Chapter 17 : Chapter 17
Chapter 17 - The Green Forest King’s Wrath (5)
“Eh……?”
The Green Forest King opened his mouth while looking at bearded man, who was standing awkwardly with his axes lowered, wearing a flustered expression.
“Come with me to the Green Forest. Since I lost one action leader due to this incident, you can fill that spot.”
‘What is this all of a sudden?’
bearded man could not understand the current situation at all.
‘Just a moment ago, my head almost flew off from that bastard’s hidden force……. Now he’s talking about doing something together? No, he really means for me to join the Green Forest?’
What was the Green Forest King thinking, and what should he answer?
Tangled thoughts instantly turned bearded man’s mind blank.
Although he often heard that he looked like a bandit, bearded man, who had never even thought he would actually become one, didn't know how to answer the Green Forest King’s words.
As bearded man looked at him with a blank expression, the Green Forest King sighed and opened his mouth again.
“Good grief. You are the first and last bastard I've made a proposal to three times. I won't say it again. Come under me, or just die here. Choose.”
─ Kuuuung
As the Green Forest King deliberately raised his momentum towards bearded man, bearded man fell to his knees on the spot.
“Keoheok!”
The ground around where bearded man was standing sank deep with a crunching sound.
He tried to escape from the momentum pressing down strongly on his body, but even using his full power, he couldn't move a single finger.
Great fear rushed into the heart of bearded man, who properly realized the gap between him and the Green Forest King.
To bearded man, who couldn't even breathe properly, the Green Forest King spoke in a low voice.
“What you lack are practical experience and internal energy. That, I can sufficiently provide for you. What our Green Forest, wishing to leave the mountains and go out into the Central Plains, needs is exactly a change in martial arts. If it’s you who creates such diverse variations with hand axes, I think you can create that change for us.”
The Green Forest King walked towards bearded man with heavy steps.
“Of course, I am not asking you to give me that unique martial art you learned. I only want you to give advice on the Green Forest’s martial arts with an open mind. How is it. Isn't this a not-bad deal for you too?”
After the Green Forest King finished speaking, a moment of silence flowed.
[Hey, Han-pyeong. You have to release your energy for that guy to say something.]
Moyong Man, watching from afar, sent a telepathic message suggestively to the Green Forest King.
The Green Forest King paused for a moment, glanced once at Moyong Man, and reduced the energy pressuring bearded man.
“Keoheok! Haak, haak. Yes, yes. Of course. If you only spare my life, I will follow you anywhere, be it the Green Forest or hell. Whether it be change or whatever, I will do my best in whatever I can do.”
As the energy decreased, bearded man gasped for breath, sweating profusely, and prostrated himself towards the Green Forest King.
‘The level is different. First, I have to do as told to survive.’
bearded man’s arms, having properly felt the Green Forest King’s energy, trembled finely.
Jaun, watching that scene from behind, fell into thought.
‘I managed to pass the life-and-death duel without damage for now, but.’
At the situation flowing in a different direction than expected, Jaun fell into deep thought.
‘Brother Sam-sik belonging to the Green Forest? It’s a completely unthought-of direction, but…… not bad.’
Depending on bearded man’s efforts, the possibility of using the entire Green Forest as a force to oppose the Demonic Cult had opened up.
A smile spread on Jaun’s lips.
[Brother. This seems like a not-bad proposal. Honestly, I didn't expect this situation, but…… the more I think about it, the more decent it seems?]
At Jaun’s sudden telepathic message, bearded man began to look around.
[What we need is a force to oppose the Demonic Cult. I will try to gather strength in the Orthodox Murim, so wouldn't it work if Brother gathers strength in the Unorthodox side including the Green Forest? Besides, if you are with the Green Forest King, there will be much for you to learn too.]
bearded man, confirming Jaun who revealed himself, sent a telepathic message weakly.
[Damn……. I thought I was dying. Little Brother, I didn't see you like that, but is it okay to drive a comrade into a death ground like this? First, I have to be alive to exact revenge together or do whatever! I almost went straight to heaven to see my father a moment ago. Isn't this treatment too heartless.]
Soothing bearded man who was whining through telepathic message, Jaun continued.
