
Well, I understand that reaction.
For those loyal to the Murim Alliance, the cause of the safety and peace of the Jianghu is a value they must protect, even if it means selling their own undergarments.
I, too, was like them in the past.
But isn’t doing something like that a pushover once in a past life enough?
A hint of contempt and disgust is etched on the face of the branch manager, who has been wearing a forced smile until now.
Since my true feelings had already been revealed, I looked at the branch manager with a brazen expression.
Of course, I, too, want to protect the safety and peace of the martial arts world more than anyone else.
But how can words and actions be different?
“Of course, I would like to, but sending a secret letter to Great Hero Bang is not such an easy task, is it?”
That can be solved by using the branch’s warriors.
Why is this guy so clueless?
If you didn’t win the branch manager position through gambling, you would know perfectly well what I’m going to say.
“It is because Grand Hero Bang does not particularly like the warriors of the Murim Alliance. Special.”
star.
I have to send a secret letter by any means. But that’s not something that can be resolved with just a few pennies.
“What is that…….”
“Ah! Even if I told you, you probably wouldn’t understand. It is a special method used only by these Green Forest Bandits.”
At this point, the branch manager seemed to catch on and started rolling his eyes.
“……
I am disappointed in you. I thought you were more sincere than anyone else at upholding justice, given your widespread reputation as a virtuous man full of sincerity.
However, perhaps feeling it was a waste to just give it up, they started making personal attacks.
It’s the easiest way to provoke an opponent when the situation is unfavorable.
It seems they definitely didn’t win the branch manager position through gambling.
However, there is something he is mistaken about.
I’m a former member of the Sojeong Unit, so I’m not the kind of person who deserves to be attacked in the first place.
“I, too, am more sincere than anyone else about the realization of justice. Otherwise, what reason would I have to go out of my way to come all the way to this distant Sacheon to save the academy students belonging to the ‘Jeomchang Sect,’ who have been at odds with me until now?”
“…….”
Moreover, given the performance I have shown, it would be difficult for the branch manager to dare to slander me.
His face soon turned dark, like a sucker who had realized that the place he was sitting in was a rigged gambling den.
Well, the momentum has turned in my favor again.
“Of course, I would like to help with the utmost sincerity. However, since sending a seal is not easy, what can I do?”
“Huh… I have to send the message using a special method?”
That’s right. It’s a very, very special method, so it requires quite a bit of effort.
When I made a look of helplessness, the branch manager asked a question with a murderous glare.
“What do you want?”
Good, you fell for it.
I spoke calmly.
Please provide one thousand taels of gold and charter a carriage for my party.
“Eek?!”
The branch manager let out a sound of astonishment.
“One thousand taels of gold… that’s nonsense, too. No, putting that aside, why on earth is a carriage necessary?”
“I must speak my earnest words to Great Hero Bang, but if my mind and body are restless, won’t that restlessness also take root in the seal?”
The branch manager now blatantly looked at me as if I were a swindler.
It’s a shame. Between people who wish for the well-being of the martial arts world together.
Are you sure you can persuade Bang Du-chil?
“Please ask the Clan Master about the relationship between me and Grand Hero Bang.”
Seunghodangju, who had been watching the situation with his mouth wide open, let go of his bewildered expression and continued speaking seriously.
He said that he originally had no plans to come to Sichuan. He said he stopped by solely because of Jin So-un’s request….
Even after the testimony of the head of Seunghodang, the branch manager still could not shake off his suspicious expression.
In times like this, there is no need to go out of your way to earn trust.
In times like this… … .
Squeak
I got up from my seat without hesitation.
“Why are you suddenly getting up?”
“Branch Manager, aren’t you also uncomfortable with this matter? I also find it quite burdensome to ask this of Daehyeop Bang. If it is not that urgent, it would be better for me to find another way.”
All you have to do is make them build trust on their own.
“Wait, wait!”
The branch manager grabbed the hem of my clothes like someone trying to buy the last remaining erotic painting.
“Will you give me some time? The funds within the branch…….”
“Hehe! How could you say such a thing? Are you telling me to take the Murim Alliance’s money and give it to the Green Forest Bandits? I absolutely refuse.”
“Th-then…?”
I looked at the branch manager and gave him a bright smile.
Of course, Branch Manager, you must use your own personal fortune as you are sincere for the safety and peace of the martial arts world.
Well then, I’ll be going now… … .”
“Hehe! You! Why are you so impatient? Just wait a moment! I’ll go check the slips right away and be back.”
As the branch manager rushed out of the inner room, only silence filled the room.
