2
5.
There is a dark room behind the training room located on the top floor.
Two people who were not yet members of the Black Alliance entered this space, the existence of which was known only to a few people other than the leader.
Have you come?
The Four Emperors’ Lord who was sitting… no, Cha Seok-du, who has now become the Lord of the Four Black Alliance, rose from his chair.
I should have gone out myself. I apologize for the discourtesy.
Cha Seok-du, who had never bowed to anyone in his life, bowed respectfully.
“It’s done. Now that my standing position has changed, getting heavy-bottomed is my destiny.”
“Don’t worry about it, little brother. If we cared about every single thing like that, we wouldn’t have come here in the first place.”
Bloody Battle and Yeom Gwi-bi.
The two of them took their seats before Cha Seok-du, as if they were the owners of the space.
How have you been?
Hyeoltu let out a laugh at Cha Seok-du’s question.
“You didn’t call us here just to ask how we’re doing, did you? Get to the point. Why did you summon us?”
“…….”
Are there any disobedient fellows?
Cha Seok-du smiles weakly.
It is incredibly difficult to do something I’m not used to.
“Tsk tsk. Is there any other reason why the Black Path has survived being defeated by the White Path? Still, it looks like you’ve managed to establish a pillar to some extent. It couldn’t have come from your head… I suppose there was a decent fellow there.”
Cha Seok-du nodded obediently at the words of the bloody battle, which seemed to be something he already knew.
I was lucky.
That is also your blessing.
“thank you.”
Yeom Gwi-bi, who was listening to the conversation from the side, let out a nasal sound.
“My younger sibling wouldn’t openly call us to cause a ruckus. By any chance, are there those gnawing away at the pillars?”
Cha Seok-du, who had been dealing only with guys who knew nothing but ‘I eat’ and ‘I fight’ until now, somehow felt a sense of refreshing coolness in this stifling dark room.
He leaned further forward and whispered.
“He is meticulous. He is secretly hiding within the power structure and leaking stories while pretending to act in the interest of the Black Alliance.”
Originally, male and female
Stratagem
He said that this was even more frightening.
Cha Seok-du answered, shaking his head slightly.
This is not something that can be simply overlooked.
Even Hyeol-ttoo’s face hardened at Cha Seok-du’s attitude.
Are there any guys you suspect?
I don’t even know that yet.
“hmm…….”
The bloody battle, after deep contemplation, spoke.
“Then there isn’t much we can do for you right now.”
“I’m sorry. I thought my mind would be at ease a little if the two of you came…”
“Hmph, now that you’ve dabbled in politics, you’re wielding the White Dao Heart Technique with your tongue. Hmm…”
After a brief silence, Hyeoltu nodded, read Cha Seok-du’s intention, and continued speaking.
I’ll take my time looking for it, so don’t worry too much.
Cha Seok-du, whose expression had improved considerably at the words of Hyeol-ttu and Yeom-gwi, finally realized his mistake and opened his mouth.
“I apologize. I’ve been talking too much about myself. Was your journey here tiring?”
Bloody Battle raised the corners of his mouth slightly.
“It was fine. I met a fun guy on the way.”
“I heard you came with Jin So-un?”
“Right. He’s even more interesting than the rumors say. Even if the Black Alliance had a real joint leader, I don’t think they could compare to him.”
Cha Seok-du nods in agreement.
“He is certainly… a friend with a peculiar side.”
Bloody Battle spoke with a sudden serious expression.
“I heard that you sent the invitation. Why did you go out of your way to do something that is not good for either you or him?”
“……
Have you ever heard of the Black Path Night March?
Bloody Battle nodded.
“Yeah. I did hear that ridiculous rumor that the Black Flame Dragon led the Black Dao ghosts.”
Rumors circulated that the Black Flame Dragon was the one who led the Black Path Night March, which served as a crucial justification for the formation of the Four Black Alliances, but no one believed it.
He might be able to entrust himself to the event due to some connection with the Black Dao Sect, but it wasn’t an event that a guy who had just passed the age of 20 could lead.
However, as if shattering the assertion of a bloody battle, Cha Seok-du shook his head.
Actually, that is somewhat true.
huh?”
oh?”
Bloody Battle and Yeom Gwi-bi involuntarily fidgeted.
Eventually, Cha Seok-du told the story in detail about how Jin So-un had invaded Sahwangbong during the Jeongsi of the Murim.
Although it was not a short story, Bloody Battle and Yeom Gwi-bi did not lose their concentration for even a single moment while listening.
Bloody Battle let out a groan after hearing the whole story.
“Hmph… I can’t believe that guy was the one orchestrating it.”