[First of all, you are safe. Then isn't that enough? Now let’s focus on the next thing. If you join the Green Forest, you will become stronger by receiving the Green Forest King’s teachings, and after establishing yourself properly there, you will be able to gather comrades little by little……. No matter how much I think about it, it’s a really good situation.]
“Ha…….”
[Join the Green Forest and build up your strength as much as possible, and when the time comes, let’s think about how the two of us will join forces. How about it?]
bearded man, glancing at Jaun with hollow eyes, shook his head from side to side, stood up from his seat, and bowed deeply towards the Green Forest King.
“I don't know if a guy like me will be of help, but…… I will follow as you said. Please take good care of me from now on.”
“Kukuku. Good. I came to question the loss of family but gained a new family. It wasn't a losing deal.”
The Green Forest King smiled satisfactorily as if he quite liked bearded man.
Although it was a shortly ended clash, the martial prowess bearded man showed was enough to excite the Green Forest.
Seeing bearded man bowing deeply towards the Green Forest King, bandits shouting cheers from here and there welcomed the new family member.
“Hey, you said Black Dragon Twin Axes? Let’s fight once later with me too.”
“Keulkeul. I thought that guy looked like family from the beginning.”
At the cheers bursting from all directions, bearded man scratched his head with an embarrassed expression.
“……Is it okay to let that brother go like this?”
Moyong Man, watching the situation, approached Jaun’s side and asked suggestively.
“Thinking of Brother’s future, I think it might be a good thing. I think it’s something to congratulate him on.”
“Well, you guys were people belonging neither to the Orthodox nor the Unorthodox Faction. For me, it feels a bit bitter as if I lost quite a useful talent to the Unorthodox side……. Well, thinking about it, since one connection is created with the Green Forest, it might not be bad.”
Moyong Man, nodding his head and looking at Jaun intently, opened his mouth.
“Then what about Young Hero? Do you perhaps have any thoughts of joining our Moyong Family?”
Towards Moyong Man looking at him with a warm gaze, Jaun bowed deeply.
“I am truly grateful for your words, but I am sorry. I still have work left to do. If you still remember me even in the distant future, I will definitely visit the Moyong Family again.”
Moyong Man, smacking his lips with a regretful expression at Jaun’s refusal, nodded his head.
“If your will is so, it can't be helped. However, make sure to visit next time. If it’s you, you are welcome anytime.”
Moyong Man, looking with envious eyes at the Green Forest King laughing together with bearded man from afar, turned his head again.
“Then where is Young Hero’s next destination?”
“Since I spent my whole life only in the Black Dragon River region, I intend to visit Wuhan in Hubei, where the Murim Alliance is located, at least once for now.”
“Wuhan, good. If you look at the widely spread lake in the middle, it feels like blocked feelings are cleared up. It’s a place that gives unknown tranquility. Because of that unique atmosphere, commercial rights are also greatly developed, so it wouldn't be bad for a young couple to live there.”
Feeling like he heard something strange, Jaun turned his head to look at Moyong Man.
“Since Wol-i also has business to go to the Murim Alliance, you two can travel together. I will use some influence so your journey won't be uncomfortable. Ah, take that fellow Mad Beggar over there along too.”
Jaun scratched his head with a reluctant expression seeing Eun-wol waving her hand shyly in one corner and Mad Beggar standing next to her looking at him with eyes full of curiosity.
***
The Green Forest King’s anger completely dissolved after obtaining bearded man.
The Green Forest King and the Moyong Family Head, who talked about this and that in a not-bad atmosphere, concluded to wrap up the incident at this point.
Without any major clash, the Green Forest exited the Shenyang city gate, and Jaun, who had been watching bearded man from beginning to end, followed out and waved his hand.
“Goodbye, Brother! Let’s meet again after you succeed.”
[Please try to create an atmosphere hostile to the Demonic Cult as much as possible so you can lend strength in the battle against the Demonic Cult later. Stay healthy always in the new place too.]
“Young Brother, eat well too and let’s meet when you grow up strong.”
