Episode 526
“How have you been?”
“Why did you come to see me again?”
“Don’t look so anxious. “I came to see your face one last time.”
“Since when did we take care of each other’s well-being?”
The name of the man who offered me a seat with a clear expression on his face was Seogunak.
Although he now uses a pseudonym and hides his past identity, he was once a disciple of a demonic cult leader.
‘Just seeing that look of disgust on my face made it worth coming all the way.’
I chuckled to myself.
They say you don’t know what’s going on in the world.
I never thought the day would come when I could talk so comfortably with my fourth brother, who stabbed me in the back with Sosalma in my past life.
Of course, from the perspective of the person being bullied, there is no such thing as a cushion of thorns.
“Is there anything left for me to do?”
“no. “I just came by to say hello while I was stopping by the Hongwon family.”
“What’s going on with the Hongwon family?”
“I am visiting and requesting each and every one of the martial arts factions that I have ties to. “Please support me.”
“Aren’t you already a hero of the Baekdo Martial Forest? “Among the martial arts people, it would be rare to find someone who doesn’t praise and support you?”
“It’s a slightly different issue than that. “It is an issue in which political factors are intertwined.”
“······?”
“Anyway, I heard that you will soon be getting married to your enemy Soger.”
“How do you know that?”
“The matriarch I met a little while ago told me this.”
Seogunak’s expression became distorted.
It seemed like he felt instinctively uneasy when he saw me smirking.
Suddenly, a sense of fun arose.
I placed my clasped hands on the table, lowered my upper body, and spoke sinisterly.
“On the wedding day, I will attend as a guest and congratulate you.”
“Didn’t you say you came to see it one last time?”
“I originally planned to do that, but I changed my mind.”
“There is no need for that. “It must be a body with a lot of public and private interests.”
“it’s okay. “Isn’t it a bit weird to pretend not to notice that someone who once worked under me is having a happy birthday?”
“······.”
It couldn’t have been more enjoyable to see Seogunak clearly showing his embarrassing emotions.
I felt like the pain remaining in my chest was being relieved.
After leaving the cold sweat of Seogunak behind, I stretched out and muttered to myself.
‘My personality has also faded a lot.’
* * *
A neatly maintained tomb.
Seo Ho-seon slumped down in front of the polished tombstone.
“I was busy for a while and couldn’t come see you.”
Naturally, no answer came back.
He took out a bottle of alcohol from his pocket, filled the glass and set it down in front of the tombstone.
After staring blankly at the tombstone for a while, he pointed his gaze in the direction of Maeng’s headquarters and said:
“It was hard to find. “The remains of your family.”
The name engraved on the tombstone is Sawooyeon.
It was a pseudonym given by Yeonseon to enable Jeolyeong-gaek, a demonic cultist, to work as a warrior of Maeng.
“Invading the Demonic Cult’s outer garden is not as easy as it sounds. “I almost died.”
It was an amazing story.
The place where Sawooyeon’s family died and was buried is the headquarters of the Demonic Cult located in Cheonsan.
Even though it was an external source, and most of the Demon Cult’s power was exhausted due to the defeat in the Great Demon War.
The security of the Demonic Cult was not so lax as to allow the presence of an intruder.
“I will bury you next to your grave soon.”
Seo Ho-seon emptied the bottle in one go and trudged away.
When I glanced up, the sky was full of dark clouds.
“Have a happy time there with your family.”
Not long after that.
Shoot!
The pouring rain water soaked the ground.
The alcohol in the glass that Seo Ho-seon left behind overflowed and seeped into the grave.
* * *
“Are you feeling okay?”
“Every time I come here, I ask the same question.”
“As a disciple, shouldn’t you at least pretend to be worried?”
The Murim League’s God’s Hall.
I joked and put the fruit basket down on the table next to the hospital bed.
Master, who was leaning against the head of the bed, let out a chuckle.
The wife who was caring for the patient waved her hand with a happy expression.
“It looks like your injuries are all healed.”
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“I recovered early.”
The arm and ribs that were broken due to the magic bridge were already completely healed.
The performance of the body strengthened by learning the White Thunder Godkung was so great.
“Master…”
“The doctor said I have to stay in bed for another month.”
“The Emperor Lei’s reputation is ridiculous. “Only in this way can I criticize my disciple for being weak.”
“······.”
Master narrowed his eyebrows sharply.
Even though I said this, I couldn’t help but hold my tongue at Master’s monstrous resilience.
