3
6
9.
Some of the monks protested, asking, “Do you not trust us?” but as the more they raised their voices, the deeper the suspicious glances became, their voices quickly subsided.
In addition, several sects came under inspection to verify whether the Alliance Commander’s Decree was being properly observed.
The sect leader of Ilhakmun, who had been holed up at the Murim Alliance for weeks, suddenly led his disciples back to Ilhakmun in a hurry, as if struck by lightning.
Thanks to that, Emperor Jin Taejong’s family was left all alone, like duck eggs in the Yangtze River.
Thinking it would not be good to meet Geum Taejong’s family in person, I had people send them.
From what I heard, it seemed that he had gone out of his way to build a barracks at the Murim Alliance and spend several weeks there, perhaps just to show off.
He insulted Song Ju-saeng of Ilhakmun, provided them with the most luxurious inn, and arranged for them to return to their hometown after a few days of rest.
But somehow, after they found out that I was the one taking care of them, they told me they wanted to meet me.
I could not predict what they would say, but thinking that I should accept their request, I visited the inn where they were staying the day before they left.
Geum Tae-seon did not come out, presumably because he was asleep, and only a middle-aged couple who appeared to be his parents greeted me.
Having changed from their flashy but dirty clothes into simple yet clean attire, they looked so modest and neat that it was hard to imagine the pitiful appearance seen in the past.
“I am Jin So-un, a friend of Jin Tae-jong… and the former leader of the Life and Death Squad in Mukrim.”
However, the way he looked intimidated by the warrior remained the same.
Even though they had deliberately left their swords behind, a faint fear lingered on their faces.
“…….”
It was incredibly unfortunate.
Because in the martial arts world, the weak do not even have the right to honestly reveal their emotions.
It was clear that, just as I had been in my previous life, even if I harbored doubts about my child’s death, I would not be able to honestly shake off my anger or suspicions.
I bowed my head first.
If you have anything you would like to say, please feel free to do so. I am fully aware of my fault.
Then, a middle-aged woman waved her hand dismissively and grabbed my shoulder.
“Ah, no. No, Confucius.”
Confucius, Confucius… … .
If Emperor Taizong of Jin had been by my side, wouldn’t he have expressed dissatisfaction with that word praising me?
Next to his restless mother, his father cautiously began to speak.
I didn’t ask to see you because of that.
Even though I was a student at the academy just like their own children, their attitude toward me was extremely difficult.
“I wanted to express my gratitude to the person helping us… and since I happened to hear that it was Young Master Jin, I simply wanted to meet him.”
“Are you talking about me?”
I tilted my head at the story, which sounded as if they had known me from the very beginning.
I have heard a lot from Taejong.
In my memory, there was clearly almost no interaction between Geum Taejong and me.
What on earth did they hear?
“Taejong struggled greatly ever since he entered the academy. As a parent, I could not simply stand by and watch my child suffer, so I told him to quit and come back, even now… but perhaps because the burden on his shoulders was too heavy, he did not return.”
Although he somehow managed to enroll in the Murim Academy, he naturally found life there difficult as he had no real support system to rely on.
However, like a ‘dragon from the gutter,’ there were not many who could instantly cast aside the burdens and opportunities carried on their shoulders and move on.
Then, at some point, they started sending stories about Young Master Jin. Unique……
“There is one person. When I look at that person, I feel like I can endure life at the student center a little longer.”
What on earth did Geum Taejong, whom I didn’t know, see in me?
When I visited home recently, he said he enjoys life at the student center. He mentioned that he wished he could continue for another year.
What on earth made him happy?
“I heard that Young Master Jin suffered greatly in Mukrim. I also heard that the other students returned alive thanks to you, Young Master Jin.”
“……
sorry.”
For some reason, the voice trailed off.
However, the middle-aged couple shook their heads at my words.
Soon, the tearful voice of a middle-aged woman was heard.
“From the moment that child held the sword… I thought that something like this could happen at any time.”
The voice calmly accepted the life of the son who had chosen the path of a warrior.
“In any case, Young Master Jin did his best, didn’t he?”
She took my hand.