A thousand nyang… What should I do with this? Should I build a huge blacksmith shop like Jang Do-won’s?
Then will the Red Light Sword come out sooner?
As I was enjoying the scent of Gunsan Eunchim, Gu Jeong-ryong asked me.
What are you doing right now?
“What do you mean?”
“Do you know how hard I… no, we tried to hide that weakness of yours? And yet you’ve upset the Branch Manager like this!”
To Gu Jeong-ryong, it must have looked like I was putting my neck in and out of the guillotine.
“Master, how many times have you failed the promotion to Grand Master?”
“what?”
Gu Jeong-ryong flinched in surprise at the unexpected story.
“Given your age, aren’t you old enough to become the Grand Master? Is it perhaps because you have a strong attachment to Seunghodang?”
Gu Jeong-ryong frowns as if suddenly caught off guard.
“Otherwise, why does the leader of Seunghodang, the most powerful military organization in Cheongnyonggak, keep failing to get promoted?”
“Is this related to the conversation right now?”
Of course.
Because all of this will come down to relationships with people.
The reason the branch manager from Jeomchang is addressing me as ‘Young Hero’ and showing me the utmost respect is that the matter he has to ask of me is important.
If the Sichuan Bloodbath hadn’t happened, they would have immediately lost their temper and tried to throw me into the Golden Prison the moment they heard that I was acquainted with the Green Forest.
It is the same even at this moment when I have something I regret.
Even if I use Bang Du-chil to help him now, would he really feel grateful to me?
After the Battle of Sacheon ends, he will grind me up and drink me up at any time for his own promotion.
For the high positions of the Murim Alliance are like trees that grow nourished by the blood and flesh of just as many people.
So, you shouldn’t just help.
Even if you help, you must make sure the other person gets involved as well.
One on a single sheet of seal script
The absurd amount of 1,000 nyang would prevent him from denying it later.
Would I look suspicious to the Inspector General for sending a secret letter to Bang Du-chil?
Or, would the branch manager who handed over a thousand nyang for such a request look suspicious?
“H-heh, isn’t that going too far? Even so, a thousand nyang isn’t a small amount of money…”
Of course, it’s not a small amount of money.
“That’s not an amount the branch manager can handle with their monthly salary.”
I tilted my head.
“Monthly salary?”
“Then where would Jeomchang’s disciple get that much money?”
Wow, this guy is really naive.
Don’t you know that a resourceful branch manager can build a palace-like house with fifty rooms in their first year in office?
It is no use explaining this a hundred times.
“Well…… take a look.”
Just as I was about to swallow the remaining Gunsan silver needles, the branch manager returned breathless.
His hands were full of stiff bundles of vouchers.
“Fortunately, I happened to have a replacement slip ready. I can’t tell you how lucky I am. With this, there shouldn’t be any problem sending the letter, right?”
I looked at Gu Jeong-ryong, shrugged my shoulders, and answered the branch manager.
“I know this sounds a bit strange, but you can consider the Green Forest Headquarters to have already dug a tunnel and disappeared.”
Bang Du-chil really should have beaten the creditors pretty badly. If he just sends them a single letter, they will voluntarily stop collecting the tolls they used to pay.
“Huh! Is, is that so? Then I don’t need to worry.”
Now, if you stretch out your legs and sleep, the problems in Sacheon will take care of themselves.
“That’s a relief! It’s such a relief to have someone like you!”
The branch manager, overjoyed as if he had struck gold after paying the enormous sum of one thousand nyang.
Gu Jeong-ryong looked at him as if he could not understand his attitude at all.
He is indeed a naive person.
I called the branch manager again, who was smiling broadly like a child.
Oh, by the way, may I ask you a personal favor?
The branch manager abruptly stops smiling and looks at me with a suspicious gaze.
“Surely you aren’t short on money or something now, are you?”
That can’t be true.
I looked at Gu Jeong-ryong, who was sitting there like a borrowed sack of barley, and said.
“I received so much help from the Master of Seunghodang during the recent trip to Sacheon. However, I overheard that such a distinguished Master has failed the promotion review every single time, didn’t I?”
Since the situation has already arisen, I suppose I should show Lord Seungho some ‘reality.’ He helped me a lot this time, too.
As someone destined to join the Murim Alliance in the future to protect the safety and peace of the Jianghu, I find this to be completely unacceptable. Is there anything you can do to help, Branch Manager?
“hmm…….”
The branch manager strokes his chin and slaps his palm with his fist.
“I see! That must absolutely never happen! Master Seungho, how about I write a letter of recommendation in my name?”
“Huh? Oh, uh, of course I am…….”