Now that the rumors have faded, it is known that Cha Seok-du himself played a major role in the formation of the Black Alliance, but strictly speaking, it was Jin So-woon who fired the signal for the formation of the Black Alliance.
Therefore, I have invited you to this inauguration ceremony.
Bloody Battle asked sharply.
Are you expecting as much from that guy as we do?
Cha Seok-du awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
“I doubt that is the case, but…”
He speaks with a sparkle in his eyes.
I am looking forward to something unexpected.
Bloody Battle and Yeom Gwi-bi exchange strange smiles as they meet each other’s eyes.
“This is interesting. Competing against the Black Flame Dragon.”
“Hmm… I just want to have lovers’ quarrels with my husband.”
Cha Seok-du momentarily wanted to ask who the ‘husband’ was referring to, but the thought of Yeom Gwi-bi’s flames flying in later made him keep his mouth shut tight. The atmosphere of the Saheukryeon’s eve celebration is more like a back alley in a city famous for tourism than the banquets commonly held by the Baekdo sect.
In a word, it’s a total mess.
“Pick, pick, pick anything! You’ll lose out if you don’t pick, hit the jackpot if you do! This is not an opportunity that comes around often. The most commonly used hidden weapons in the Dark Path martial arts world…….”
Starting with the guy selling hidden weapons at the training ground.
“Now, get ready. I am about to swallow this sword. You must absolutely not try this at home!”
A traveling troupe showcasing feats of strength in front of warriors.
“Now! This is not an opportunity that comes around every day. This is the very elixir crafted by the Shaolin Temple, known as the Taishan and Beidou of the White Dao Sect! It is called the Summoning Pill! To celebrate the founding ceremony of the Evil Alliance, this Summoning Pill is available today only for a mere 10 silver coins!”
Well done, there’s even someone selling summoning pills.
Wow! I really can’t miss this opportunity!
I thought that no matter how ignorant those scoundrels of the Dark Sect are, there wouldn’t be anyone who would fall for a scam like that…
I want to buy a summoning shard.
So that sucker was here?
I grabbed the back of Dang Seo-hui’s neck as she was about to leap forward at any moment.
That’s enough. You shouldn’t eat things like that.
I have money!
It’s not a matter of money. If you mix in unknown herbs and consume them incorrectly, you’ll just end up with terrible diarrhea.
Dang Seo-hui asks, opening her eyes coyly.
“How do you know?”
How do I know?
Because I’ve eaten it in a past life.
Ridiculously enough, I even tried Daehwandan in my previous life.
I thought I would reach the ranks of a master after eating that.
Peak master my ass, it was actually a medicine that made you ascend to heaven after having diarrhea.
Don’t try to find out more. You’ll get hurt.
Anyway, where on earth did this bald guy go? There is a guy selling Shaolin Temple elixirs so shamelessly.
Shouldn’t we catch them and beat them up?
I looked around.
I don’t see the so-called senior.
He said he found someone to teach him, so he has already made his move.
Is that so?
Still, Il-myeong probably won’t cause trouble like Dang Seo-hee. I mean, he’s not the type to go around getting beaten up just because a fight breaks out.
It is just that it is overshadowed by Yong So-ah’s shining name; if it weren’t for Yong So-ah, Il-myeong’s name would have been ringing out loudly throughout the world instead of Yong So-ah.
Even within the Black Alliance, there are only a handful of people who would harm him, and if things get really urgent, he can just run away.
I looked at Dang Seo-hee and said.
Then let’s move among ourselves.
It’s a good thing!
Excited, Dang Seo-hui grabbed my hand and started dragging me along.
I want to buy those memorization tools.
“That is made of rotten iron. It breaks if you throw it once. Besides, doesn’t the Tang family make hidden weapons too?”
He wants to throw a knife.
“When ordinary people throw that knife, they switch to one with an unsharpened blade. It doesn’t stick to a wooden wall, either.”
Dang Seo-hui shouted while clenching both fists tightly.
“I want to enter the stone-lifting competition!”
“Are you sure you can’t use internal energy? That’s an external energy duel.”
As Dang Seo-hui’s grip on my hand weakened, I turned my head to see that her cheeks were puffed out.
If this happens, there is no point in having come out.
Oh right, you came out here just to drain my energy, didn’t you?
I quickly bought two candies from the stall and gave them to Dang Seo-hee.
Dang Seo-hui skillfully pulled two needles from her bosom and pricked the candy deep into it, then checked the needles and handed one back to me.
Let’s find something suitable.
“Then I want to do at least that!”
Dang Seo-hui, who was munching on a sweet treat, pointed to one side.
There, ten men were standing in front of a small table, clutching their chins and deep in thought.