I knew because I felt the pulse and examined it myself.
Unlike me, who only had broken bones and minor internal injuries, Master was literally at the brink of death.
‘It was literally an active volcano in the midst of an eruption, with energy all over my body boiling wildly.’
A fatal wound that cannot be recovered.
Everyone who examined Master at the time must have had the same thought.
If it had been an ordinary person, it was clear that he would have died.
No, there was no need to go to the general public.
Even I, who had equally learned the White Thunder Godkung, would have died without being able to endure if I had suffered the same level of internal injuries.
Even if he miraculously survives, the aftereffects will remain for the rest of his life.
‘It’s scary.’
To be honest, I couldn’t believe it when I saw it.
I couldn’t figure out how on earth he was able to regain consciousness and recover so smoothly.
“By the way, did you say it was a brain emperor?”
“yes. “This is Master’s new nickname.”
Master’s face became strange.
I felt an unspoken pressure.
It was as if he was urging me to explain in more detail.
I shrugged my shoulders and opened my mouth.
“After the end of the Great War, rankings, which had been quiet for a while, began in earnest.”
“Ranking?”
“yes. The question of who is the strongest in Danggeum martial arts is, which martial artist is at the top or at the bottom among the hundred great masters. You know something like that?”
“This is a meaningless debate. “Strength is not something that can be compared using a one-size-fits-all standard.”
“But isn’t there anything more fun than ranking others after an argument?”
There were several vacancies not only in the positions of the Hundred Great Masters but also in the positions of the Ten Heavenly Emperors.
There were many masters who revealed their hidden skills during the war.
Is there any other snack that is as enjoyable to chew, tear, and taste as this?
After much debate, there was a major change in the ranking of Baekdae masters.
Among the members of Cheonan Gambu, there were quite a few who had newly become 100-year-old masters.
For example, those with mediocre skills, such as Hwangryongmugwanju (黃龍武館主) Baek Sang-hoo, who previously occupied the lower ranks of the Baekdae masters, actually lost their place.
Naturally, the most talked about thing was the ranking among absolute experts.
Someone said that it was time for Buddha and Mujon, who had previously occupied the positions of two honorees, to step down from their positions.
Someone also said that considering those who died during the war, shouldn’t the name Sipcheonje be changed?
Opinions remain divided on this matter to this day.
The only thing that has been decided for certain is the new nicknames for me and Master.
No one disputed the fact that the strongest person in Tanggeum martial arts was me and Master.
“Then your nickname is…”
“I am the Sword Emperor.”
Now (二帝).
It was a term referring to me and my teacher together.
Although I agree to a certain extent with what Master said, I did not think that the world’s evaluation was wrong.
Because it is a clear fact that Master and I are strong enough to be treated as special even compared to other absolute experts.
One thing that bothers me is that there are many people who place me above the teacher and evaluate me.
‘I was the one who defeated the Demon Cult Leader in the end, so it is not unreasonable to think so.’
The reason I was able to take the cult leader’s life was because situational factors supported it.
It was difficult to sympathize with the claim that I was stronger because I defeated an enemy that my teacher could not do anything about.
‘Of course, as time passes, I will reach a level that surpasses not only my teacher but even the Demon Cult Leader.’
I learned a lot through my fight with the religious leader.
A newly presented path for growth.
The day to be reborn as the true powerhouse of martial arts is not far away.
“Not long ago, I heard that Seomun Family sent someone.”
“okay. “My father-in-law called me.”
“You mean Master?”
“I plan to visit you as soon as I feel better.”
The relationship between the wife and her family, the Seomun family, was still awkward.
Still, it was visible that the relationship was gradually being restored following the previous incident.
“If you leave Shinuidang, can you bring Sogeolgae here?”
“It’s not difficult. But why are you looking for Senior Sogeolgae?”
“Shouldn’t the torpedo squad also go through the process of disbanding soon?”
“As expected, you were planning to resign.”
“The reason I applied to the Murim Alliance was to protect my family from the threat of the Demonic Cult. “The problem has been solved, so there’s no reason to stay any longer.”
“The crew will be disappointed.”
“Now is the time for them to find their own paths.”
I had some expectations.
Basically, Master was a person who had no greed for power, status, or fame.
I could tell this just by looking at the displeased expression on his face when he heard about the new nickname given to him a little while ago.
Is it because the Cheonan Gambu was recently disbanded?
