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8.
There isn’t any…
Even though Eunho had spent an entire day on paperwork, the pile of documents in front of him made him sigh involuntarily.
The twenty academy students (sons of merchants or officials) brought by Jang Woo-jae
We were dividing the work among ourselves, but there was absolutely no sign that the workload would decrease.
Moreover, the fact that the work currently being done was only half of what Jin So-un originally did made me sigh even more deeply.
Because ultimately, Eun-ho and the executives had to take over all the paperwork that Jin So-woon had been handling alone.
Jang Woo-jae, who had volunteered for this task, also felt overwhelmed when the actual work lay before him.
“Are you some kind of monster, CEO?”
“……
well.”
Eunho could not help but give a bitter smile at Jang Woo-jae’s question, which was full of doubt.
It wasn’t the first time that person had acted inhumanely.
Just when you start to get used to it, it keeps revealing another side, so now I don’t even have the energy to be surprised anymore.
“He has always been an unpredictable person…….”
“…….”
It seemed that Jang Woo-jae harbored some kind of illusion about Jin So-woon, so Eun-ho worried whether it was okay to shatter that illusion like this, but he soon shook off his concern. ‘It’s going to be exposed as a strange person sooner or later anyway, so…’ If he was going to get beaten anyway, wouldn’t it be better to get it done as soon as possible?
That way, you at least have time to escape.
Back when he knew nothing, hadn’t he gone through all that hell dreaming of the ridiculous fantasy of helping his senior brother enter the academy out of loyalty?
“I feel like I wouldn’t be able to do it even if I were beaten to death if I were told to do it again now. Of course… if I were told to, I would do it again. Sigh…” That was only possible because he was a disciple of the Taeeul Sect and Jin So-woon’s junior disciple.
Kind-hearted Jang Woo-jae falls into Jin So-woon’s clutches(?)
I didn’t want to see him suffer unnecessarily after falling into it.
We must reduce the number of victims by at least one.
“Anyway… if you’re going to run away, it’s better to run away quickly.”
“Huh? What do you mean…?”
Jin So-un has clearly mastered a sorcery that makes the people around him act strangely.
Just look at Namgung Seon-hwa, isn’t that the case?
Hong Sa-ryeon, who handled external affairs alongside Namgung Seon-hwa, stated that when the Head Instructors and trainers showed signs of biasedly favoring the Baekdohoe, Namgung Seon-hwa gathered them in one place and plunged the Canggung Sword into the table. [If you are someone who fears the Jegal family but not the Namgung family, go ahead and try your tricks. You will pay the price in full.]
From the very beginning, Namgung Seon-hwa was not the type of person to pressure others by putting her family at the forefront or behind them.
Despite having a lot, she was like a simple neighborhood older sister who didn’t show off and had no qualms about sharing what she had with others.
So, even Dong-ryong, who becomes a bit of an idiot except when fighting, must have been chasing after Namgung Seon-hwa as if she were his long-lost older sister.
When I think about how someone like that became such a cool-headed and daring human being… “Senior Brother… Really…” I wonder why I keep picturing Senior Brother’s face, laughing “Hahahaha” with a somewhat despicable smile.
It is truly admirable in that it motivates people and keeps things running, but… it is incredibly suspicious.
The Taeeul Jingyeong that he himself mastered is clearly a pure martial art…
Could there be a secret hidden inside that turns it into demonic magic if operated differently?
While Eunho was suspecting the senior disciple.
Jang Woo-jae, who hasn’t run away (?) yet, looks around with a tired face.
Still, it looks like things have settled down pretty well now.
This is all thanks to student Jang Woo-jae.
“Do you think that would have been possible for me alone? It is because everyone, including Eunho, worked so hard.”
Jin So-un’s delegation was handling their own affairs well on their own, even while Jin So-un was busy preparing for external activities in earnest.
Eun-ho and Jang Woo-jae handle the practical administrative tasks necessary for the operation of the delegation.
Seong Moran and Nam Hwaseong worked on meeting and persuading people, centering around Baekpalbong.
And Namgung Seon-hwa and Hong Sa-ryeon are handling external affairs.
Although the number of personnel is small, everyone is faithfully doing their part.
As long as things continue to run smoothly like this, there shouldn’t be any further serious threats to the delegation’s life going forward.
And Jin So-un’s delegation will no longer face the crisis of being overthrown.
Right, if we just get through this crisis, if we get through it… … .
“Ahem, um… anyway, the number of event participants is gradually increasing as well…”
As Jang Woo-jae lets out a long sigh with a worried expression, Eun-ho unconsciously lets out a sigh along with him.
