Chapter 99
A bamboo forest shrouded in darkness.
It was already the seventh time that Wi-ji Chan and the Heavenly Spirit Corps’ Grand Commander, Hyun Dong-hwa, had held a secret meeting.
The bamboo swayed in the cold night wind.
“Vice Cult Leader. How long do you plan to continue your espionage activities?”
The first to speak was Hyun Dong-hwa.
A considerable amount of time had passed since Wi-ji Chan had infiltrated the Black Water Sect to investigate the situation of the Unorthodox Path.
It was ridiculous for the Vice Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, the strongest single force in the Jianghu, to act as a spy for a mere sect, but Wi-ji Chan’s thoughts were different.
That was because he had obtained a lot of information through espionage and had achieved some results.
Of course, in the process, he had also committed countless unwanted evil deeds.
Using transformation techniques, he disguised himself as an official and participated in human sacrifices, and had to get involved in all sorts of bizarre things.
But thanks to that, Wi-ji Chan had figured out that the force behind the Black Water Sect, the ‘White Lotus Blood Cult,’ was the former Asura Blood Cult that had been destroyed in the past.
In addition, he had come to know that they were restoring and manufacturing terrible demonic beasts, and that their true power was by no means inferior to that of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
“Grand Commander Hyun. It’s almost done. Once I figure out the location of what they call the ‘main mountain research building,’ I will also finish my espionage activities and return.”
“I think we should attack them head-on now, after holding a council of elders.”
“No. If we engage in a head-on battle now, our cult will also have to prepare for a huge loss of blood. Now is the time to look for an opportunity.”
At Wi-ji Chan’s words, Hyun Dong-hwa asked with wide eyes.
“Is it that serious?”
“Yes. Their power is to the point where it’s hard to measure.”
“Vice Cult Leader. Then shouldn’t we take action?”
“Grand Commander Hyun.”
“Yes, Vice Cult Leader.”
“Please trust me.”
Wi-ji Chan’s voice sank low.
But his two eyes were as determined as could be.
Hyun Dong-hwa, who had become solemn, murmured as if reciting.
“Vice Cult Leader…”
“It is a poor strategy to attack them with only the power of our cult. The best way is to identify the source of the demonic beasts, secure physical evidence, and join forces with the Orthodox Path to attack them together. Let’s aim for the best strategy. I believe that is the right path.”
“I will follow the Vice Cult Leader’s will.”
“And one more thing!”
“Command me.”
“You must maintain secrecy. It’s not over until it’s over.”
“I will do so.”
Only after receiving Hyun Dong-hwa’s confirmation did Wi-ji Chan’s heavy face relax.
“By the way, I heard that the Martial Alliance Leader, Ha Won-sang, is washing his hands of the world and a new leader will be elected. Is that true?”
“That is correct. It is known that the Sword Empress of the Emei Sect, Hong-ryeon, is a strong candidate.”
“The Sword Empress. She will be the first female Martial Alliance Leader.”
“That’s right. According to the information I’ve obtained, Young Master Jin of the Moyong family has come out in full support of the Sword Empress.”
“So-ah?”
“Yes.”
The name So-ah, heard after a long time.
Wi-ji Chan drew a faint smile with a distant look in his eyes.
“…How is So-ah doing?”
“The Vice Cult Leader may not know due to his espionage activities, but currently, Young Master Jin is shaking the entire martial world.”
“…Specifically?”
“Recently, a hidden master of Shaolin declared himself a new monk and threw his hat into the ring of the Jianghu. He is known as a supreme master who broke through the Arhat Hall at the age of twenty.”
“To break through the Arhat Hall at the age of twenty… that’s amazing. But don’t tell me?”
At Wi-ji Chan’s question, Hyun Dong-hwa nodded.
“Yes. It is said that Young Master Jin overwhelmed that new monk.”
“Ah…!”
Wi-ji Chan, unable to hide his surprise, let out a low sigh.
But that was just the beginning.
As the report continued, surprise, astonishment, and finally, laughter alternately crossed Wi-ji Chan’s face.
