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It was not because of Jegal Somyeong, who was frowning and openly displaying his displeasure.
The real reason for the heavy tension is… … .
“Hahaha, if I had known the Dean had such good taste in tea, I would have visited more often.”
“……
What? Oh, is that so? Then I will bring the same thing to the Alliance Leader’s…
“No, no. Would it be right to spend Meng’s money so easily? I will stop by often.”
“…….”
At Hyeok Mu-gang’s words, Buk Won-pyeong forcibly hides his shocked expression.
The Leader of the Martial Arts Alliance comes over at all hours just to get free tea?
Just thinking about it makes me feel suffocated.
But this guy, the leader of the Murim Alliance, goes a step further.
Would it be inconvenient for you if I came often?
“Oh, no! How could that be? I am the one who is truly grateful that you visit often.”
I am forcing a smile, but the corners of my mouth and eyes are trembling.
At the sight of Buk Won-pyeong, who looked like a rabbit bowing its head before a leopard, I felt a sense of inexplicable freshness.
Serves him right.
Since he flatly refused the senior disciple’s request, the Grand Master must have punished him.
Hyeok Mu-gang raised his head slightly and continued speaking.
“At this age, there is nowhere that will hire me. Being at the Alliance Head’s Hall every day is quite a chore.”
“I made many memories traveling the Jianghu with the successor of the previous Musang Sword. It was truly a joyful time.”
I know your master well, too, huh? I’ve traveled the martial arts world, I’ve done all sorts of things, you punk!… …
They are talking about things that only old men would say, but the atmosphere feels distinctly different.
Should I say it exudes a regal aura?
In a way, it is only natural.
“For the footprints he left in the martial arts world transcended the divide between white and black, inspiring awe in all martial artists active there. Is it not surprising, considering that neither the Nine Great Sects nor the Five Great Clans could depose him from the position of Alliance Leader?” He doesn’t even have a sect or a master.
The story of rising to the ranks of the top ten in the world with unique martial arts, overcoming all kinds of schemes and intrigues, and finally being elected as the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance, is enough to stir the hearts of all those living in the martial arts world.
Moreover, I had special feelings for him.
Because when the Great War between the Righteous and Demonic broke out, he was the very person who fought fiercely on the front lines.
Even when we were disappointed in the Nine Great Sects and disillusioned with the Five Great Clans, the White Beast Divine Sword never betrayed our loyalty.
“Perhaps that is why he failed. In the end, he, too, was one of the great stars that faded away during the Great War against the Demons, but even after the war ended, he remained in our hearts as a lamp that never burned.”
Seeing the hero I had only seen from afar right before my eyes stirs a strange trembling in my heart.
“It feels like I’m just trembling out of anxiety. It can’t be helped, since I happened to come at the very moment Jegal Somyeong was scolding me.”
Just because I came prepared to be scolded by Jegal Somyeong, I don’t want to get beaten up by Baeksu Shingeom as well.
Hyeok Mu-gang, who was talking with Buk Won-pyeong who was sweating profusely, subtly turns his gaze to me.
I bowed my head low so that I would not end up in the same situation as Buk Won-pyeong.
Fortunately(?), the voice of Jegal Somyeong grinding his teeth was heard first.
“Jin So-un… do you even realize what on earth you’ve done?”
Gulp. He swallowed the words he had prepared, “To be honest, I did make a mistake, but didn’t you save the students thanks to me?”
Just a meat shield(?) that disregards defense
I tried to listen to the insults with that mindset.
I have enough experience as a meat shield in my past life.
However… … .
“Haha, Commander-in-Chief. Didn’t you promise not to do that?”
“What is it?” Just as I was still unable to lift my suspicious gaze.
“Didn’t I tell you not to follow me?”
“Haha, Commander-in-Chief. Then isn’t the promise meaningless?”
While Jegal So-myeong looked like he was going crazy wanting to express his anger to the fullest, Hyeok Mu-gang was smiling sweetly and suppressing him.
“I can’t believe it! Hyuk Mu-gang truly has the demeanor of a hero!” Hyuk Mu-gang turns his head to look at me.
Representative Jin So-un, you have done a truly great job this time.
A faint smile spreads across Hyuk Mu-gang’s lips.