*Sigh*. Sorry.
“Ah, no. It’s not something you need to apologize for, Eunho.…….”
Jang Woo-jae denies it while shaking both hands and his head.
Soon, he cautiously begins to speak.
“But is this really okay? That……”
Then, after looking around, he lowers his voice even further.
I don’t think the Shaolin Temple will sit still.
There’s no way it’ll be okay.
A corner of the world.
To think he took a disciple who had mastered the Shaolin Temple’s Muscle Strengthening Sutra out to solicit customers.
Leaving Shaolin Temple aside, isn’t this such an act of sacrilege that one should willingly accept divine punishment even if the Buddha were to become angry?
If some kind of crisis situation arises in this matter as well…
That must all be Senior Brother’s fault.
Right, it’s all Senior Brother’s fault.
“I don’t know. If something goes wrong, that guy will figure it out himself. It’s all his fault anyway.”
Anyway, that is how it was. As the first event of the second semester began, an excited atmosphere filled the academic building.
It was true that I was more interested in the event schedule organized by the delegation than the general academic schedule conducted by the bridgeheads and instructors.
Moreover, this event is a competition between the real delegation and the fake delegation.
The students even gained the option to express their support by participating in only one of the two events.
Naturally, regardless of the event details, it is also true that I am curious about the outcome of the competition between the two forces.
“Then, if Representative Jin So-woon loses, will he be ousted?”
“That’s nonsense. Anyway, he entered with the highest grades and became the representative, didn’t he? Of course, he should continue to be the representative.”
“Then you will be attending Jin So-un’s event.”
Ahem…
“Why is there no answer?”
I received a message from the sect asking me to find out more about the Qimen Formation.
Around the time when one by one, choices are made based on one’s own situation and surrounding influences.
“Ahem, alms masters… do you have a moment?”
“……?”
“Mr. Ilgak?”
“How did you get here…….”
Ilgak, wearing a ridiculous sash and holding a hand full of flyers, had a benevolent smile on his lips that somehow didn’t match his attire.
I have come to share a good message.
hmm.”
uh.”
“yes?”
The students, each wearing dazed expressions, soon shook their heads to snap out of it.
They were eager to go immediately to participate in the events of each delegation, but how often does an opportunity to converse with a corner of the world come easily?
Furthermore, although the school hall event runs for a week, this was the only opportunity to have a conversation with Il-gak.
“Yes! Well, uh, sure.”
As soon as the students gave their permission, Ilgak nodded.
Perhaps a righteous mind
Do you know about?
A question so fundamental and futile.
“Wouldn’t that be a righteous heart?”
That is why it was an easy question to answer, but Il-gak shook his dazzlingly shiny head.
Unfortunately, Jeongsim does not refer merely to a righteous mind.
The students in the academy began to focus all at once, sensing an atmosphere where some dizzying teaching they were unaware of was about to be revealed.
“Jeongsim refers to an unwavering and steadfast state of mind. It signifies an innate pillar that remains unshaken under any circumstances.”
Isn’t that the same thing… … .”
Just then, as inexplicable doubt and distrust flickered across the faces of the students at the pronouncements of some.
A bright light began to shoot out from both of Gak’s eyes.
“Hey, donor! Do you think you possess an unwavering, pure heart?”
The students in the academy recoiled at the fierce momentum and stepped back.
“Ahem… I, well, I am a disciple of the Namgung Clan’s lay branch, so I am unshaken compared to anyone…”
“That’s wrong!”
“Huh? What do you mean…?”
Il-gak stares directly at the students with an intense gaze that looks as if it could pierce through their faces at any moment.
“Righteous mind does not begin with one’s affiliation or lack of learning.”
In the martial arts world, Jeongsim refers to the mental strength that grows as one trains in internal energy cultivation methods.
That is why it is said that those who have inherited the lineage of Orthodox Martial Arts and cultivated pure mental disciplines, like the Namgung family, possess a more unwavering and virtuous mind than those who have mastered the martial arts of the Dark Path.
Some were firmly denying such common sense.
“Righteous mind is not a power obtained merely by mastering internal cultivation methods and meditating. If that were the case…”
Ilgak, who had been speaking passionately, suddenly turns his head and closes his eyes with a sorrowful expression.
“I wouldn’t have lost my colleagues in Sacheon.”
As they were people who knew what had happened to Jeong Do-hoe in Sacheon, everyone let out a sigh of pity.
“I was someone who was more confident than anyone else about what is commonly referred to as a righteous heart. However, through this incident, I had no choice but to admit that I had acted arrogantly.”
A moment of casting a clear and transparent gaze into the distance, like an enlightened monk.