I felt somewhat emotional.
I felt like I had lost a reliable ally who always had my back.
“At this time, I have something to tell you, Master.”
“Is there anything else you want to say?”
“I have also stepped down from my position as head of the Cheonan Inspector General. I think it is time to appoint a new inspector.”
“Do you plan to take over the leader’s position?”
“yes? “What does that mean?”
“Isn’t it? “Recently, the way the leader looks at you seems to be as if he is looking at a successor.”
“Of course the leader would like me to succeed him. However, I have a lot of responsibility and am reluctant to take on such an arduous position.”
“if? “Which department are you planning to apply to?”
I raised my eyebrows and smiled.
At my continued remarks, not only my teacher but also my wife looked blank.
“I will join the Senate.”
* * *
Clap clap!
The sound of applause hit my eardrums.
It was truly a place worthy of the expression ‘Mureungdowon (武陵桃源).’
Golden koi fish in the pond.
In the grass, there is a white horned deer that seems to be kept as a pet.
On top of the tree is a beautiful colored book that can easily be called a spirit object.
No matter where you search in the central plains, it would be difficult to find such a luxurious place.
As I entered the garden, which had a quiet atmosphere, the elders of the village welcomed me with a very happy expression.
“Welcome!”
“I’ve been looking forward to the day when you become an elder and join us!”
Finally the day came.
It is the day when one is officially recognized as an elder of the Maeng clan in recognition of one’s achievements.
In fact, preparations were already in place.
When I defeated the Demon Cultist with these hands, no one could stop me or restrain me.
Money, status, reputation, achievements, and connections.
I made it this far without leaving anything out.
In fact, it was safe to say that there was no person within the Murim Alliance who was more influential than me.
‘He even toured the clans and families of each region and garnered their support. Even if the lords and elders join together to stop me, it will be of no use.’
Of course, the elders welcomed me with open arms.
The youngest senior in history.
In the history of the Murim League, there has never been a single person like me who achieved the status of an elder at a young age.
As I glanced around, a familiar face caught my eye.
I waved lightly and greeted him.
“I am deeply moved to meet each other like this as fellow elders.”
“Me too.”
Sohyeongeom (昭賢劍) responded with a voice mixed with laughter.
Master Baekmang, who was watching, sneaked in and chatted with me.
The elders around looked at it with envious eyes.
‘This is just the beginning.’
Everyone here knew.
I am different from them, who only became elders in recognition of their achievements when they were young and through the support of their clan.
Who will become the powerful person in the Senate in the future?
As I received congratulations from the elders around me, I reflected on my goal once again.
‘Become the senator and place the entire Murim Alliance under my feet.’
* * *
Unlike the Senate, which had a harmonious atmosphere, Joo’s office, located in the main office, was literally a portrait house.
Ju Hwa-baek sighed heavily and threw away the bottle of alcohol in his hand.
Fragments of the shattered bottle littered the floor.
It was like a child whining, but Zhuge Huan, who was sitting across from him, did not stop it.
He just played with his chopsticks and nibbled on his snacks with dead eyes.
“I had no idea that Yeonsun would really end up in the Senate.”
“Who knew? The elders who were hostile to the Cheonan government suddenly changed their attitude as if they had made a promise. Even Yeonsun would fall for it alone.”
“I can’t help but feel disappointed. “I thought we had finally found a talent who could make our long-awaited dream come true.”
“You must be heartbroken, as am I. “You were even thinking about giving the Vice-Gunsa a companion.”
“It’s all my fault for not recognizing the essence of Yeon-woon. Please rebuke me.”
“Is that your fault? “Rather, it was I who tempted you.”
“······.”
“In the end, wasn’t he able to overcome the temptations of luxury, pleasure, and power?”
Juhwabaek sighed again and picked up a new bottle of alcohol.
He envisioned a happy future in which he would hand over the leader’s position to Yeonsun and retire to watch the Murim Alliance change.
It is also said that having the intelligent and beautiful vice-military, Zhuge Hye, next to the new ruler would be the icing on the cake.
Where on earth did it go wrong?
Was it a mistake to blindly believe in the chivalrous spirit of Yeon-woon?
All kinds of thoughts were floating around in my head.
‘I’m only thinking more and more negatively.’
I could feel the strong alcohol going down my throat.
Right now, I just wanted to forget my worries with alcohol.
It was then.
The voice of the black night guard guarding the outside of the door pierced Joo Baek’s ears.