On the other hand, Jegal So-myeong’s face crumples like a sheet of paper. ‘Oh?’ The situation is vividly pictured in his mind.
It seems that Jegal So-myeong clearly wanted to give him a good scolding before boasting about himself.
On the other hand, Hyeok Mu-gang would have opposed this.
That is why Jegal So-myeong came to the Murim Academy to avoid Hyeok Mu-gang’s eyes, but for some reason, it appeared he had been caught from behind by Hyeok Mu-gang. ‘This seems roughly right.’ As the calculations took shape, what I needed to do also became clearly evident.
I answered as politely as possible.
“You’re welcome. I simply did what I was supposed to do.”
Hyeok Mu-gang pats my shoulder with a satisfied expression.
“Surely, not just anyone can do even that obvious thing. Moreover, I heard that you had a serious conflict with the Jeongdohoe while serving as the representative of the academy.”
“Isn’t it a natural hardship for someone without anyone to pull them up to succeed? Still, since it wasn’t to the extent that you went through, Master, I never thought it was that difficult.”
“Hahaha, indeed! Absolutely. A true man must know how to forgive even those with flaws. Of course, of course.”
Hyeok Mu-gang burst into a pleasant laugh for quite a while.
I’ve flattered enough.
Now it’s my turn to clean up my mess.
I clenched my fist and bowed deeply.
“Nevertheless, I am extremely ashamed of myself.”
“huh?”
At my sudden change of attitude, Hyuk Mu-gang, who hadn’t wiped the smile off his face for quite some time, asked in puzzlement.
“What is it?”
I answered in a miserable voice.
“Although I saved ‘hundreds’ of people and prevented the ‘Blood Cult Incident’ from spreading further in Sichuan, thereby saving the academy students in the immediate vicinity and the warriors of the Martial Arts Alliance in the distant future,…….”
I paused for a moment and glanced at Jegal Somyeong.
Wouldn’t there be some who believe that normal procedures were not followed in that process?
Then, looking at Hyeok Mu-gang, he drooped the corners of his eyes as hard as he could.
“That is why I am deeply ashamed and embarrassed. If you decide to punish me, I will gladly accept any punishment.”
As soon as I finished speaking, Jegal So-myeong’s gaze turned like an axe.
Hyeok Mu-gang chuckled and slightly closed his eyes.
Hyeok Mu-gang strokes his long, white beard several times, like that of an immortal.
After a brief silence, he suddenly opened his closed eyes.
The golden light in his eyes flashed for a moment.
“I… am truly a blessed person.”
His eyes looking at me are filled with affection.
“Since such an outstanding successor has emerged in my generation, wouldn’t you say that I have faithfully fulfilled my duties as the Leader of the Martial Arts Alliance?”
Admiration beyond praise… …!
I firmly grasped my shoulders, which were about to sway, and spoke even more humbly.
You are too kind.
As I hang my head low like a sinner, I feel the strong puffing of air from beside me.
“You, you damned bastard…! How dare you try to evade responsibility with your pathetic tongue!”
Jegal So-myeong’s face turned bright red, as if he were dying of frustration.
As expected, is it a bit lacking to deceive him?
But so what? The Leader of the Martial Arts Alliance is already on my side, hehe.
I said, deliberately putting on an even more guilty expression.
“Commander-in-Chief… I am truly sorry. However, as an unworthy person, this was the best I could do for the greater good. If you choose to punish me… if you insist that I do so, I will gladly accept it.”
An agitated Zhuge Xiaoming finally points his finger and speaks.
“Haa…! Did you see the Alliance Leader? This fellow is a very scary one. Knowing he was going to get scolded by me, he tried to carry the Alliance Leader on his back….”
“Now, now, Commander-in-Chief. Please hold your ground. What is the point of saying all that to our young hero?”
“Wow…… Wow……. Seriously! Wow…….”
Hyeok Mu-gang, having calmed down Jegal So-myeong, called me again.
“Representative Jin So-un. Lift your head. Although the process was flawed, the result was that you prevented the massive bloodshed that would have flowed through the martial arts world, so it can be said that your merit outweighs your fault.”
A sense of solemnity briefly settles on his face, which had been adorned with a benevolent smile.
Of course, that doesn’t mean everything is fine just because the results are good.
His soft but firm voice continues.