The students swallow hard and take a step closer to Ilgak.
“Then, how can one cultivate a righteous mind?”
Even if they are not the Blood Cult, don’t members of the Dark Path martial arts world often practice evil sorcery to corrupt people?
The students standing before the gate began to yearn for a solution to escape such danger.
Gak did not miss the opportunity and clasped his hands together, holding the bundle of papers.
There is a very good method. It is the destruction of evil
and exorcism
It is about learning about…
Il-gak quickly handed the flyer he was holding to the students.
If you attend the Hyungsan Sect event now, we offer you the opportunity to test your ability to exorcise demons and exorcise spirits through the Blood Cult’s cunning illusion formations, which are ruthless and merciless, spread out in the Demonic Field. This is a special perk for this event, so please do not miss out.
The eyes of the academy students, who had been wearing bewildered expressions, opened wide.
“Um, is that really true?”
A flashing head moves violently up and down.
“Yes. That is correct. If you do not believe it, you may try experiencing the Blood Cult’s Illusion Formation first. Once you go through it, you will realize just how important it is to establish a righteous mind. Namo Amitabha.”
One of the reasons the students at the academy were not easily swayed by the Hyungsan Sect’s classes was precisely that there was no immediate use for what they learned.
Seeing that they even had an area set up for immediate practice, I couldn’t help but be moved.
“Venerable Monk! Then I will attend the Hyungsan Sect’s event.”
In that moment, Ilgak, who had unwittingly felt a sense of accomplishment, denied his feelings and immediately composed his expression.
In that case, you would be best to leave right away. The waiting line is getting longer and longer.
“Ah! Then I’ll be going first. See you all later!”
“Hey, hey! Let’s go together! I’m going to attend too!”
“me too!”
Ilgak, who had been watching the three people running toward the horse arena without a word, let out a long sigh with a complicated expression.
at that time.
Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap.
Someone approached while clapping their hands.
“Jin Siju…….”
The expression on Gak’s face becomes even more complex.
Jin So-un was walking towards me, shaking his head with a surprised expression as if he couldn’t believe what he had seen.
I guess I should apologize.
What do you mean?
“As expected, the talent destined to lead Shaolin is truly different. Hmph—”
Jin So-un praised it highly, even giving a double thumbs up, but… …
Unsure whether to cry or laugh, Il-gak clutched the flyer in his hand even tighter. #“How can this be all?”
Event Day 3.
Jeonggi Jeogal frowned deeply at the number of participants, which was less than half of the expected amount.
“Th-that is…….”
The formation expert of the Jegal family, who was in charge of operating and executing the Qimen Formation, was fidgeting as if it were his own fault.
“Something must be written incorrectly. Right? Otherwise, it wouldn’t be…”
That is the correct spelling.
“What?”
Although Jegal Jeong-gi fumbled with the paper and tried to deny reality.
“Since more people than expected are participating in Jin So-un’s event…….”
“That’s ridiculous……!”
The reality faced was harsh.
It is a new Qimen Formation announced by none other than the Zhuge Clan.
The Seven Star Seven Golden Formation that every sect in the world desires to install, and a new Qi Gate Formation that surpasses it.
But how can you not be interested in that item?
Moreover, this is because of things like demon-slaying and spirit-removal that you can naturally learn once you join the Martial Arts Alliance.
“Well… the illusion formation installed at Jin So-un’s venue was so bizarre and realistic… I think that is how it turned out.”
“You mean it’s full of realism?”
The formation expert of the Zhuge family answered with a groan.
According to the academy students who went through the events in Sichuan, they said they had an experience almost identical to what they experienced inside the illusion formation used by the Blood Cult.
“her…….”
“As such rumors spread, the demon arena is reportedly bursting at the seams every day as everyone practices learning the Hyungsan Sect’s exorcism and spirit-slaying techniques to break through illusion formations…”
Tightly
Jegal Jeong-gi trembled his clenched fist as if he were furious.
I expected some students to take action ever since I heard the ridiculous talk about some people soliciting customers, but I never imagined the difference would be this big.
A situation that Jegal Jeong-gi absolutely could not tolerate.
Something needed to break through.
“Upgraded version……. Did you bring the upgraded equipment?”
At Zhuge Zhengqi’s question, deep bewilderment appears on the strategist’s face.
“D-Young Master… that is still under research….”
“Install it right away. And tell people. Tell them that they will be able to experience the improved version of the Yangyi Eight Trigrams and Ten Thousand Symbols Formation immediately.”
“That cannot be done, Young Master!”
Despite the harsh shout, Zhuge Zhengqi glared at the strategist with bloodshot eyes.