“Now, bet money, the very game even passing children can guess! Women for makeup, men for the liquor, and children for a penny of pocket money! Just one penny! One penny! Bet money! It doesn’t come around every day. The very game even a passing dog can guess! Find the bean, the bean!”
Three glasses were overturned on the table, and the man was haphazardly moving them around to change the position of the beans. ‘Gambling?’ That’s truly incredible. To think you’d go so far as to gamble now?
What’s even more remarkable is that gambler. To think he set up his gambling table right here, in a place full of warriors, when he had nowhere else to go.
Anyway, it doesn’t look very dangerous, and the price isn’t expensive either.
Dang Seo-hee needs to learn a thing or two about the world, too. It doesn’t look like a bad first lesson, either.
I nodded obediently.
“Okay.”
As the two of us approached the table, each holding a sweet treat, the onlookers subtly stepped back to make way.
The gambler smiles as he looks at Dang Seo-hee.
“Oh my, a cute young lady and a tall, handsome man have arrived. Shall we have a round?”
“I’m confident I can get them all right!”
“That’s right! It’s a game even a passing dog could hit. Let’s begin.”
The gambler placed a red bean in the center cup to show it, then quickly began mixing the cups.
“Alright, bet money, bet money! This isn’t a game you get every day. The very game even a passing dog can guess! Find the bean, bean!”
Dang Seo-hui concentrated on chasing the beans amidst the cups moving quite fast.
And the moment the gambler stops moving.
Dang Seo-hui placed ten silver coins in front of the cup on the far right.
“Gasp! Th-ten nyang?”
“Why, isn’t it working?”
Why is he so bold?
I stopped Dang Seo-hee.
This is just for fun. Don’t you have any coins?
“I have nothing but silver coins. And I am confident!”
After all, considering she is Tang Xuxi, the precious jewel of the Sichuan Tang family who has no idea how difficult life is, there is no way her pockets would ever run dry.
I decided to just leave it alone.
Everyone’s eyes turned to the board.
Gulp.
As the nervous con artist opened the cup Dang Seo-hee had wagered on… … .
“Ugh… How did I get that right?”
A red bean popped out!
“Wowww! I got it right! I got it right!”
As Dang Seo-hui jumped up and down, the gambler made a pained expression and started rolling the cup again.
Dang Seo-hui snorted and pointed at a spot with her finger.
“This time, it’s here!”
Dang Seo-hui bet a total of twenty taels, including the silver coins she had just won, in front of the cup on the far left.
But the moment the gambler opens the glass.
The beans did not exist. ‘Hah, look at this fellow.’ While I burst into incredulous laughter, the gambler taunted Dang Seo-hui.
“Oh dear! Cute young lady, you couldn’t guess this time.”
When the gambler took all twenty nyang, Dang Seo-hui took out twenty nyang from her pocket again.
“Alright, money bet! This isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Find the bean in this game that even a passing dog can guess! The bean!”
The gambler’s hand moves faster than before.
Dang Seo-hui raised the stakes and chased the glasses as if determined not to miss a single moment.
It’s here!
Tension has reached its peak not only among the gamblers but also among the spectators.
When passersby also began to gather one by one at the large open space.
The con artist slyly opened the glass.
“Huh? Huh? Why, why? Is it missing?”
Dang Seo-hui stood there blankly, looking as if the world had collapsed around her.
The gambler deliberately let his eyebrows hang down.
“That’s a shame. It would have been better if it were just a little faster. What more do you plan to do?”
Are you accepting money too?
“That, money?”
The gambler’s pupils widened for the first time.
Well, well. If you want to do it.
“Okay, then with money…….”
I stepped forward, blocking Dang Seo-hui’s path.
“I’ll give it a try this time.”
“huh?”
Are you going to enjoy this all by yourself?
Dang Seo-hui hesitates for a moment and speaks.
If you can’t guess it, I will do it again.
I nodded.
Let’s do that.
As I jingled my silver coins and gestured, the gambler who had lost his sucker licked his lips in regret.
However, as soon as Hogu said he would do it again, he started passing the glass around with a glint in his eyes.
Now, the day for “money bet” doesn’t come around every day. It’s the very game even a passing dog can guess! Find the bean. The bean!
Three glasses.
A game where you can earn money just by guessing the location of the first bean you see.
As the gambler said, this is a game that even a passing kid can guess.
The gambler stares up at me blankly.
“Where are you going to live?”
“Where are you asking?”
But I know.
You can never win this game against a gambler.
Because this whole game is a scam from the start.
“entire.”
I placed one silver coin in each cup.
What are you doing? Are you here?
I knew it was a scam from the start.
Because I felt it from the moment we first passed the glasses.
Nevertheless, the reason I left him alone was because I saw something peculiar in this gambler.