“When we align all our rationality with the outcome, isn’t it inevitable that illegality or transgression will occur in the process? Therefore, take this incident as a lesson and always examine your own actions.”
I will keep that in mind.
“If you understand, relax your expression and lift your head. Your current appearance does not suit the attitude of a hero.”
I raised my head, paused for a moment, and looked at Jegal Somyeong.
At this, Zhuge Xiaoming slapped his chest repeatedly as if dumbfounded.
“Wow… this guy is an incredible actor. He shouldn’t be coming to the Mantong Bureau; I should send him to perform Peking Opera.”
Hyeok Mu-gang shook his head and said.
“General, stop it. Haven’t you already reflected enough?”
“No! Ha… Phew….”
Speechless, Zhuge Xiaoming let out a long sigh as if giving up.
I barely managed to hide the corners of my mouth from curling up.
Since Hyeok Mu-gang had given such instructions, the worry of getting scolded by Jegal So-myeong was practically gone. ‘This went much better than I expected.’ Just as I thought I could leave the Dean’s office with a light heart…
“He has accomplished a greater feat than that, so he deserves a reward. What would be good?”
As expected, is a hero who rose to the position of Leader of the Martial Arts Alliance all by himself truly different in some way?
“What kind of reward are you talking about? Not getting punished is the real reward for that fellow.”
As expected, I do not sense the demeanor of a hero from Zhuge Xiaoming.
Hyeok Mu-gang laughs heartily and looks at Jegal So-myeong.
“You are quite mischievous, General. You are the one who agonized more than anyone over what to give Representative Jin.”
“Well… wasn’t that after that guy had willingly accepted his punishment?”
“Anyway, what could I possibly give this child?”
At Hyeok Mu-gang’s resolute attitude, Jegal So-myeong finally lets out a sigh.
“Well, I can’t promote him since he hasn’t even become a formal member yet. And I certainly can’t give money to a student at the academy…”
As Zhuge Xiaoming trailed off, Hyeok Mu-gang asked me.
“CEO Jin So-un, is there anything you need? If so, please feel free to tell me.”
I quickly searched through the library in my head.
To receive it as a prize, it is best to have one in the form currently owned by the Murim Alliance.
At the same time, it must be an item that is not too excessive to the point of going overboard, and it is even better if it is an item whose value has not yet been properly assessed.
Considering all of this.
At this point, among the Murim Alliance’s possessions, the one I need most is… … .
I want to have Geumgangmugwaecheol and Pungodong.
“Geumgangmugwaecheol……”
Leaving that aside, why is the *Pungodong* necessary?
I have some personal business to attend to.
Hyeok Mu-gang, who had been deep in thought, asked back.
“Are you perhaps trying to make a sword?”
“yes.”
“Hmm… in that case, wouldn’t Hyeoncheol be a better choice?”
“Lord!”
Zhuge Xiaoming is dumbfounded from the side.
That is understandable, because while Diamond Iron and Black Iron are equally precious, Black Iron is regarded as the superior metal in the martial arts world.
Above all, Hyuncheol has a high capacity for energy, so he tends to be more efficient even when using the same sword energy.
“In my previous life, the Red Light Sword was also a divine artifact made of black iron. ‘However, it is a fact that most people do not know that its strength is weaker than that of Diamond-like Iron.’ Strength
It is revealed about this after the Great War between the Righteous and Demonic Cults takes place and the Demonic Cult’s monsters appear.
As I felt during the recent steel market incident, a monster with skin strength surpassing that of a human
There is no better weapon than Diamond Iron for dealing with enemies.
Considering the opponents I and the martial artists will have to face in the future, preparing weapons made of Diamond-like Iron is a better choice than Black Iron.
Moreover, there is one secret that people do not know.
The hidden benefits of Pungodong and Geumgangmugwaecheol.
When gold-plated iron is smelted by mixing it with Pungodong, it demonstrates a superior capacity for absorbing energy compared to raw iron.
If you make the Red Light Sword using these three materials—Diamond Iron, Wind Paulownia, and Blood Sea Jade—you will be able to see something greater than what you saw in your previous life.
Hyuncheol is too extravagant for me to use. Geumgangmugwaecheol and Pungodong are enough for me.
“Hahaha… One would expect a warrior to covet weapons even more.”