“Then, are you saying that the mighty Zhuge Clan must lose to someone because of formations? And all because of a mere Illusion Formation, not even a proper Qimen Formation!!”
Install it right now. I’ll take care of the consequences.
At the sense of defeat etched in his eyes, the formation master of the Zhuge clan eventually bowed his head.
All right.”
The formation masters walked away to retrieve their upgraded equipment. ‘Jin So-un…’ Zhuge Zhengqi clenched his fist as he watched them.
His hand turned incredibly pale. “It is truly amazing……. To think that the young Hu Jisu from back then has already become such a great person…….”
As I stared intently at his face while applying gold leaf, my tongue, which usually flowed so gracefully, couldn’t move properly.
I am apologetic to hear such words from the Great Hero, Seven Killers Annihilate Soul.
He was none other than Song Jeong-mu, the senior disciple of Ha Min-jung, who had given the Demon Subduing Scroll as a gift in the Maryeong Plateau.
The fact that he personally participated in the Hyungsan Sect’s event this time.
This was practically a clue as to how much attention the Hyungsan Sect had paid to this event.
“I did not expect you to come in person, Great Hero.”
Song Jeong-mu gives a benevolent smile at my polite attitude.
“Haha. The Sect Master personally singled me out and ordered me to ensure the event is flawless. In that case, naturally, I must come.”
I couldn’t help but tilt my head.
Although there is a debt from the Maryeong Plateau, hasn’t it already been replaced by the Demon Subjugation Bureau?
I couldn’t quite understand why the Hyungsan Sect was paying so much attention to me now.
“Hmm… It seems you don’t know yourself very well.”
“I don’t know what you mean…….”
“Do you know how much benefit our Hyungsan Sect has gained thanks to the symbolism of the artifact of Pasa chosen by the ‘Black Flame Dragon’?”
His eyebrows twitched for a moment at the sudden mention of the nickname.
Come to think of it, I think I heard a similar story from Seong Moran not long ago.
Song Jeong-mu patted my shoulder and explained.
Not only are there massive orders from the Murim Alliance, but pre-orders are flooding in from all over the Jianghu. The Taoist masters at the headquarters are churning out Demon-Subduing Talismans day and night, to the point where their energy is completely depleted.
Judging by his expression, he seemed to be earning much more money than Seongmo-ran had said.
But why does my stomach hurt a little?
In addition, it was regrettable once again that, apart from making money, the Hyungsan Sect had not stockpiled the effective Demon-Slaying Talisman.
I used up most of the Demon Subduing Talismans I received last time dealing with the affairs in Sichuan.
Tsk.
As I unconsciously smacked my lips, Song Jeong-mu let out a hearty laugh.
Is it a waste that we earned money?
I shook my head with a hint of falsehood.
“That cannot be. The Hyungsan Sect’s power of exorcism and spirit control is something other sects cannot easily match, is it? It is just a pity that I didn’t buy the Demon Subduing Talisman in advance. The price must have gone up a lot, right?”
Song Jeong-mu kept nodding his head.
The speed of production cannot keep up with the speed of sales.
“That is just a bit of a shame. I know I will have plenty of uses for it in the future. I regret not buying it in advance.”
“Hmm… Is that so?”
Song Jeong-mu, who had been stroking his chin for a moment, continued speaking.
“So you think you will have frequent use for the Demon Subduing Talisman even after the Blood Cult crisis ends?”
Because my attention was focused on the Demon Slayer Corps, I unintentionally leaked information about the future.
But well, I guess that much doesn’t matter?
Now that the martial arts of the Heretics, which the Murim Alliance had already designated as forbidden, have emerged, who knows what other martial arts might be cultivating in places we cannot see?
“Hmm…….”
I hurriedly wrapped up the story.
Please just take it as the words of a clueless rookie.
However, Song Jeong-mu still looks at me with a serious expression.
“No, that’s not right. Still, isn’t this coming from the mighty Black Flame Dragon? I must take it to heart.”
What impact could what I’m saying possibly have?
Song Jeong-mu slowly shakes his head.
“I heard the competitor for this event was the Qimen Formation newly created by the Zhuge Clan, right? We heard rumors on our way here, so we expected there wouldn’t be many participants.”
Then, smiling brightly, he looks around.
But what are the results?
haha.”
Of course, I should take your words to heart.
I don’t know what that has to do with anything, but anyway, the event was scheduled to end with great success.
By the third day, the number of attendees had already more than doubled compared to the Baekdohoe event, and on the fourth day, the gap widened even further as the Baekdohoe eventually suspended their event.