“Hey, Branch Manager! You’re going to be a Regional Manager in the future, so why are you acting so casually?”
“huh?”
“Aren’t you going to run for regional leader?”
The branch manager swallows hard.
“How, how could I… how could I…
“If I return this time, wouldn’t I at least meet the Director of the General Affairs Department?”
I might be able to meet the Commander-in-Chief.
“That’s right. Wouldn’t I tell him that thanks to your contribution in this matter in Sacheon, the accident was prevented?”
“Huh?”
I never forget those who know consultation and justice.
The branch manager’s eyes glazed over as if under a spell.
Even if I were hit by the Blood Cult’s illusion or whatever bewitchment formation right now, I’d keep my wits about me better than that.
Please contact the branch managers you are close with and get me a bunch of recommendation letters.
Gu Jeong-ryong’s eyes widen.
The branch manager keeps nodding, saying it sounds plausible.
“Very well! Then your evaluation score will certainly go up. I will send a letter immediately to secure a letter of recommendation.”
The branch manager was filled with hope not only of preserving his own position but also of being promoted to regional manager.
I will also send a messenger as soon as possible to render the Green Forest Headquarters in Sichuan completely helpless.
Thanks to you, things are going smoothly.
“You are too kind. This is all thanks to your earnest heart for the safety and peace of the martial arts world.”
“This guy! The words just flow out of him, hahahaha!”
“Would I be able to compare to the Branch Manager! Hahahaha!”
Although everyone else had become happy, Gu Jeong-ryong seemed unable to adjust at all.
It looks like it will be really hard for that guy to get promoted, too. The return of the student dormitory students proceeded quickly.
However, they were facing several problems.
The first thing was how to transport the injured from each sect to the academy.
Although it was an event hosted by the Council of Elders, the students were left in a helpless situation as the elders had already returned to the Murim Alliance by themselves, and it was Jin So-woon who resolved the matter.
“Are you talking about the patients at the Assembly Hall? They are scheduled to be transported by carriage. Those in serious condition must receive treatment before moving.”
“Money? Why do you need money? The branch manager agreed to pay.”
Ah! The Branch Manager and I have already discussed everything, so you don’t need to worry.
Even within the same Jeongdohoe, competition is bound to occur internally, regardless of who rises to the top or falls to the bottom.
I naturally assumed that everyone except Jeomchang’s disciples would be excluded, but disciples from all sects were treated equally.
The second problem is that supplies are woefully insufficient during the journey.
When I came to Sichuan, I emptied my purse at the elder’s residence, slept in a nice inn, and traveled comfortably as if on a boat ride.
However, on the way back to infinity, the water source has disappeared, and there is no one to act as a guide.
장강 오리알 신세가 될 뻔한 그들의 걱정을 덜어준 것 또한 진소운이었다.
“학관생들은 모두 말을 타고 돌아갈 겁니다. 묵엽표국에서 길잡이를 맡기로 했으니 걱정하지 않아도 됩니다.”
“물론 객잔을 들를 여력은 없습니다. 세 끼 주냐고요? 당연히 주지요. 공평하게 줄 터이니 걱정하지 마십시오.”
“말 값이나 표국의 비용은 모두 지부장님이 내기로 했으니 걱정하지 않아도 됩니다. 아니, 저랑 지부장님이랑 그런 사이라니까요. 걱정하지 않아도 됩니다! 하하하하하!”
덕분에 귀로에 대한 부담이 확연히 줄었다.
승호당 또한 갑자기 사라진 장로원 때문에 학관생들을 떠맡게 되어 부담이 이만저만이 아니었다.
그러나 진소운 덕분에 부담을 한 층 덜게 되자, 다시금 농지거리를 하고 꿍쳐둔 술을 꺼내어 마시는 이들이 나오기도 했다.
성도 지부장이 왜 갑자기 이런 호의를 베푼 겁니까?”
감천악은 도저히 자신의 머리로는 답이 안 나오는 문제에 대해 구정룡에게 물었다.
“당주님!”
“으, 응?”
퍼뜩 정신을 차리며 주위를 휘휘 돌아보는 구정룡.
또 이런다.
요 며칠 새 성도를 떠난 뒤부터 구정룡의 상태가 영 이상하다.
말 위에서 넋을 놓고 있는 건 다반사고, 밥숟가락을 뜨다가도 갑자기 실성한 사람처럼 헤실헤실 웃는다.