The gambler deliberately puts on a brave face.
“Good heavens, I told you there are friends like this. Look here.”
A gambler who flips the glasses at the same time.
There were definitely red beans in one of the three cups.
“Alright, alright, next cute lady, please take your seat.”
I grabbed the man’s hand as he tried to cover and mix the cup.
“W-what! What are you doing!”
“Where are you pulling a scam?”
“Fraud? What fraud! You definitely saw it too………”
I just opened the cup that had the beans in it again.
The red beans that were supposed to be there did not exist.
The flustered gambler flinches.
“Th-this is… f*ck! Guys, hit it!”
The people standing around the table watching seemed to be part of the same gang, and at the same time tried to slap away my hand that was holding the gambler.
Puff puff puff puff!
Everyone let out a groan and collapsed to the floor from the edge of Dang Seo-hee’s hand, which was swung in an instant.
“Fraud, was it a fraud?”
Before anyone realized it, Dang Seo-hee had returned to being the White Beast Goddess, the object of terror for the Black Daoists.
That is just how gambling is by nature.
“Really, is it really like that?”
Dang Seo-hui glares at the gambler.
“Eek!”
A gambler staring at Dang Seo-hee as if seeing a ghost.
“P-please spare me! I will return the money you extorted earlier and all the money I earned today.”
I looked down at him and stroked my chin.
“Hmm? No. You don’t need to return that.”
“Huh? Th-what do you mean?”
How did you just do that?
“Uh, which one are you referring to?”
Typically, gamblers do not put beans in at the start of the game.
And after Hogu chooses a cup, he often puts the beans back in.
That is why this game does not work on ordinary warriors.
However, this gambler never put the beans back in, except for the first time he deliberately lost.
The one that created the beans and then made them disappear.
What I am curious about is the existence of that bean.
Just like a bloody battle where one puts a voice inside a flag and throws it, this game put red flag inside a flag and made it into a bean.
A curiosity that, for some reason, this might also be a clue to unlocking the secret of the mutual destruction power.
The gambler’s pupils dilate.
“Eek? Th-that is the Four Sects’ secret technique…….”
You even have a sect for something like gambling? That’s amazing.
“Yeah, I’ll give you that money from earlier. Hand over that vision.”
“B-but……. If Master finds out………”
Oh, Master is here too?
Then it’s understandable to be concerned.
I opened my mouth and clapped to relieve his worries.
“Now, this is not an opportunity that comes around every day. The best terms, even a passing dog would accept! If you don’t want your arms and legs to turn in reverse, make your choice quickly! Now! Pick, pick!”
I tried to imitate him, but perhaps because the pitch was off, the gambler’s face looked grim.
Ha, I really need to chop off a bunch of heads. #After receiving the sect’s secrets for free from a gambler.
I tried to lead Dang Seo-hee, who seemed a little downcast after realizing the cruelty of the world, back to our lodgings.
However, Dang Seo-hui remained firmly planted on the ground without moving an inch.
We have to take Il-myeong with us, too.
“to?”
The world is a scarier place than you think. You never know who might take advantage of you.
Hey, do you really think the greatest name in the world is the same as you?
However, Dang Seo-hui shouted, her shoulders shaking.
“We must save Il-myeong! He might be trembling in fear somewhere!”
In his previous life, Il-myeong did not fear even when facing the Asura Greatsword alone.
Would a person like that really be afraid of mere Black Sect noobs?
however.
“My gut feeling is telling me! I must go save Il-myeong!”
Considering Dang Seo-hui’s strangely overflowing energy and my concern that this bald man might be beating up innocent Black Daoists under the pretext of preaching, I nodded.
“I will. It is getting late, after all.”
When I asked the servants passing by about the source of the baldness, his whereabouts were unexpectedly revealed quickly.
I mean, a monk in robes among those dark bandits.
It is impossible not to notice.
As I chased after their tracks, I arrived at a strange place. ‘A gambling den?’ Makeshift curtains were spread across the entire training ground, and beneath them, countless people were gambling.
What was this guy doing to end up here?
Dang Seo-hui spoke while looking around at the people sitting.
“Jin So-un! Over there! It’s right there!”
Just as Dang Seo-hui said, a bald man was sitting in the middle of the gambling hall.
As I approached, a strange sight caught my eye.
“Isn’t the person who said he would preach holding a sword badge? What is this? Is he planning to break his vows?” Moreover, he didn’t look well at all.
Why is my whole body trembling?
I spoke to him.
“Senior, what are you doing here?”
The one who turns their head at my call.
Il-myeong’s face had turned from pale to pitch black.
“J-Jin Siju…… N-N-me! P-Please save me!”… …
Wait, what on earth are you doing here?