Now, if only we could neatly wrap up the ‘invitation of the noun’.
This means that the facilities created by Baekdohoe, the stylish chairs, and the Seven-Colored Flowers will all become mine.
Mwahahaha. It feels like my stomach is recovering again.
I was smiling to myself, picturing a brilliant future.
Song Jeong-mu’s voice flows in.
“Let’s go back to what we were talking about earlier for a moment.”
“Yes, please speak.”
“Hmm… what do you think it would be like if you continued to use the Hengshan Sect’s Demon Subduing Talisman?”
Huh? What kind of question is this?
I answered immediately.
Of course it would be good.
“Ahem, but what if we can’t use artifacts from other sects?”
I tilted my head.
In the previous life, when the Great War between Righteousness and Demons broke out, many sects released artifacts for exorcism and spirit control, but the ones that actually provided helpful artifacts were limited to a few sects, including the Hyungsan and Mosan sects.
Moreover, the one from the Hyungsan sect showed the most outstanding efficacy among them.
So, I’m saying it’s not even a problem to worry about.
“Of course, they will continue to use only the Hyungsan Sect’s Demon Subduing Talisman.”
Is that so?
At my assertion, Song Jeong-mu held out three thick leather pouches with a somehow happy expression.
“What is this…?”
Song Jeong-mu stares at me with an unmistakably clear gaze.
“If you continue to use the Hengshan Sect’s Demon Subduing Talisman, the Hengshan Sect will ensure that your hands never run dry.”
My jaw dropped.
Are you sure?
“Of course. You just… the promise…”
“Of course! I promise! Tell them to clear away all the equipment belonging to other sects!”
Song Jeong-mu, on the other hand, looks bewildered at my intense reaction.
“Uh, uh. Is, is that so?”
Of course, absolutely.
It doesn’t really matter to me how much profit the Hyungsan Sect made from this, but if they provide me with unlimited support for the Demon Subduing Sect, I have absolutely nothing to lose.
But how did you make such a bold decision?
“The items you use right now lead the trends in the martial arts world, don’t they? That is why I am applying like this, intending to secure you first.”
As expected, the Grand Sect is different!
No matter how much you say it doesn’t matter, the truth is, it is thanks to me, isn’t it?
Barely suppressing the laughter escaping, he asked Song Jeong-mu.
“Oh, by the way, I happened to acquire a Demon-Subduing Tree. Could you perform a ritual on it so that I can turn it into a talisman?”
“Huh? Well, if the items are already prepared, it’s not that difficult. You really do expect there will be many people using sorcery in the future, don’t you?”
It won’t just be sorcery; there will be guys who use even worse demonic energy.
As the saying goes, “better safe than sorry,” and since I didn’t want to be consumed by demonic energy and become a demon, I thought that no matter how many artifacts I had, it wouldn’t be enough.
Crash!
A commotion arose outside.
“what?”
I’ll step out for a moment.
As I opened the door and stepped out, I was confronted with a scene where an unfamiliar person was being held and subdued by the officers.
“What is the matter?”
“He’s from the Baekdo Society. Because he kept pestering me to let him meet Grand Hero Song Jeong-mu…….”
“Great Hero Song Jeong-mu?”
As I gestured with my chin, Jang Woo-jae released the pressure points of the Baekdohoe member.
The members of Baekdohoe hurriedly knelt down and shouted.
“P-please let me meet Great Hero Song Jeong-mu!”
The members of the Baekdo Society who did not answer.
Soon, Song Jeong-mu came out and looked at the members of the Baekdohoe.
“What is the matter that has caused such a commotion?”
A face that looks quite displeased.
However, the members of Baekdohoe shouted urgently, as if they didn’t even have time to worry about such things.
“Great Hero! Please listen to me for a moment.”
Is it urgent?
“Yes! That is correct.”
Then, let’s talk.
that…….”
The member of Baekdohoe looked at my face once and closed his mouth again.
Song Jeong-mu’s face hardened with displeasure.
It seems you have nothing to say. Or perhaps it is not an urgent matter.
The members of Baekdohoe turned pale at the indirect pressure to speak in this open place.
In the end, he bowed his head and said
“Ah, no. Th-th-please help! There’s a problem with our event!”
“problem?”
Everyone present, including myself, looks puzzled.
The members of Baekdohoe continue speaking with expressions that look as if they are about to cry.
“Ha, the students at the academy are unable to get out of Gimunjin.”
However, Song Jeong-mu actually tilted his head.
“But…… why did you come to tell me that?”
“I, I don’t know the details, but new equipment has been attached to the Gimunjin… and it seems to be shaking the resolve of the academy students.”
