2
3
5.
Damak asked again, as if he did not understand what he had just heard, and the subordinate giving the report answered with a nervous expression.
“Th-that is. That Jin So-un was at the Hwangsamun residence fighting a gang fight…….”
Are you crazy?
“Gang fight?”
“Yes, so at first we fought the warriors of the Yellow Serpent Sect, and then other warriors who were watching joined in, so…”
“Is this for real?!”
“Y-yes, that’s right. Unless you’re out of your mind…”
That’s war, not a fight!
The subordinate who had been cursing at Jin So-un together suddenly came to his senses when he realized that Dam-ak’s insults were directed at him.
“I, I’m sorry.”
Damak asked without even looking toward his subordinate.
“So, how many casualties were there?”
There are some people who sustained serious injuries at Hwangsamun, but no one died.
“…….”
Damak’s face hardened as he listened to the report.
To say that no one has died in the Yellow Sand Gate… then…
It was only yesterday that I received the order to look after Jin So-un.
“……
Is the Black Flame Dragon dead?
It is unfortunate, but it cannot be helped.
He caused a ruckus in the middle of enemy territory, trusting in his meager skills, so it is a situation where he deserves to be beaten to death.
at that time.
The subordinate, watching Damak’s reaction, cautiously continued speaking.
The Black Flame Dragon is not dead.
What? How?
Hwangsamun is a sect with considerable power, having played a pivotal role in the founding of the Saheukryeon.
How did Jin So-un survive when not only them but even the onlookers attacked?
Just as Damak’s expression was about to contort subtly with admiration and disapproval
“Because Elder Bloody Battle took Jin So-woon away.”
Ah, I see.
Now I can roughly picture it.
Unable to let go of the arrogance typical of Baekdo, he acted with justification in mind and ended up in danger, and eventually, Elder Bloody Battle stepped in to save him.
Jin So-woon might not know it, but in fact, Bloody Battle’s role was closer to that of a protector pretending to be a watcher.
My head is throbbing again.
I told you not to cause trouble like that.
Since Cha Seok-du would talk about the Black Flame Dragon whenever he got drunk, I had some expectations.
However, the actions he displayed were no more and no less than the level of a disciple of the Baekdo Sect, whom Damak despised.
No, going further, the careless behavior displayed in the middle of enemy territory was even disappointing.
In the end, Jin So-un was nothing more than a lucky, overrated rookie.
Tuk tuk
While Damak was organizing his thoughts by tapping his fingers on the desk.
The subordinate brings up the main point.
Due to Jin So-un’s actions, those gathered at the Black Alliance began to express their dissatisfaction.
The guy who should be identified as a criminal is openly going around fighting under the pretext of an investigation.
It would be stranger if they didn’t protest and demand that Jin So-un’s head be cut off immediately.
“Hmm…….”
“What should I do? Should I just tell them to express it?”
In any case, if the delegation is offered as a sacrifice, the internal situation within the Black Alliance will calm down a bit.
Furthermore, since Jin So-un personally instigated the fight and provided justification, if he claims to have died unwittingly, the Murim Alliance will not be able to make a rash move.
but…….
“Stop them. Tell anyone who acts rashly that I will punish them severely to set an example.”
The subordinate, who had been hesitating at Damak’s words, bowed his head.
I will pass that message on.
The subordinate leaves.
Only the sound of a deep sigh settled in the place where only Gun Yu-hyeon and Dam-ak remained.
“What on earth are we supposed to do…….”
Gun Yu-hyeon, observing Dam-ak’s expression, asked cautiously.
“Will you be okay with this? The public backlash is going to be quite strong.”
“What can I do? For now, I have no choice but to obey the Lord’s command.”
Gun Yu-hyeon smiles broadly as he looks at the grumbling Dam-ak.
It seems he is quite displeased with Young Master Jin.
Damak snorts and answers immediately.
“In my entire life, I have never met anyone so ruthless.”
“Still, wouldn’t it be better to build a good relationship? It would be a huge blow if a war broke out.”
Damak gazing into the distance, seemingly lost in thought for a moment.
I’m not afraid, but I should still be careful.
He revealed his inner thoughts that he had not shown to anyone except Cha Seok-du.
Because Gun Yu-hyeon was the only friend with whom Dam-ak could share his heart in this Saheukryeon, a place that could never be a sanctuary for him either.
