◈ Episode 13. The Sinister Guy and the More Sinister Guy
Jinmu Rip, who had finished organizing the northwest road, entered the headquarters to meet Rim Ju.
Unlike before, the young warriors of Madorim briefly paid their respects to Jinmu Rip and passed by.
They began to acknowledge the man’s skills in taking over the Northwest Road, not as an unmanned entity.
“The air is nice.”
The heavy air with dark clouds was very welcome.
Everyone knew that the fight with the Grand Inspectorate was drawing near.
Jin Mu-rip, smiling brightly, arrived at Anrimwon (安林垣) where the Rim Ju family was staying.
It was quiet inside because the other family members were away on business at the wife’s family home.
Jin Mu-rip, who entered the office under the guidance of the chief secretary, was warmly welcomed by Cho Moo-gang.
“Welcome. Northwest Governor.”
Jinmu-rip, who had been blankly staring at the unexpected title, burst into laughter.
“Hahaha. Nice to meet you, Lord Rim.”
Cho Moo-gang’s gaze looking at Jin Mu-rip is warm.
As the son of a special older sister, he would want his nephew to be recognized more than anyone else.
Although the process was not smooth, Jinmu Rip brought about results through his own efforts and changed people’s perceptions, which was admirable.
“I heard that the northwest road is busy. Do you need any help?”
“We are a bit short on manpower in managing the Northwest Road. We need someone to manage the money, rather than someone who is unmanned. The leaders of the Northwest Council may not play around with money, but it would be reassuring for them to send someone to watch over them.”
If you assign someone from Madorim, you don’t have to worry even if there are days when business is bad and you don’t have enough money to pay the taxes.
“I will send someone right away.”
“Uncle.”
As Jinmu Rip’s eyes became very serious, Chomu Gang also erased his smile and nodded.
“okay.”
“Now that we have the Northwest Road in our hands, you know that the next stop is the Grand Inspection Gate.”
Madorim’s lord, Cho Moo-gang, naturally had that in mind.
“Of course. The headquarters is also secretly preparing.”
“I need to hear it before that. What is the future of Madorim that you hope for, uncle?”
I wanted to hear Cho Moo-gang’s determination ahead of the fight with the Grand Inspectorate.
Cho Moo-gang answered without a moment’s hesitation, as expected of Rim Ju.
“I want a proud Madorim where even the unmanned of the main rim can live like unmanned people.”
A glimmer of darkness passed through Jinmu-rip’s eyes.
‘This is the most difficult dream.’
If you want to rule Chongqing, just erase the Great Checkpoint.
If you want to rule Sacheon, you just need to place all of Sacheon’s breakwaters under your feet.
However, if you want to be a proud Madorim who can live like an unmanned person, you have to be strong enough not to care about what anyone thinks.
Like Hwaryeong, who rose to the top of the martial arts world with the best wave defense system in the world.
‘It’ll be hard to leave for a while.’
Jinmu-rip smiled, hiding his true feelings.
“I will make it happen for you.”
If you can fulfill your family’s long-cherished wish, your mother who is watching over you from heaven will also be able to relieve her burden.
The two of them smiled brightly.
It doesn’t matter whether my nephew’s words are true or not.
The important thing is that we are a family with the same blood flowing through us.
Cho Moo-gang spoke softly.
“What the hell.”
“yes.”
“I see you haven’t lived as an ordinary hunter.”
Jinmu Rip’s secret method, Guiyeongmucheongong (貴靈霧天功), is so secretive that even if a divine dragon comes, it would be difficult to confirm its true identity.
However, from the moment they first met, Cho Moo-gang had a vague sense that Jin Moo-rip was different from ordinary people.
Jinmu-rip smiled silently.
He had only come to repay the debt owed to his mother, and he could not bring Madorim into his domain.
Because the world he will live in is a place that is difficult for Madorim to handle.