—The students of the White Martial Academy taught by Young Master Jin all achieved the feat of becoming officials of the Martial Alliance…
—There is news that the Moyong Family, which had never interfered in business or concessions, has recently taken control of the commercial district of Liaoning. According to the information, it was confirmed that it was due to Young Master Jin’s strategy…
—Do you know the incorruptible official, the judge Bao Qingtian, who even the imperial family yields to? Young Master Jin collaborated with Bao Qingtian to clean up the heinous gangster group, and thanks to that, the prince was greatly pleased…
They were all unbelievable anecdotes.
Eventually, Wi-ji Chan clicked his tongue and let out a dazed laugh.
“Haha… So-ah, really. He had a quirky side, but it seems he’s become a complete rascal as he’s grown up.”
“According to the rumors, he has a very harsh side.”
“That’s probably true. Because he’s a guy who endured the bone-setting and massage techniques of the esteemed God of War since he was nine. In terms of being harsh, no one can beat him. Hahaha!”
“Um… Vice Cult Leader.”
“Yes?”
“The stories so far are nothing.”
“What?”
“You’ll be surprised when you hear this.”
As Hyun Dong-hwa paused, Wi-ji Chan asked as if urging him.
“What is it, Grand Commander. Please tell me quickly.”
“Um… among the news about Young Master Jin, the most astonishing thing is…”
“…?”
“Young Master Jin has become sworn brothers with the Ten Great Masters of the Unorthodox Path, the Green Forest General Fortress Lord, Jang Beon-pal.”
“Yes?!”
“Of course, after a good fight.”
Wi-ji Chan was silent for a while, and with a dumbfounded expression, he soon chuckled as if he found it amusing.
‘Hah… Jin So-ah. He’s grown up to be quite eccentric. Hahaha. He’s just like our grandfather.’
***
Moyong Baek and Baek In-hwa.
The two seemed to get along well, and in just two days, they had become as close as uncle and nephew.
Of course, Baek In-hwa’s knowledge and abilities were amazing, and his past friendship with Moyong Cheon was the basis, but even considering that, Moyong Baek’s kindness towards Baek In-hwa was beyond mere goodwill.
“Elder. Please speak comfortably. Since you were friends with my father, you should naturally speak informally.”
“Hah… Great Hero Moyong. You shouldn’t think so. You are clearly the respected head of a great martial family of the Jianghu. You should never be treated casually.”
Baek In-hwa also did not forget his respect for Moyong Baek.
Regardless of age, Moyong Baek was the head of a family.
It was Baek In-hwa’s firm belief that he should not bow to anyone.
‘That’s a relief. It seems the elder doesn’t dislike our family either.’
So-ah, seeing the two, was able to shake off the burden in his heart.
Although he had brought Baek In-hwa, he had been worried that he might be neglected because he had a lot of backlogged work.
But seeing his uncle treating Baek In-hwa like a family elder, he felt that he didn’t have to worry.
“Uncle. I’m going to Cheong-a-ru.”
“Are you going to see Young Lady Yuk?”
“Yes. I have to establish a full-fledged plan.”
“Do so.”
“Ah! Uncle.”
“Yes?”
“The recruitment of external disciples that was announced, how is it… has there been any progress?”
“First, we have made a preliminary selection, and we have set a date to gather your opinion for the final decision.”
“My opinion?”
“Of course. Shouldn’t you be in charge of managing and supervising the external disciples?”
“Phew! How far are you going to work me? Ugh…”
“Keke! It’s not like we can have someone else do it when we have the best instructor in the world!”
Although it was a joke, it was also true.
Wasn’t So-ah the legendary instructor who had made all the students of the unruly Human Division into officials?
‘Ah…! Am I destined to be an instructor?’
But even while complaining, the corners of So-ah’s mouth were clearly turned up.
‘I don’t know who it will be, but just you wait. I’ll give you infinite stamina.’
With a pleasant imagination.
***
“Young Master Jin! I can tell just by looking! You did it, didn’t you?”
Yuk Jeong-ran, just by looking at So-ah’s complexion, sensed that he had brought good results and smiled broadly.
“Really! You’re a ghost! I haven’t even said anything, how did you know? Haha.”