As if understanding his feelings, a faint smile plays on Gun Yu-hyeon’s lips.
“War demands only sacrifices from everyone. You know this well, don’t you, Soldier Dam?”
Damak nodded heavily.
“I know it better than anyone. However, I also know that if I only run away because of that fear, I will accomplish nothing.”
That is true, too.
“Moreover, don’t you think that man will be able to find the culprit whom even we haven’t been able to locate until now?”
Gun Yu-hyeon, who had been pondering Dam-ak’s assertion, opened his mouth.
“Hmm… Judging from my experience facing him personally, I think it might be possible to find him.”
Gun Yu-hyeon rarely admits his opponent’s worth easily.
This is because, having secured dominance within the Black Alliance by overcoming unfavorable conditions, he would not be satisfied unless he were exceptionally capable.
He acknowledged Jin So-un.
Damak frowned without realizing it.
“Why do you think that?”
Gun Yu-hyeon lifts the teacup placed in front of him.
“I am worried that telling him what I felt while gambling with him might confuse the soldier.”
“I will filter what I hear, so please feel free to speak to me.”
“hmm…….”
Gun Yu-hyeon paused for a moment, took a sip of tea, and then began to speak.
He seemed like someone who produced results no matter what. It is just that the process was jarring to others.
Black Flame Dragon, Jin So-un.
It is clear that he is a man like a jagged stone.
but.
In any case, I believe there is no doubt that he is someone who produces the results he desires.
He is clearly a special and outstanding being.
Damak, who had been quietly listening to Gun Yuhyeon’s story, shook his head.
“To say they are an eyesore… Doesn’t that mean they could be a dangerous individual who causes even bigger problems during the problem-solving process?”
“Hehe… I suppose that’s true. I would have been quite angry myself if I had known how he won the gamble from the start.”
A brief silence fell between the two.
Damak stood up from his seat as if he had made up his mind.
“I must meet with the Black Flame Dragon. If things continue like this, even if we find the culprit, the atmosphere suggests that war might break out.”
Gun Yu-hyeon also nodded.
There shouldn’t be any tragedies like that.
The Black Alliance has just taken its first difficult step.
Having just started to stand up, I couldn’t collapse already.
Damak strode toward the door.
Oh right!
Then, he turns around as if remembering something.
What happened to my comrades’ families?
Suddenly, a deep shadow falls across Gun Yu-hyeon’s face.
He clenched his fists tightly with both hands, as if he were ashamed.
We have been searching everywhere, but not even a trace has been left of where they went.
Is that so…?
“Don’t worry. We will never give up.”
At the words of comfort, Damak forced a smile.
I’m sorry that I feel like I’m constantly indebted to you.
Gun Yu-hyeon, who had already hidden his shadow, shook his head and mocked himself.
“Isn’t this the only thing I can do?”#As I expected, the investigation became much easier starting the next day.
Hwang Sa-mun’s Bae Hwan-jang, whom I had not been able to meet the day before, came to the lodging where I was staying with a look full of dissatisfaction.
So what if you don’t like it? Seriously.
“What were you doing at the time of the crime?”
“Crunch… Jin So-un, someday I’ll chew you up and eat you whole.”
“Yes, yes. I understand, so please just answer me now.”
He summoned a gisaeng from a brothel and held a small banquet with his subordinates.
The lead role would be enough, but to even call in a geisha? Anyway, they are masters at partying.
You really had a wild time while the Munju was dying.
“Crunch.”
After investigating each of the subordinates who claimed to have attended the banquet and sending a messenger to verify the facts, it was proven that Bae Hwan-jang was absent from the scene of the incident.
Next, Gal Mun-jeong, the deputy leader of the Four Dragon Gate, and his subordinates in the same manner.
Maebongsik of the Magic Gate and his guards.
The investigation of Do Bong-su of the Blood Sword Sect and even his sworn brother has been completed.
During that time, I received death threats about eight times, and threats to set fire to Taeeulmun and wipe out the sect eighteen times.
However, the identification of the culprit remains a mystery.
“Then, we will conclude the investigation. You may leave.”
As the sworn brother, who had been spewing vulgar insults at Dobongsu of the Blood Sword Sect, was leaving the interrogation room.
The Red Phoenix Ring vibrated slightly. ‘Huh?’ Although very small and faint, a small amount of energy seeped into the body through the Red Phoenix Ring.