[Don't worry, I will do my best even without you saying so. Still, it’s a pity we couldn't travel together. Ah, right. If you move to the Murim Alliance, it would be good to try joining the Anti-Demon Squad. Since it is an organization created by the Murim Alliance to oppose the Demonic Cult, it will definitely be helpful. I will often send my news through the Beggars’ Sect. Stay well, younger brother.]
Jaun, who exchanged greetings by mouth and telepathic message, watched bearded man’s receding back for a long time.
Although they hadn't been together for a long time, it wasn't easy to part with bearded man, whom he had grown quite attached to in that short time.
Jaun, who couldn't take his eyes off the departing bearded man for a while, slowly turned his body and moved his steps into Shenyang only after everyone disappeared from his view.
***
“Have a drink, Young Hero.”
Moyong Man handed a cup to Jaun and smiled broadly.
As soon as the Green Forest left, he ordered a grand banquet to be held.
It was a celebration that the Green Forest retreated without a single sacrifice, and to strengthen the close relationship with the rising star who emerged in the process.
“Thank you.”
As Jaun received the cup, Moyong Man stood up from his seat.
Moyong Man, looking around once at the Moyong Family members filling the surroundings, opened his mouth.
“Today, we safely avoided the huge dark clouds that covered the family.”
Moyong Man’s voice, containing internal energy, rumbled the surroundings.
“The loyalty and devoted efforts of the family members revealed in that process were rightfully worthy of praise, and the sword of Moyong created by gathering those efforts was invariably sharp. I, Moyong Man, who watched everything one by one from the side, fully empathize that today’s joy is created by the efforts of the family members, so I intend to give deserving rewards to everyone, hoping you enjoy this time with a happy heart.”
At Moyong Man’s words, cheers erupted from all directions.
Moyong Man, gesturing to the cheering people and focusing attention again, continued.
“Also, although it was a critical situation where a major clash could have occurred, thanks to the wit of Young Hero Jaun sitting here, the matter was wrapped up well without our swords being wielded.”
“Waaaa!”
Cheers from those at the banquet seats rang out.
“In that process, Young Hero Jaun took the initiative to face the Green Forest alone despite the situation where his own life could be endangered, and proved his worth by showing skills befitting his outstanding wit during the two life-and-death duels. Representing the Moyong Family, I, Moyong Man, intend to give a gift of gratitude.”
As Moyong Man’s words ended, all the martial artists of the Moyong Family who watched Jaun’s performance from the side expressed the same heart with applause.
The Chief Manager who approached behind Moyong Man handed a sturdy-looking scabbard to Jaun.
“Two hundred years ago. This is called Moon Fang , used by the Elder Swordless One who dominated an era. It is one of the countable rare items possessed by the Moyong Merchant Group, but since I think Young Hero Jaun will be able to live a life befitting that sword, I am giving it to you, so do not refuse.”
Jaun, who received the scabbard and slightly drew the sword without much thought, opened his eyes wide in surprise.
The scabbard was rough, but the sword contained within was sharp enough to make eyes sting, and the hilt wrapped in leather clung to Jaun’s hand as if it were perfectly fitted.
‘Actually, whatever the gift was, I intended to refuse…….’
Captivated by the figure of the sword emitting a cold light, Jaun couldn't bring himself to say words of refusal and fell into contemplation.
If it was a famous sword of this caliber, it would be of great help in the decisive battle with the Demonic Cult in the future.
“Haha. I thought it would suit you well. A divine sword should be used by a person befitting it. If Young Hero does not accept it, I intend to melt that sword and make it into an iron plaque honoring Young Hero’s achievements, so do not think of refusing.”
At Moyong Man’s words thrown with a hearty laugh, Jaun stopped worrying and bowed deeply to greet him.
“I have received an undeserved gift. I don't know how to express my gratitude…….”
“No matter how good a famous sword is, it cannot be compared to the lives of the members constituting the Moyong Family. Considering what you protected, that is also just extremely meager.”
Moyong Man, looking at the sword in Jaun’s hand with a pleased face, turned back and shouted again with a loud voice.
“A happy day like today will not be common. A grand banquet will continue for three days from now, so everyone eat, drink, and enjoy comfortably.”
At Moyong Man’s words, a loud shout burst out once again from all directions.