Hyeok Mu-gang, who had been looking at me with kind eyes, turns his gaze to Jegal So-myeong.
“What do you think? Our young hero wants that. Is there anything in the store?”
Jegal So-myeong’s eyes trembled at the corners.
“How do you know every single detail of the items in the storehouse…….”
Then, he soon lets out a deep sigh as if resigned.
I think I can give it to you.
“Then that is sufficient. Do you have any additional comments, Commander-in-Chief?”
“doesn’t exist.”
Hyeok Mu-gang smiles and looks at me again.
“Representative Jin So-un, the awards ceremony will only be possible after all the business in Sichuan is finished. However, I will make arrangements for you to use the items in advance.”
Is the awards ceremony important? The product is what matters.
That is truly the boldness of a hero of the martial world.
I glanced at the commander and answered quickly.
“thank you.”
As the gathering wrapped up in a good atmosphere that satisfied almost everyone except Jegal So-myeong, it naturally led to a time for conversation.
The conversation naturally shifted to the story of Sichuan, and as someone who was unaware of the discussions taking place within the Murim Alliance, it was a good opportunity to satisfy my curiosity.
I listened quietly so as not to interrupt the flow of the story.
Fortunately, that old Poison King and Malko of Cheongseong have agreed to step forward.
That is a relief. I was very worried about what we would do if you didn’t step forward.
Since the incident happened in their own backyard, naturally, I have to step in.
As the Murim Alliance has dispatched sufficient manpower, there are no problems in engaging in battle.
On the other hand, as the number of those who had reached the ranks of absolute masters was insufficient, the biggest challenge was how to deal with the strong members of the Blood Cult.
“Fortunately, the story goes that the absolute masters of Sichuan stepped forward and the situation was resolved to some extent.” “It looks like it will be resolved faster than I thought.” In my previous life, I spent too much time figuring out the enemy’s identity, which delayed my response, and I suffered immense damage because I didn’t know how powerful the sorcery was.
In addition, due to beings with absolute power known as Cheolgangsi and Hyeolma, the number of casualties was recorded to the point where the Murim Alliance was shaken.
Considering that time, the current situation was fortunate enough that the damage was virtually non-existent.
“Anyway, I’m still puzzled. Why did those Blood Cult bastards stop their advance eastward?”
“hmm…….”
The brilliant Zhuge Xiaoming tilts his head and raises a question.
It might be different if their identities hadn’t been revealed, but now that they have all been exposed, stalling for time certainly won’t be to their advantage.
For now, I think it would be best to warn them to be careful. There might be some kind of trap.
As I quietly listened to the conversation between the two, I finally remembered something very important that I had forgotten.
“I…….”
As I finally spoke after remaining silent all this time, everyone focused their attention on me.
I should have told you earlier.
I placed the bundle I had brought on the table.
Once again, everyone’s eyes were focused on one place.
“What is this?”
Hyuk Mu-gang looks at the bundle with a puzzled expression.
I looked at him and scratched my head for no reason.
“Ah, well, um. It is the head of the young leader of the Blood Cult.”
“……?”
The three people wore blank expressions, as if they didn’t know what they had heard.
After a brief silence.
“huh?!”
Buk Won-pyeong made a strange sound, quickly stood up from his seat, and unpacked his bundle.
and.
“her…….”
As the face of the Blood Cult Young Master, who met his death with his eyes wide open from the shock of being attacked unexpectedly, popped out, shock filled the faces of the three people.
I looked at them and finished reporting.
“Well… the reason they haven’t been able to advance eastward is probably because this person is dead. It seems he played quite a pivotal role within the Blood Cult.”
Actually, the loss of the Blood Sea Jade and the Illusion Stone was probably the bigger reason, but there is no need to bring that up.
“You… you’re the one who made the interest like this?”
I nodded at Jegal Somyeong’s question.
“I had a feeling they would attack from behind as we retreated, so I eliminated the sprouts in advance.”
Jegal So-myeong and Buk Won-pyeong looked shocked in turn.
Hyuk Mu-gang, who was trying hard to maintain his composure, was just as shaken.
Look-alikes saying, “What kind of guy is this?”
Unable to find anything particular to say, I quietly sipped my tea.
Slurp.
Oh, it’s delicious, just as expected.
There was a reason why Hyuk Mu-gang said he would come often.