“Lord. “There is someone who asks to see the Lord.”
“Tell them to go back. “I don’t want to meet anyone today.”
“I am the son of Lord Thunderbolt. “Can you really just send it back?”
“······!”
Zhuge Huan and Zhou Hwabaek suddenly raised their heads and their gazes crossed.
They exchanged glances for a moment and then adjusted their disheveled clothes as if they had made a promise.
“Tell them to come in.”
“yes.”
The door opened, and Dokgo-seong stepped inside.
Even with the strong scent of alcohol and the remains of the broken liquor bottle, his complexion was not disturbed at all.
Standing in front of the leader and commander-in-chief, he spoke with restrained authority.
“It’s Dok-go-seong.”
“What did you come to see me for?”
“I came here because my brother, or rather, Elder Yeonsoon, sent me.”
Zhuge Huan’s expression became grim.
I was still upset, but I couldn’t feel better when I heard that Yeonsun, the culprit behind everything, had sent someone.
Sensing that the atmosphere was not good, Dok-go-seong swallowed his saliva.
I felt a terrifying energy constricting my whole body.
He took a deep breath and continued talking with a firm expression.
“I want to become a leader.”
“······?”
“The elder said that if we go to the two of them, they will tell us the way.”
Zhuge Huan and Zhou Hwabaek simultaneously showed blank expressions.
He suddenly came to me and wanted to become a leader.
What kind of ghost-forgetting noise is this?
Let the time of silence pass.
“ha ha ha!”
Suddenly, Zhuge Huan burst into laughter.
Joo Hwa-baek looked at him with an incomprehensible expression as he pounded on the table and laughed.
“Right! “It was like that!”
“Why are you doing this all of a sudden?”
“Lord! “We were wrong!”
“······You seem to be very drunk.”
“Now I understand! Yeonsun decided this way! “In order to reform Meng, he has no choice but to join the Senate!”
“What does that mean?”
Hwabaek Joo’s eyes widened.
It was a word that was not easily understood.
You become an elder, a hotbed of corruption, for the sake of reform.
Aren’t there contradictions like this?
“The leader of the Murim Alliance has as many restrictions as his mighty power. This is what Yeon-woon felt while attending several meetings hosted by Maengju as the head of Cheonan Gambu. He said that true reform would be impossible even if he became the leader.”
“no way······!”
“yes. That’s right. Yeonsun decided that if he became a leader, he would only end up following the same path as his predecessor. He said that in order to solve the fundamental problem, something must be done with the Senate, a group of vested interests that divides the power of the people!”
Hwabaek Joo let out an exclamation without realizing it.
The color in my face, which had been pale due to excessive drinking, turned.
His eyes turned to Dok Go-seong, who was looking at him with a puzzled expression.
‘If you think about it.’
Dok Go-seong was also not an ordinary talent.
Even though he was overshadowed by the reputation of Geomje and Yeonwoon, he was also famous among the blind swordsmen.
Did you say that you recently achieved enlightenment and broke through the wall of transcendence?
At a similar age, Yeon-Woon was already at the level of flower gardening, but that meant he was outside the standard.
It should be said that there was virtually no martial artist in the martial arts world of the time who had advanced faster than Dokgoseong.
In terms of talent and growth potential, even the Namgung family’s Sword Dragon did not reach him.
If they were raised well, there would be no shortage of talented people who could entrust the future of the Murim Alliance.
‘If Yeon So-un takes control of the Senate and Dok-go-seong, whom he can trust, ascends to the throne of Maeng Ju-wi.’
The boundary that divided the Murim Alliance will disappear.
Reform in the true sense becomes possible.
I could definitely say it.
It is a grand plan that cannot be compared to the one-dimensional idea of simply appointing Yeon-woon as the leader and entrusting the future of the group to him.
“Total military force! “You are right!”
“This is not the time! Now that we know Yeonsoon’s true intentions, we must make a new plan accordingly!”
Two old men chatting excitedly.
The inside of the office was filled with bustling noise.
The members of the Dark Nights who were standing guard outside shrugged their shoulders and looked back at the door.
‘······is it?’
Just one person.
Only Dok-go-seong tilted his head with a puzzled expression.
Joo Hwa-baek grabbed his arm and sat him down next to him, poured alcohol into his empty glass and handed it to him.
The laughter of the leader and the commander-in-chief resounded throughout the entire community.
– Completed
martial arts,
