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2.
“Therefore, the Four Black Alliance has completely reorganized its internal structure and is in the process of finalizing its system. It is circulating official letters to sects that had not previously joined to encourage them to do so, and members of the Dark Path martial arts world, having heard rumors of the Four Black Alliance, are heading toward it one by one. The future expansion of the Four Black Alliance will be… … .” A report arrived from Shanxi Province.
It contains detailed information that is not yet known to the outside world. A report sent by the so-called ‘Institute,’ an information analysis organization established by the major sects of the 12 Peaks to narrow the information gap with the Nine Great Sects and others.
“Even if it’s natural for desk workers to view the world negatively, this is a bit too much.”
Cheol-sun-jik shook his head.
Even before that, and since the research institute was established, there has never been a single time that the outlook was analyzed positively.
Nevertheless, the 12 Peaks did not deny their story or change it to suit their own tastes.
This is because their perspective is cool-headed and accurate.
Cheol-sun-jik also knew this well.
That one can only move forward when reflecting on oneself with an objective perspective.
If we were to change the hierarchy of the Jianghu that has not changed even once in the past five hundred years, wouldn’t merely sleeping on a pile of firewood and holding a gallbladder in one’s mouth not be enough?
To move forward, it didn’t matter if I had to hear bitter words every day.
Nevertheless, the future of the 12 peaks predicted in this report is so bleak that the previous report looks optimistic in comparison.
“The rise of the Blood Cult and the rise of the Dark Alliance. The expansion of power by massive sects with legitimate justification, and the small and medium-sized sects becoming their sacrifices…….”
Stories that are so clear and distinct are being portrayed.
It is only natural that the 12 Peaks, no, the 108 Peaks, would be included in those ‘small and medium-sized sects’.
The original purpose of Baekpalbong’s existence was nothing more than the suppression of new forces by the vested interests.
It was practically the same as giving up the position of Baekpalbong—which looked impressive on the outside but was actually devoid of any authority or power—and telling him to be satisfied with this much.
A position with no rights, only responsibilities.
The problem is that this isn’t the first time this has happened.
Over the past five hundred years, whenever a new power attempted to gain dominance, all sorts of events eventually brought it to an end.
Even if there is no connection between individual events, if the same thing repeats itself within the grand scheme of history, no one would dismiss it as a mere coincidence.
“Hwaseong, what do you think?”
“…….”
The massive man simply kept his mouth shut in a steadfast manner.
Although Nam Hwa-seong joined the delegation claiming to keep an eye on Jin So-un’s movements, he never once conveyed any ‘information’ about what Jin So-un and the delegation were doing.
“Do you really think Jin So-un is the person who will bring about change?”
Nam Hwa-seong, who had been keeping his mouth tightly shut, suddenly flashes a glint.
“Brother Cheol, honestly, I don’t really know about that.”
He then continues speaking in a simple and calm manner.
“To begin with, I am not in a role that requires the brains. I merely relay the stories I have seen and heard.”
Nam Hwa-seong, feigning ignorance while pretending to know nothing.
A smile peeks out from the corners of Cheol-sun-jik’s mouth as he looks at him.
Because Cheol-sun-jik could see that he was struggling to convey useless information with his slow-moving head.
It is truly fascinating that Jin So-un had been away from the academy for quite some time recently due to diplomatic duties.
But why is Nam Hwa-seong reluctant to act as a spy?
Cheol-sun-jik stared blankly at Nam Hwa-seong.
Is he that good?
“W-what are you talking about!”
As if a family secret had been discovered, Nam Hwa-seong’s composure, which he had been trying to maintain, shatters in an instant.
“What’s so great about that son of a bitch? He treats me like a spy all the time and makes me do menial tasks.”
Nam Hwa-seong, who is angry that he is being treated like a spy even though he is.
Cheol-sun-jik, who can quickly grasp the inner thoughts of others, can sense it.
The immense trust hidden within anger and profanity.
He is showing loyalty to Jin So-woon, whom he has known for less than a year and who was a fierce competitor during the regular exams, a loyalty he had never shown despite being together for over fifteen years.
Since Cheol-sun-jik had lived his life trusting no one from the very beginning and not seeking anyone’s trust, he thought it would be okay to see this side of himself.
However, a question arises in my mind without me realizing it.
“Are your feelings more important to you than the revival of the sect?”
Nam Hwa-seong, who had been fuming and excited, comes to a sudden halt.
“The expenses Samwonmun incurred for this regular exam are astronomical. We went to great lengths to ensure your passing. Do you truly intend to betray the sect that forced you into the academy, my son?”
Nam Hwa-seong’s gaze turns cold.
“Brother Cheol, watch your words.”
Even though he wasn’t shooting killing intent, a sharpness seemed to emanate from his gaze.
“Since joining the Jeongsi, I have never once failed to think of the Sect. I mean, I have never once betrayed the Sect for the sake of my own feelings.”
Is that so?
Cheol-sun-jik is someone who does not believe in trust between people.