Cho Moo-gang spoke as if he had guessed Jin Mu-rip’s feelings.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, what kind of life you’ve lived, or what you carry on your shoulders. You will always be my nephew and our family, and this will always be your home to which you can return and rest.”
Jinmu-rip just listened silently with his mouth shut. Chomu-gang smiled gently and continued speaking.
“If Rimju Chomugang’s wish is to create a proud Madorim where the unmanned people of this rim can live like unmanned people, then this uncle’s wish is to break down the wall hidden behind his nephew’s smile.”
My uncle’s warm smile and friendly words somehow felt uncomfortable.
Jinmu-rip, who tried to smile, stood up from his seat.
“We don’t know when the Grand Inspectorate will move. We will be in contact with the Northeastern Office from time to time, so we hope to be able to respond at any time.”
***
Jin Mu-rip, who left Anrimwon, rubbed his chest.
“Do you still have these feelings?”
He lost his parents at an early age and was raised by a teacher.
The teacher who taught him without any shortcomings always gave him a kind look, but the look in his eyes and the warm words that Cho Moo-gang showed were a little different.
If his father and mother were still alive, he would surely have looked at him with those same eyes.
But the true identity of those who follow him is that they are beings that the world does not tolerate.
I couldn’t turn away from the earnest eyes of children who wanted to live, so I lived my life looking forward for them.
They drew only the line that was enough to protect the human heart, and did not choose the means or methods.
——————
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Because I didn’t have enough time to take stock of everything in order to survive.
The legacy of mother and teacher.
If I had to choose between Madorim and Sangcheon, I’m sorry but it would be Sangcheon.
Unlike Madorim, who has barely managed to survive until now, Sangcheon cannot survive without confidence.
Jinmu-rip glanced behind him, turned his head, and stepped forward.
“If you are attached to something, your judgment will become clouded. Come to your senses. Jinmu-rip.”
There’s still a lot of work to do.
If you want to go back with peace of mind, you need to set Madorim on a solid foundation as soon as possible.
Jinmu-rip’s steps became quicker, just like his anxious heart.
***
Jin Mu-rip, who returned to Seobuk-ro, could see Yoo Dae-ha loitering in front of the inn.
“What are you doing there?”
“Little Prince.”
Yudae Ha, who came running in one go, whispered.
“A guest has arrived.”
“customer?”
“The bell of the Great Swordsman is waiting for the prince inside.”
“The bell? You mean the one called Soshingeom (小神劍)?”
Jonghwagi, who had outstanding martial arts skills comparable to his father, who was called the Four Heavenly Swordsman, was also one of the Five Great Swordsmen of Sichuan.
“Yes. I brought a sign of silence with me.”
Jinmu-rip smiled mischievously.
“We’ve known each other for a while. Did you say hello?”
Judaeha frowned.
“Are you glad to meet me? You came in with your eyes bright.”
“Let’s go in first.”
As Jinmu Rip entered the guest house, the young man sitting in the center turned around with a smile.
“Welcome. You are as handsome as I heard.”
The young man with a manly appearance in a blue-tinged uniform was the chief of the Grand Inspectorate.
Muk In-pyo, who was sitting across from him, glared at Jin Mu-rip and then left his seat.
Jin Mu-rip walked over and sat down on a chair and spoke to Muk In-pyo.
“Say hello, kid. Did you put a splint on your neck?”
“I don’t think we’re close enough to say hello.”
“They say the sea is the same as the ocean, but it’s really tight.”
As the silently withdrew, the silent sign stood behind the bell, and Yu Dae-ha also stood behind Jin Mu-rip.
Jinmu-rip asked, looking at the empty table.
“Want something to eat?”
Jonghwagi burst into laughter at the question, which sounded like an old friend.
“Hahaha! It’s just as I heard.”
“I won’t use the old trick of ordering a bottle of cheap liquor and receiving a hundred silver coins, so tell me what you want to eat.”
Jonghwa-gi, who had been laughing for a long time, said.