I thought it only reacted to demonic energy in the first place… …but does it react to dark martial arts too?
While I was lost in thought for a moment due to the sudden situation, Bloody Battle spoke to me.
“It is miraculous that the investigation has become easy, just as you predicted, but the culprit is nowhere to be seen. What are we to do?”
I had started to get used to hearing the sarcasm of bloody battles, so I answered nonchalantly.
“I didn’t think the culprit could be identified through this kind of investigation from the start.”
“what?”
Good heavens, you’re so innocent, unlike your appearance.
Do you think a man who openly committed murder would show up for such a mere formality?
“then?”
I smiled broadly as I watched the bloody battle.
“I am waiting for the culprit’s next move.”
“Next move?”
Those who devise schemes are sensitive to the public sentiment.
Creating a pretext to incite the public and using that incitement to achieve one’s own interests.
This is the specialty of schemers.
The situation for this incident was also set up.
The atmosphere is becoming tense due to Gu Gye-ak’s death, and the internal atmosphere of the Black Alliance is seething because I, as an envoy, am acting up by claiming to conduct an investigation.
A golden opportunity for the criminal hiding in the shadows.
It is a temptation that absolutely cannot be overlooked.
The culprit will surely continue with their next move.
While Hyeoltu was frowning, Ilmyeong approached him.
“Jin Siju, a man named Damak has come to visit.”
Hmm, I was wondering why they weren’t coming.
I immediately nodded.
“I’ll go out.” #Right now, Damak is like a useless burden to me.
Considering the Great War of the Righteous and Demonic in the distant future, it is true that it would be helpful for this person to serve as the chief strategist for the Black Alliance, but
Anyway, he is a very difficult opponent to deal with right now as an adversary of the Murim Alliance.
Moreover, for reasons unknown, he seemed to harbor hatred toward the Murim Alliance—no, toward the entire White Path.
This was by no means a good sign.
Moreover, judging by the way he covered up the incident I caused and mobilized the members of the Dark Alliance, even if only outwardly, it seemed as though he had already seized control of a significant portion of the Dark Alliance.
His strategic brilliance, which was outstanding in his previous life, was shining just as brightly in his current life.
Damak, approaching me with quick steps, unlike his usual nature.
“What are you doing right now?”
From the looks of it, he seems to be upset about a situation he cannot control.
I shrugged my shoulders.
As you can see, we are currently conducting an investigation.
You don’t want to die?
That characteristic sharp gaze looks even fiercer today.
Just as you were gradually taking control of the Black Alliance with your outstanding strategy, I threw a wrench in the works.
I can’t help but look quite hateful.
“Wouldn’t it be better for you, Military Officer Dam, if I died?”
“Is that even something you can say…?”
That is why I wanted to know.
Whether he is someone who will become an enemy of the Murim Alliance now, or a comrade with whom we can work together in the future.
In the former case, it would be unfortunate but easier to eliminate him, whereas in the latter case, we had to save him by any means necessary and make him take control of the Black Alliance.
I deliberately provoked him.
“Soldier Dam, aren’t you a member of the hardline faction?”
Are you saying that just because someone isn’t afraid of war, they want war?
“Well… I suppose that is true.”
At my composed reaction, Damak gently presses his temples, as if trying not to lose his composure, and murmurs.
“What on earth are you thinking? From the matter with the Yellow Serpent Sect to summoning the leaders of each sect under the pretext of investigation. Do you realize what the consequences will be?”
That is what I expected.
Damak’s eyes widen.
“Seriously… do you want to bury your bones here?”
I gazed intently at Damak.
There is one thing I would like to ask.
At my sudden change in mood, Damak’s gaze also calms down.
I did not avoid his gaze.
“Why do you hate the Murim Alliance?”
A brief silence followed.
Damak stepped back and answered very defensively.
“I am the Chief Military Advisor of the Black Alliance. Isn’t it only natural that I hate the Murim Alliance?”
Well, as someone who knows how he worked tirelessly for the survival of the Murim Alliance in his previous life, I cannot easily accept his words.
Because he is not the kind of person who uses his head simply for wealth and glory.
I leaned toward him as much as he had stepped back.
“Those who truly hate the Murim Alliance do not pretend to be hardliners. They would simply wait for war to break out.”
“……!”