And he was the one who thought those who exchanged such trust were ridiculous.
However, why is it that whenever I see the foolish Namhwaseong right before my eyes, a twisted feeling rises in my heart?
“It is a pity to hear, but Jin So-un will not be able to change the world by his own strength. At best, he will only be able to expand the power of himself and his sect by relying on the backing of the Nine Great Sects.”
“It cannot be denied that he is an outstanding talent. However, in the end, he too is someone who will reach a decent position and then stop.”
Through this delegation mission, Jin So-woon took on the role of a bridgehead between the Murim Alliance and the Black Alliance.
The Murim Alliance will have no choice but to make good use of him.
However, even if he rises to a high position, the Murim Alliance are not the kind of people who would give up their vested interests.
“They will bestow a gift that changes the location of the Hundred and Eight Peaks at a reasonable level, and Jin So-un will politely refuse, only to end up accepting the gift from above. And he will be satisfied with that. Just as the Hundred and Eight Peaks have been for the past five hundred years.”
And that position could also replace the Three Gates.
Cheol-sun-jik stared straight into Nam Hwa-seong’s eyes.
Hoping that this uncomfortable feeling welling up in my heart will be resolved soon.
“Even when the locations of the Taeeulmun and Samwonmun switch places, will you be able to continue standing by Jin So-un’s side?”
It is the 12 Peaks that are struggling to change that.
I have spent a long and arduous time trying to make those who maintain their power generation after generation as if they were the masters of the martial arts world realize that the order of nature is not like that.
However, Jin So-un… such a great cause
It is causing a major disruption.
Solely for one’s own benefit.
You can’t change anything by responding in the same way.
“Wasn’t what you wanted to change this world?”
Namhwaseong has a simple side.
He is deeply engrossed in what he is absorbed in and does not turn his gaze to his surroundings.
That is why I was able to achieve great things at a young age, but conversely, because I cannot see the big picture, I cannot accomplish great things.
The world is going to change soon.
“What are you plotting, Cheol-hyung?”
Cheol-sun-jik shook his head.
“You know very well that I can’t tell you right now.”
“When that time comes, you too will have to make a choice.”
Cheol-sun-jik rolled up the long report and stood up from his seat.
What is representative
I mean, I have to make a decision on whether it is for the sake of…
Then, he patted Nam Hwa-seong on the shoulder and headed outside.
Nam Hwa-seong stared for a long time at the door Cheol Sun-jik had exited through. Having finished the delegation’s report, I intended to head straight to the Murim Academy.
I had already parted ways with Susinhowi, and I intended to say my final goodbyes to Ilmyeong and Dang Seohui as well.
however…….
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the One-Horned Priest.”
“I want to sleep a little more, too. Mmm mmm.”… …
Go home and sleep!
In the end, having no other choice, we headed to the Murim Academy together.
It hasn’t been long since I left Murim Academy, but seeing the main gate fills me with a renewed sense of emotion. ‘After all, I have spent more time not at the academy than I have.’ There were no significant changes to the academy’s facilities.
However, apart from that, the atmosphere among the students was different from usual.
The students were undergoing intense training in preparation for the upcoming grade-level evaluation.
As if Il-myeong also knew this, there was a hint of pity in his gaze as he looked at the students.
Everyone must be very anxious because of the grade-level evaluations.
It was quite unexpected.
Did you, the so-called senior, also feel anxious because of the grade-level evaluation?
The name Il-myeong was famous even before he started his martial arts activities.
To think that even someone like that was afraid of the grade evaluation… it was a strange feeling.
However, the answer I received was different from what I expected.
“No. Because I’ve seen everyone feeling anxious every time.”
Also known as the one wearing the smile of a Buddha who has already transcended the suffering of the secular world.
Ah, for some reason, he’s annoying.
It is only natural for a genius to be the target of jealousy and envy.
Look at this, even just staying still like this brings bad luck, doesn’t it?
Ilmyeong looked around once and continued speaking.
Even so, it is not a very pleasant sight to see classmates, with whom I have shared joys and sorrows for a year, returning to their hometowns.
Some people say that the discipline at the academy is too strict.
Is there really a need to filter students by grades again inside a school building that is already difficult to even get into?
However, the Murim Alliance’s stance has never changed even once.
The fact that only the best talents, carefully selected and handpicked, can hold authority.
This cold stance—that only those capable of bearing the weight of responsibility can shoulder the lives of others—had never once changed. ‘Of course, it is a contradiction that I was defeated by the Demonic Cult even after doing so.’ As I was recalling my past life, Ilmyeong spoke to me with a somewhat bitter expression.
“Mr. So-un holds the position of representative, doesn’t he? If so, he probably isn’t feeling very pleasant.”
“What do you mean?”
Since I attended the academy with Yong So-ah, I didn’t feel everyone’s expectations or the immense responsibility of being the academy’s representative all that strongly; however, as the representative of Shaolin Temple, I came to understand the burden of holding a position that entails so much responsibility.
He looked into my face one more time and smiled gently.