“You’re a funny guy. I appreciate your kindness, but you’ve just finished eating. Can I have some tea?”
“Adan! If you have tea, bring it out!”
“yes!”
Adan’s voice was louder than usual.
I was very nervous, but when Jinmu-rip returned, I felt relieved.
Jinmu Lip said.
“I wanted to meet you anyway, so you came.”
“If you wanted to meet me, why didn’t you come to me?”
“Those guys are looking at me with such a fierce look on their faces that they’re about to stab me. How can I go when I’m scared?”
“Hahaha. Sorry. From now on, I’ll tell you to let me know right away when you come.”
“Then I should be grateful. When I have time, I’ll come over and play, so buy me a drink.”
“I’ll prepare some good alcohol.”
The two talked as if they were old friends.
Jin Mu-rip, who was able to talk to the enemy he was about to fight without hesitation, was also amazing, and Jong-hwa-gi, who was able to easily provide assistance to Jin Mu-rip, was no ordinary person.
As soon as Adan brought out the tea, Jinmu-rip filled his glass and said.
“Your Majesty, please step aside.”
“yes.”
As Yudae went out the back door, Jonghwagi also nodded to Muk Inpyo.
“I will wait outside.”
As they left, the savory scent of tea permeated the silence.
After a strange silence, Jonghwagi took a sip of tea and spoke with a faint smile.
“How do you feel about your sudden rise in status from the son of a hunter to the young prince of Madorim?”
The polite tone of the words strangely felt like it was intended to provoke Jinmu Rip.
Jinmu-rip snickered.
“What’s the big deal about being the little prince of Madorim, who could perish at any moment?”
“There are still many people in Sacheon who remember the glory of Madorim. If you are a prince from such a place, you are in a position that cannot be ignored, at least in this area.”
“This is my impression.”
Jinmu-rip, who had been rubbing his chin, smiled brightly.
“The treatment wasn’t bad.”
The bell rang again.
“What is your goal?”
“The first goal would be to clear the Grand Inspection Gate.”
“Hahaha. That’s not an easy dream.”
Jinmu Rip asked casually.
“Isn’t the Grand Inspection overrated?”
“If we were easy opponents, Madorim would not have lost control of Chungking in the first place.”
“That’s because I still have memories of those glorious times.”
“What does that mean?”
“The best in Sacheon. The fools who remember those days are more afraid of the world’s judgment than anything else. But I am a warrior of Madorim, so is this okay? Won’t I be criticized if I do this? The moment I acknowledge the pitiful reality, it will feel like I am denying the glorious past.”
“hmm.”
Jin Mu-rip, with his clenched hands resting on the table, spoke softly.
“I’m different. I don’t remember the glorious days of Madorim, and I didn’t grow up learning about them. I don’t care about the means and methods. If necessary, I can lick the enemy’s shoes, and if necessary, I can even stab my allies in the back.”
Jonghwa-gi, who had been staring at Jinmu-rip with his eyes wide open, suddenly burst into laughter.
“Hahaha. I really like that. That’s right! That’s right! Isn’t that the best way to survive in Dosan Sword Forest?”
Jonghwagi was happy to meet a man with similar ideas as him for the first time.
“That’s right. We have to survive. The world of martial arts is not one where the strong survive, but where those who survive are strong. I wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts.”
Jinmu-rip said with a smile.
“I’m glad that you share my thoughts. The day is drawing to a close, so how about we ask each other questions before we part ways? I think you have some questions about me, just as I do.”
“That sounds good. Do you want to go first?”
“I made the offer, so don’t give in.”
“Hahaha! Thanks for that. Then what should I ask?”
Jonghwagi, who was thinking while rubbing the bridge of his nose, erased his expression and his eyes glowed coldly.
“Is that you?”
Jinmu Rip immediately grasped the gist of the question.
“Are you talking about me? Or Madorim?”
There was no hesitation in Jonghwagi’s answer.