I could feel hard calluses on my palm, but a warmth warmer than any other hand was conveyed.
“thank you.”
An unexpected thank you.
I raised my head again and looked at the middle-aged couple.
The weary middle-aged couple wore faint smiles on their lips.
“It is all thanks to Young Master Jin that our Taejong was able to enjoy his life at the academy. Thank you.”
Unable to find the words to convey even amidst my vast memories, I simply answered with silence. #One year passed, and a new year began.
In a season when the cold had not yet subsided, Murim Academy was preparing to close down just before graduation.
Once this cohort graduates, they will spend another two years in a long break until the regular admissions for the next student body are over.
The students in the dormitory were frantically busy going around greeting their seniors.
The executive positions in the Mugak are limited, and naturally, there are not many students who can occupy them.
Everyone was desperate because if they couldn’t find a place to apply by graduation, they would either be reassigned to a branch or assigned to Baekranggak, which everyone avoided.
And I… … .
“Are you out of your mind???!!!”
His mental state was being questioned once again.
“It’s a place everyone is dying to go to, isn’t it? Moreover, from Taeeulmun’s perspective, wouldn’t it be even better if a disciple of the sect were active in the Yongbongjihoe?”
Seongmo-ran was listing more than twelve reasons why I should join the Yongbong Branch.
“Basically, the activity allowance is on par with that of a decent guild. There isn’t a single place in the martial arts world we don’t go, and wherever we do, we can live receiving the best treatment. Young Master Jin is crazy about money… no, he likes it, doesn’t he? I’m telling you, he wanders around, makes a name for himself, and earns a lot of money??”
“I have enough money. I don’t think I should raise my name any higher now………”
“Aaaargh!”
Seong Moran tore at her hair.
I’m the one right here and I say I don’t like it, so why are they being so pushy…
“Aaaargh!! I knew he wasn’t in his right mind, but I didn’t know he was this crazy……!”
Seong Moran continued to passionately argue about the effectiveness of the Yongbong Branch, but it didn’t resonate with me at all.
When I was young, the Yongbong Branch was the epitome of a ‘hero’ because I looked at them with longing eyes.
Through two lives, I realized that their activities were in reality nothing more than ‘play’.
In other words, the activities of the Yongbong Branch are of no help to the upcoming Great War of Righteousness and Demons.
Moreover, if you are assigned to a unit after finishing your activities at the Yongbong Branch, there will certainly be insufficient time to rebuild and operate the unit.
Moreover, in the meantime, endless incidents will continue to unfold in the Murim Alliance and across the Jianghu.
If everyone just plays, eats, and wanders around every day, who on earth is going to uphold justice and chivalry in the Jianghu? Isn’t that right?
“So, so… you’re really going to Baekranggak?!”
Actually, I didn’t really understand Seongmoran’s reaction.
But Miss Seong has the grades to enter the Dragon Phoenix Society anyway, doesn’t she? What difference does it make whether I join or not?
“Well, if Young Master Jin isn’t here…”
“If not?”
Seongmoran pauses as if she has realized something.
Then he spoke in a hushed voice.
Uh, well, it wouldn’t be fun without it…
So that’s how it is, I thought?
Hmph, it’s me, Jin So-un. Have I become someone who brings joy to others just by my very existence?
However, even with the support of the Virgin Mary, I could not back down.
“Of course, it is important to enjoy yourself while you can, but I have work that I absolutely must do.”
Are you saying it absolutely has to be Baekranggak, no matter what?
“yes!”
“No, think before you speak! You and we both have good grades. But… but why! Why are you volunteering to go to Baekranggak when you could have gone without even applying? Why on earth… why on earth…!”
Seong Moran paused for a moment, then turned her head sharply and grabbed the shoulder of Namgung Seonhwa, who was calmly enjoying her tea beside her, and shook her.
“What would Lord Shin-geom say if he found out that the young lady of the Namgung family is entering Baekranggak!!!”
Why are you blaming me for Namgung Seonhwa applying to Baekranggak of her own free will?
I felt like arguing, but somehow I felt like if I spoke up here, I would cross the point of no return, so I kept my mouth shut.