“I wouldn’t have even brought it up if it were anyone else, as they wouldn’t understand even if I told them… but for some reason, it seems you know, Siju.”
I did not give a different answer.
As I walked toward the representative’s office again, I could hear whispering.
“Hey, isn’t that Sobul?”
“The person being carried looks like a jobless goddess.”
Did the Yongbong branch come?
Even the academy students, who had been training with such intense concentration that they wouldn’t notice if the world were collapsing, stomp their feet while staring this way, forgetting even to wipe their sweat.
Although they had already become recognized stars in the martial arts world simply by entering the academy, even to them, the Dragon and Phoenix Society of the previous generation was no different from the image of another deified hero.
I thought so too.
Amitabha Buddha.
As if responding to the people’s support, Il-myeong puts his hands together in a small bow.
At that, the students watching from a distance all clasped their hands together in unison as if in return.
I am dumbfounded by that spineless collective behavior.
Why are those Daoist disciples suddenly putting their hands together in prayer? Do they have no guts?
There were many people whispering from a distance, but no one approached easily.
So, when I arrived at the building where the student council representative office was located.
“Representative, have you arrived… Gasp! And those people behind you….”
“Yes, these are the people who moved with me…….”
Before I could even finish speaking, the student ran off shouting loudly enough to make the hallway ring.
The Representative has returned with the Yongbong Branch!
Soon, the workers swarmed out and began running toward this side.
“CEO!”
“Big Brother!”
“Brother!”
All the welcome faces came out to greet me at once.
Yeah, it’s only natural that I’m falling behind the Yongbong Branch. But still, I have these people…
“Gasp! Aka-san, Senior!”
It’s Senior Dang Seo-hee!
The students running toward me passed me without a moment’s hesitation and surrounded Il-myeong.
What is it? I can’t see…
“Seniors, how may you be here?! Please take a seat!”
“I’m going crazy……. This cheek is so white and soft……!”
Even though I was right in front of them, the academy students poked Dang Seo-hee’s cheek and spoke to Il-myeong as if they didn’t even see me. ‘Ah, I’m fucking lonely.’ I just wished they would all go away.#“Did you finish up the business you left for?”
I nodded, savoring the scent of the seven-colored flower that I had missed so much.
“Then, then. Who am I?”
Eunho looks at him with a skeptical gaze, as if he still doesn’t trust him.
“Rumors are spreading in the Dark Path martial arts world that the Black Flame Dragon is the true Divine Saint of the Evil Alliance… What kind of mischief are you up to now… No, what have you been doing?”
“……
Is this the first time those bastards have engaged in fabrication and incitement? If we believed everything we heard, would the rumor that I am the Joint Successor of the Dark Path Martial World be true too?
Eunho stared at me silently for a moment.
I ignored his gaze as naturally as possible.
“I heard the Black Flame Dragon’s nickname changed to Black Maitreya…… That’s a fabrication too, right??”
Phew.
I was momentarily lost in thought at the fragrant scent of the seven-colored flower tea that I had unwittingly exhaled.
“Sob……
Maitreya?
“Yes, I heard that whenever a disciple of the Taeeul Sect used the ‘Mind Reading Method,’ the Dark Paths would automatically bow their heads.”
Crazy bastards crazy bastards crazy bastards.
True to his nature as a dark cult, even the nickname he gives is extremely malicious.
To think you would give someone a nickname that would make Buddhist sects rooted in the martial arts world have a fit if they heard it.
Just very cleverly screwing me over…
Huh, surely not… did that Damak use the stratagem of killing with a borrowed sword?
“Anyway, as soon as she heard that story, Senior Sister Hong declared she would break Senior Brother’s legs and went into seclusion for training.”
Just before entering secluded training, Eunho shivered briefly, as if recalling Saren’s face.
What’s wrong… Why are you acting like this? You’re making me anxious.
You should probably be prepared.
It is commendable that he voluntarily entered seclusion for training, but to think his motive was to break the leg of his senior disciple, who is like a god to him.
Hmm… I was really conflicted about whether I should like this or not.
I pressed my throbbing head for a moment, then changed the subject.
The more you think about it, the more your head will hurt.
“But why is that thing here?”
In one corner of the office I pointed to, Yelu Ke was staring at me with a sharp gaze.
Do you think I came because I wanted to?
That bastard still acts like that whenever he sees me.
“I mean, why are you here? You’re not even part of the delegation…”
I am part of the delegation.
“huh?”
To think that rebellious bastard is part of the delegation.
It is as absurd as a thief doing the work of a constable.
As I stopped drinking the Seven-Colored Flower and made a bewildered expression, Eunho calmly explained.
I brought him.
Huh? I thought you were smart, so I trusted you, but why… …
I gestured toward Yelu Ge with my chin.
“Why go out of your way to do this to someone who clearly says they don’t want to?”
Eunho shrugged his shoulders calmly as if it were no big deal.
Because I’m going to die soon.
“what?”
To think that the guy I barely saved is dying again.
Damn it, what on earth happened at the school building while I was gone?