“I’m talking about you.”
Jinmu Rip did not deny it.
“You have a good sense of humor.”
“It’s such a coincidence. The day the report came in that the branch managers had disappeared, the heads of the northwest road all turned around.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll send you off safely, one by one, starting tomorrow.”
“Thank you. My family is waiting eagerly.”
Jinmu-rip smiled.
“When you say it like that, it makes me sound like I’m a really evil person.”
“Hahaha. I don’t mean to criticize you. Isn’t that the world we live in? I’m just grateful to be safe. Now, you ask.”
Jinmu Rip did not decline.
“How many days do you think it will take me to break down the Great Gate?”
Jonghwa-gi asked as if it was unexpected.
“Is that a question?”
Because I thought I’d ask a slightly more important question.
Jinmu-rip nodded.
“okay.”
“Hmm. To be honest, I don’t think it’ll be possible even after a few years. What do you think?”
Jinmu-rip confidently spread out both his hands.
“Ten days. Ten days is enough to bring down the Grand Inspection Gate.”
Jonghwagi, who had been staring blankly at his fingers, suddenly burst into laughter.
“Hahahaha! As expected, he’s a funny guy. It’s rare for him to laugh so heartily.”
The bell rang and spoke as if doing a favor.
“Since the branch managers are safe, I’ll give them all time to return as a reward. They said they’d send them one by one starting tomorrow, so it’ll be five days.”
Jinmu-rip asked with regret.
“Wouldn’t it take ten days?”
Jonghwagi smiled faintly and avoided answering.
“The day we meet again will probably be the last day we see each other’s faces.”
“Can I say hello for the last time?”
“Of course.”
The two people looked at each other and smiled brightly, and Jonghwagi turned around and left the guest house.
The sign waiting outside quickly approached.
“Are you done talking?”
“Go back.”
“yes.”
A red sunset has descended upon the streets of Seobuk-ro.
Muk In-pyo, who was walking side by side in the silence, asked.
“How was it?”
“It’s exactly as you said. He may look easy, but he’s definitely not an easy opponent. If you get dragged away, you’ll end up with neither food nor shelter.”
“then······.”
The silent sign trailed off as if he was seeking an answer. Jonghwagi nodded and his eyes shone coldly.
“We will move as soon as the outside personnel return.”
The tacit approval asked.
“Are you putting off the branch manager incident?”
A look of regret appeared on Jonghwagi’s face.
“This is not the time to be obsessed with something that has no end in sight. It’s a shame for their families, but shouldn’t we start by putting out the fire right in front of us?”
It wasn’t a bell that would tell the ronin everything about the conversation with Jinmu Rip.
The silent sign bowed its head.
“We will also prepare quickly.”
As Jonghwagi nodded, the silent sign disappeared quickly.
The only one left was Jonghwagi, who thought deeply.
‘If we move before then, some of the branch managers won’t be able to come back. Well, there are plenty of people who can replace the branch managers.’
The Jinmu-rip that Jonghwa-gi saw had many similarities with himself.
A bitter smile spread across his lips.
‘I can’t let a guy like that steal my player. What’s wrong with five days? I’ll finish him in two days.’
Yu Dae-ha entered the guest house and sat down across from Jin Mu-rip.
“How was the rumor?”
“I told them I could finish the investigation in ten days, but they only gave me five days.”
“Other than that.”
“What are you curious about?”
“Isn’t there something like that? They say that experts can see things just by looking at their eyes.”
Jinmu-rip, who was touching his chin, thought of Jonghwa-gi’s face.
“Well, he was quite a sinister guy.”
Judaeha frowned.
“That’s not something a young man should be saying.”
“Hahaha. There’s no one more sinister than me. I’m going to the headquarters, so get ready.”
“What preparations······.”
Jinmu-rip got up from his seat and his eyes lit up coldly.
“What about ten days? The grand inspection ends tonight.”