So-ah was so dumbfounded that he let out a hollow laugh.
But he had no intention of blaming her.
‘Young Lady Yuk trusts me that much.’
So-ah felt a gratitude towards Yuk Jeong-ran that was hard to express.
Of course, the relationship between the two was not formed out of altruism, but for mutual benefit, but through that, Yuk Jeong-ran had risen again, and So-ah had gained an excellent collaborator.
That was certainly a great fortune for both of them.
“I can tell just by looking at your face. When you live through thick and thin like me, you can read a person’s heart just by their expression.”
“You’ve acquired a kind of heart lamp.”
“Hoho. A heart lamp… that’s a nice way to put it. Then let’s call it a heart lamp.”
After a simple greeting, So-ah and Yuk Jeong-ran tilted their teacups and entered the main meeting.
“Young Lady Yuk! As expected, the lord of the Ice Palace has delegated all the authority related to the distribution of the snow ice stones.”
“What about the contract?”
“He said, ‘What’s the need for something like that between us?’ and tore it up. Keke.”
“Hoho! He’s a really cool person.”
“Yes. He’s a really good person. Should I say he’s a hero? Thanks to that, things have become easier.”
“I’ve felt it before, but Young Master Jin is really lucky. Should I say that the heavens are helping him? By any chance, did you save the country in your previous life? Hohohot!”
“Among them, meeting Young Lady Yuk was the greatest luck.”
“Look at you flattering! You’re becoming more and more of a sly fox!”
“Hahaha!”
The conversation between the two became more and more enjoyable.
It was only natural…
Because when things go well, laughter comes out even when you’re just sitting still.
“Young Lady Yuk. But it wasn’t a complete freebie. To get the lord’s heart, I had to catch seven demonic beasts.”
“Demonic beasts?”
When So-ah explained the matter of the Snow Mountain Giant, Yuk Jeong-ran’s eyes widened.
Since she was not a martial artist, she was surprised because she had no knowledge of demonic beasts, spiritual beasts, and the like.
“Anyway, you’ve worked hard, Young Master Jin. Now we just have to set the stage properly.”
“That’s right. First, we need to find manpower to mine and transport the snow ice stones while going back and forth to the North Sea.”
“Leave that part to me. I’ll take care of it.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m grateful. As it is, I have a mountain of things to do, from recruiting external disciples to gathering the people with the Moyong surname.”
“Hohoho. Now, don’t worry about financial matters. I’ll consult with the Chief Steward frequently and proceed well.”
“Young Lady Yuk. Thank you so much. Instead, I’ll give you 20% of the profits.”
“Oh my! Young Master Jin. You don’t have to do that. I’m already making enough money.”
As Yuk Jeong-ran declined, So-ah shook his head with a serious expression.
“Young Lady Yuk. I have a conscience too. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have been able to solve a single thing properly. This is something I’ve also discussed with my uncle and the chief steward, so please follow my words.”
“Young Master Jin…”
“Also.”
“…”
“Aren’t Young Lady Yuk and the Moyong family in the same boat? We’re partners who will be together for life. Of course, we have to share the profits. Isn’t that right?”
So-ah’s words, at a glance, seemed to emphasize their friendship, but in fact, his words contained a strong will.
‘A capable person like Young Lady Yuk must be kept by my side! Of course!’
Of course.
“Kakaka. Young Master Jin. To my ears, it sounds like you’re going to work me for life.”
It was unlikely that Yuk Jeong-ran didn’t know So-ah’s intention.
“Tsk… you’ve caught me, Young Lady Yuk.”
“I’ll see how you do.”
“Yes?!”
“I’ll decide whether to be in the same boat for life or not based on how Young Master Jin does.”
“You’re pretty good at pushing and pulling.”
“I’m also pretty good at cutting ties.”
“I’ll do well, Madam!”
“Hohohot! Young Master Jin is a really interesting person!”
***
A few days later…
Someone came to visit the Moyong Family.
It was Yuk Seon-dal, who had been dispatched from the Martial Alliance before.
“Great Hero Moyong. The main alliance has made a final decision to elect a new Martial Alliance Leader through a hero tournament!”
(End of Chapter)