Then, Namgung Seon-hwa put down her teacup and calmly murmured.
“I’m fine. If I left her alone for no reason, an innocent girl… *Cough*! No, I’d rather just get scolded by Grandpa than watch someone get swayed.”
Unlike her calm voice.
Crack.
The teacup in Namgung Seon-hwa’s hand cracked.
“Seonhwa…!”
“Oh? The teacup must be very old.”… …
I heard that’s a brand new purchase.
Seong Moran finally let out a sigh at Namgung Seonhwa’s clear, shining eyes.
“Haa… Alright. Then I’ll apply to Baekranggak too.”
What kind of situation is this?
Is it really necessary?
Honestly, I didn’t understand.
I am going to Baekranggak because I have a special reason and it will be easier to accept disciples of the Taeeulmun in the future.
Seong Moran and Namgung Seonhwa would have been able to enter a sufficiently good martial arts academy even without participating in the activities of the Yongbong Society.
But why… … .
“I’m telling you! Why would I go out of my way to do this?”
Hmm, for a quick promotion?
Killing intent was flowing from Seongmoran.
“Hahaha, I was just joking. Hmm! Isn’t it because you enjoy being with me? I know everything.……”
For some reason, the murderous aura grew even stronger.
“Ah, wasn’t it?”
Now, he was glaring at me with bloodshot eyes.
It is truly a life lived twice, but a woman’s heart is simply impossible to understand. #Jaeindang
The Jaeindang under the Mantong Department is in charge of personnel matters for the Murim Alliance and its branches spread throughout the Jianghu.
Many people question whether it is truly possible to manage such a vast number of personnel at the ‘Party’ level, but in fact, they do not handle all personnel matters.
If only personnel such as the branch manager and general secretary are assigned, they subsequently fill in positions that suit their own preferences and report back.
Then, the Jaein Party just needs to determine whether there are any problems with each person and stamp their approval.
As the personnel appointment processes for the Murim Alliance’s Martial Arts Hall and Special Hall were all in this state, the Jaeindang still held only the status of a ‘party’.
Although he had been busy recently establishing compensation plans for the meritorious service personnel who died in Muklim, that work was nearing completion, so Jaeindang was planning to take a long vacation for a while once the assignment of graduating students was finished.
Thanks to that, the party members were also filled with anticipation.
however…….
“Master, this is a bit strange.”
“Haaam…… What.”
The applicants are concentrated too much on one side.
The clan head, who had been yawning deeply, waved his hand as if it were no big deal.
“Even the kids who haven’t been assigned yet just apply with the mindset of ‘let’s just give it a try.’ Cut them off appropriately and send them to different positions. Send the remaining personnel to the branch.”
Although it is publicly known that all martial arts halls of the Murim Alliance receive equal treatment, in reality, the halls that martial artists aspire to join are limited.
They work hard behind the scenes to secure limited positions, but only a small number of people are actually guaranteed a spot.
Those who failed at this backroom deal would still apply for higher-ranked positions as a gamble. Since this happened in every batch, it wasn’t surprising anymore.
“Ugh. I know your self-esteem is all puffed up since graduating from the academy, but… kids like that need to get their heads smashed in to come to their senses.”
The clan head pulled the blanket up to his neck, placed his feet on the desk, and closed his eyes.
“Um, that’s not it…….”
“If any of the kids say they really can’t go, tell them you’ll send them to Baekranggak. Then they’ll hurriedly say ‘Thank you’ and head to their originally assigned places on their own.”
Master, well… …”
Hey, it’s no big deal. Yawn
– I’m going to sleep, so don’t wake me up.
The head of Jaeindang, relaxing his body to surrender to the rushing drowsiness.
“Master, then…….”
He had no choice but to open his eyes wide at the story that followed.
“Conversely, if Baekranggak is overflowing with applicants, should we just accept them? Then… how are we supposed to fill the personnel shortages in the other halls?”
Is this some kind of mind-boggling nonsense from the leader of the Jaein Party?
“What… are you talking about?”
“Doesn’t Baekranggak have no capacity?”
Well, that’s because they can’t fill the capacity in every session.