“Isn’t deliberately raising your voice and issuing threats a calculated act intended to make the hardliners believe you are on their side?”
Wrinkles formed on Damak’s brow as he glared at me as if to kill me.
You seem to have misunderstood. Everything I have done was sincere. I am of the opinion that I am willing to go to war with the Murim Alliance if necessary. I am also confident that I can win.
I suppose so.
Isn’t he the genius strategist who led the Murim Alliance unit to the brink of destruction and clung to the Demonic Cult’s coattails?
However, it seemed that I was slightly behind in political power.
“If General Dam were truly that kind of person, he would not have been diligently trying to resolve this situation but would have simply left it alone. For once the wrath of the Dark Path warriors tears the delegation to shreds, a war with the Murim Alliance is inevitably bound to follow.”
Didn’t you think they were moving because of the Master’s orders?
Damak, having relaxed his brow, glares at me once again with a sullen expression.
“I detest the hypocritical White Path Murim. I detest the Murim Alliance even more for practicing justice only in words. If you were truly righteous beings as you claim, my master and comrades would never have died…….”
He suddenly stopped speaking, ran his hand over his face, and added.
If the moment comes when the Murim Alliance collapses, I will be standing right before it, smiling.
Clearly, it seems the fragment that fueled his hatred has just briefly revealed itself… ‘Master and comrade…’ His hatred was deeper than I thought.
I nodded lightly.
“okay.”
“If you’re going to make an excuse…….”
There is no such thing.
There is no one who knows the nature of the Murim Alliance and the hypocrisy of the White Path better than I do.
That is why I have nothing more to say.
“Whatever happened to Military Officer Dam, the Murim Alliance is undoubtedly at fault. I do not wish to offer any excuses or justifications regarding that.”
Damak’s face crumpled up, perhaps because it was an unexpected answer.
I continued speaking without caring.
“I, too, am well aware of how the Murim Alliance operates and how many unjust things happen. Even if I were to make excuses, it wouldn’t heal General Dam’s wounds.”
I bowed my head slightly toward him, who was glaring at me.
I would just like to say that I am sorry.
It is not something I did, nor is it something committed by someone related to me.
I don’t know what happened, but if I look into it, the kind of people I hate are definitely involved.
Nevertheless, in order to offer even a little comfort, I conveyed my apology with a sense of guilt as a member of the Murim Alliance.
I don’t know if that will be conveyed or not.
Damak, which had been distorted, regained its new color.
“Since this matter is not related to you, there is no reason to accept an apology.”
Eventually, Damak stood up from his seat as if he no longer wanted to face it.
“Please stop causing a disturbance. If you cause any more trouble, you might not be able to preserve your life.”
After saying that, he called out to Damak, who was getting up to go outside.
“Military Officer Dam, I suggest reinforcing the escort just in case.”
“What is that…….”
“If the villain desires war, then Military Commander Dam, who is currently controlling the Black Alliance, must be a thorn in his side. He will surely reach out.”
I will take care of my own business.
“And there is one more thing I would like to ask. Do you happen to know a man named Gun Yu-hyeon from Cheongwanmun?”
I know.
“What about him? Is he trustworthy?”
“What are you trying to say?”
It’s because it’s the first time I’ve heard of the Cheongwanmun sect.
A wrinkle formed between Damak’s eyebrows.
Cheongwanmun is a small sect located in Namhae. Historically, it is also a prestigious sect with a long history spanning nearly a hundred years.
Is it a trustworthy place?
Are you suspecting Gun Yu-hyeon?
“That is not the case. I am asking for some help. Before that, however, I am asking to hear your valuable opinion, Military Officer Dam.”
“He is a man and a man of integrity. The reason he belongs to the Black Dao Sect is that he was ostracized by the Murim Alliance for taking drastic measures to stop pirates raiding the nearby fishing village.”
“Hmm… I suppose that could be the case.”
Damak spoke with a sharp gaze.
“Do not burden Cheongwanmun and Gunyuhyeon. For their positions are too precarious to shoulder the weight that is you.”
Hmm… but if he is that trustworthy, I can’t help but borrow his head.
I deliberately didn’t answer and saw him off.
Damak was about to say something, but then quickly turned his head away as if annoyed and left the inner room.
And the next morning.
Dobongsu was found dead in the Blood Sword Sect’s quarters.
And a feather needle, commonly used in the Tang family, was found on the corpse.