그 상태가 너무도 이상하여 혹시나 사술에 걸린 건 아닌지 진소운에게 물었지만, 진소운은 피식 웃더니 별것 아니라고 걱정하지 말라는 말만 반복할 뿐이었다.‘대체 뭔 일이 있었던 거야.’지부장의 부름으로 나갔던 날 이후로 이 상태를 유지하고 있으니, 그날 뭔 일이 있긴 있었던 것 같은데…….
“성도 지부장의 과한 호의에 대해서 아는 게 있으시냐 물었습니다.”
“아…… 그거 별거 아니다. 성도 지부장이 진소운에게 빚을 진 게 있거든.”
“빚……
이오?”
무림맹 지부장의 자리는 간혹 현령 자리에 비견되곤 한다.
그 자리에 앉아있는 것만으로 들어오는 재물이 상상도 못 할 정도일 텐데, 일개 학관생에게 빚을 진다고?
“사천의 녹림칠십이채 채주들에게 무림맹의 행사 동안 행동을 자제해 달라는 부탁을 전달했다.”
“진소운의 이야기론 이번 혈교 사태를 어떻게 마무리하냐에 따라 지부장의 목이 이렇게 될 수도 있고 아닐 수도 있다는데.”
구정룡이 손날로 제 목을 긋는 시늉을 하며 이야기하자, 감천악의 얼굴이 딱딱하게 굳었다.
진소운이 그걸 받아들였습니까?”
“응? 받아들였지.”
좆됐군요.”
응? 뭐가 돼?”
감천악이 목소리를 낮췄다.
“저희 돌아가는 즉시 감찰각에 방문해야 하는 거 아닙니까?”
무슨 소릴 하는 거야?”
“당주님 정신 차리십시오. 상대는 무림맹 성도 지부장입니다. 그 사람이 진소운과 녹룡의 유대를 알고서 그냥 넘어가겠습니까?”
감천악이 주위를 휘휘 둘러보며 나직이 말을 이었다.
아마 모르긴 몰라도 사천의 일이 마무리되는 즉시 진소운은 감찰각에 끌려갈 겁니다.”
구정룡의 얼굴이 잔뜩 찌푸려진다.
그러나 감천악은 아직 분위기를 파악하지 못했는지 진지한 표정이었다.
“진소운 당연히 철저하게 숨길 줄 알았는데……. 어찌 이리 미련한 짓을…….”
“당주님, 우리까지 엮이지 않으려면 감찰각에 먼저 가야 합니다.”
사태의 위급함을 아는지 모르는지, 구정룡은 쓸개라도 씹은 듯 입맛을 다시며 전방을 바라본다.
감천악이 채근하자, 결국 참지 못한 구정룡이 버럭 소리를 지른다.
“이거 완전 개새끼네!”
네?”
“야 이 새끼야, 그깟 말 같지도 않은 ‘흑룡채 채주’라는 ‘소문’에 감찰각을 가? 그러고도 네가 승호당의 부당주가 될 자격이 있어?”
이 인간이 또 뭔 소리를 하는 거야?
옆에서 듣지 않았던가.
흑룡채의 채주 진소운이 화엄채의 명령권도 가져갔다고.
그런데 갑자기 ‘소문’이라니?
게다가 그날 방두칠의 목소리가 워낙 크지 않았나.
분명 사천에서도 몇몇은 들었을 터.
그런데 당주는 왜 갑자기 진소운을 감싸고 돈다는 말인가.
의아해하는 감천악의 머리 위로 혀를 끌끌 차는 소리가 들려온다.
“와…… 제 안위를 위해서라면 생사를 함께한 동료건 나발이건 필요 없다 이거지? 너 언젠가 나도 막 뒤통수치고 그러겠다? 응?”
시발, 대체 뭐라는 거야?
감천악이 상황 파악을 채 못 하고 있을 때, 구정룡이 홱 하고 고개를 돌리더니 승호당원들에게 외쳤다.
“얘들아, 얘가 진소운이를 감찰각에 신고하고 싶단다.”
그의 목소리가 울려 퍼지자마자, 진소운과 함께 ‘파사제령’을 먹으러 갔던 이들이 득달같이 감천악에게 달려들었다.
“부당주 개새끼, 그럴 줄 알았다!”
“저 새끼 저거 관상이 아주 배신자 관상이여. 앞으로 쟤랑 검진 짜지 마.”
“어쩐지 우리 엄마도 저 새끼랑 다니지 말라고 하더라고.”
“우리 모두 부당주를 탄핵하고 진소운을 부당주로 추대하자!”
“추대하자! 추대하자!”
마른하늘에 날벼락처럼 탄핵의 위기를 맞이한 감천악은, 당최 지금 뭐가 어떻게 돌아가는지 도무지 알 수가 없었다.