But if we accept all these applications… we won’t have anyone to fill the other positions. Should we still proceed?
Why has this bastard been saying things I can’t understand since earlier?
The clan leader nervously pushed the blanket aside and snatched the document from the clan member’s hand.
“What kind of nonsense is that…….”
Just like the previous batch, applicants are gathered in abundance at Cheongnyonggak.
And in turn, there were applicants from the Red Dragon Pavilion, the White Tiger Pavilion, and the Black Mist Pavilion… … .
“Master, please look closely. It is not the Blue Dragon Pavilion, but the White Wolf Pavilion.”
The clan head rubbed his eyes roughly, as if his eyeballs were going to pop out.
He doubted his eyes again and again.
but.
Just as the party member said, ‘Baekranggak’ was proudly written where it should have been written as ‘Cheongnyonggak’.
“What is this… Was there another moment… besides the moment I know?”
It is indeed a corner of the Shaolin Temple.
Namgung Seon-hwa? The… …”
“Yes, I am Namgung Seonhwa of the Namgung family.”
Cheol-sun-jik is.
“Yes, Cheol-sun of Jukhyeonbang…….”
“I know, you bastard!! I was just about to ask something else!”
An awkward silence hung over the Jaeindang.
“Cheol-sun-jik is in charge of leading the Academic Hall’s 12 Peaks, right? Then naturally he should go to Jeokbonggak. Why is he applying to Baekranggak?”
“That is not all. Murong Zaihua of the Murong Clan, Tang Qihan of the Tang Clan, and Guo Shushan and Zhang Guangbao of the Zhongnan Sect also applied to Bailang Pavilion, and most of those in the top three-thirds of the academy’s academic rankings submitted their applications to Bailang Pavilion.”
Jaeindangju did not move an inch, as if paralyzed.
Three?
Not even three pennies, but three hals?
“Did something happen at Baekranggak that I don’t know about? Did they find Gongcheong oil in the warehouse?”
There probably isn’t.
Then why are they all making such a fuss about wanting to go there, thinking they’re crazy?
“that…….”
Jaeindangju unconsciously held his breath and waited for the next words.
I don’t know.
“Hey you bastard! Tell me that quickly!”
No matter how experienced a person is, their mind goes blank when faced with a situation they never imagined.
That was exactly how the Jaein Party leader felt at the time.
That situation where you don’t know what to do.
Then, an impatient party member said.
Then, shall we proceed?
Are you saying you’re going to funnel all the personnel to Baekranggak like this?
And all the guys with good grades?
Gulp.
If that happens, the other Mugak will complain about the shortage of personnel and immediately turn Jaeindang into a wasteland.
That is the only thing… … must be stopped.
“Proceed with what you mean, you crazy bastard!”
Then what should I do?
“What am I supposed to do! I have to declare an emergency!”
“An emergency?”
“Right, emergency!!”
The head of the Jaein Party immediately held an emergency meeting and began discussing the situation and solutions.
“Could it be that there are rumors that the other Mugak are not being treated well?”
“The worst place is Baekranggak. There are plenty of guys who would rather go to the Branch than Baekranggak.”
However, no one could properly answer the current situation.
“Come to think of it, I heard that Jin So-un, the academy student, has been going around saying he wants to go to Baekranggak for quite some time.”
however?”
“Isn’t that why they’re following? They probably think it’s a good thing since the Chief and Representative is going…”
“You bastards… Do you guys think the academy students are dimwits? Why would you go there just because that guy is going to Baekranggak?”
After a long meeting, the head of the Jaeindang clan, having reached the limits of his physical endurance, finally made a decision.
Since things have turned out this way, there is nothing we can do.
“……!”
Let’s hand it over.
Would it be okay if I did that?
“Anyway… we’re not the ones in a hurry.”
They pass on tasks they could not resolve themselves to others.
It was an action truly befitting an administrator.
Although they were afraid of the trouble that each clan might cause, the members of the Jaein Party, having already reached the limits of their fatigue from continuous overtime work, shifted their responsibility to the clan leader’s decision and informed each clan of the problem.
and.
An emergency was declared in all the martial arts halls of the Murim Alliance.
