Novels online

Chapter 8

Volcanic plum blossoms bloomed in the snow.

The color turned white.

If you stand still, snow will pile up on the bamboo leaves..

The area near the mountain gate was filled with the sound of a brush clearing snow..

“How long have you been away and are you going to become a powerhouse again, Sajil?.”

Jeong Hwi-ryun’s gaze was dripping with regret..

“Please speak low, Jang Moon-in. There are many eyes to see.”

Joo Seocheon sighed deeply..

“Sajil is also very stubborn..

Even though Sajil is not his teacher, isn’t he still Jang Mun-in’s martial arts instructor? A person who teaches something should be respected. Of course, since he is the hero of the political faction and the pride of Hwasan, it should be so..”

“Okay.”

Ju Seo-cheon stayed close to Jeong Hwi-ryeon for about four months and taught him Jaha Geomgyeol as much as he could..

‘A genius was a genius.’

Indeed, as befits a disciple chosen by Geomseon, his talent was outstanding..

As I taught myself how to use a sword, admiration continued to flow..

Even compared to Naksowol, it was not lacking at all..

The realm has already reached its peak, and even the difficult self-destructive technique has already reached enlightenment..

Jaha Geomgyeoldo is also training in the form of Jeisik..

Considering his age, he's fast enough..

If you think about it, Jeong Hwi-ryun was not that old when he received proper recognition and was promoted to the rank of Jangmunin..

‘Even though he has this level of genius, he is not lazy and is sincere, so it is natural for him to achieve high levels of achievement..

This era is truly full of geniuses, talented people, and heroes..’

It was not for nothing that it was evaluated as the strongest of all time..

‘Still, thanks to this, I can leave the fireworks to me with peace of mind..’

Although Jeong Hwi-ryun is young, he has excellent understanding and his temperament is calm and not impatient..

I lacked experience, but there was nothing to worry about because I had Elder Hwasan..

“It's really unfortunate. It doesn't matter to me, it would have been great if Sajil had made it to the top of the list.……”

Except sometimes he sends something beyond this boundless trust and says something outrageous..

Even while teaching him, Jeong Hwi-ryun repeatedly suggested that he take over for Jang Mun-in..

I was shocked and asked what he was talking about. 'It is only natural for the best person in the world, who is better than someone like me, to become a Jangmun person.' And she poured out such praise that it made her lose her senses and made her tongue stick out, her saliva flying out..

“Absolutely not..

After spending the past few months with Jang Moon-in, I was convinced..

The leader of the Hwasan faction should be Jeong Hwi-Ryun, and not anyone else..”

Joo Seocheon shook his head from side to side with a smile on his lips..

“Even though Jeondae passed away, Jang Mun-in showed an unwavering and upright attitude..

During the inauguration ceremony, you reassured the anxious prisoners and worked harder than anyone else..”

Jeong Hwi-ryun was more disappointed than anyone else that Joo Seo-cheon refused the Jangmun position..

However, he studied and worked tirelessly to fill the empty seat where Geom Seon and Woo Il-moon Jin-in were sitting..

‘Instead of looking out for the future, they treated me harshly, making me suffer all kinds of hardships. He could have been dissatisfied, but instead of doing so, he visited the elders in his spare time and learned their work..’

It's not that he doesn't get tired like Joo Seo-cheon, but he grits his teeth and works despite his limitations, which is especially impressive..

In the meantime, he occasionally showed his face and said hello to Hwasan's disciples so that they could feel at ease..

He even went to the kitchen and briefly learned about the work, saying he needed to at least figure out what kind of work the monk had to do..

Moreover, although he was a long-time scholar, considering his status as a third-generation disciple, he did not give up his honorific title to this second-generation disciple until the end..

Despite these efforts, there were still some people who felt anxious because they were young..

But that perception was rapidly improving..

“I am truly touched that I am praised so much by the Lord, not by anyone else. I want to keep holding on, but the Murim Lord has asked for help, so I have no choice..”

“There's nothing I can do because the circumstances are such..”

“Then, I will ask you to continue to take good care of me..

We will work harder to achieve the main goal..

I will never forget what you have taught me so far..”

Jeong Hwi-ryeon greeted with respect..

‘No, Jang Moon-in.

I am working towards the goal of becoming a long-time writer..’

Joo Seocheon swallowed his words and answered the greeting..

In the past, in the era of war, generations of scholars sacrificed their lives to save countless people, including Hwasanpa..

The same goes for Jeong Hwi-ryeon..

Even if the period was a little short, the facts do not change.

Joo Seo-cheon admired and followed behind such heroes..

The feelings and respect remained intact..

“Well then, let’s go..”

“Have a nice trip.”

I guess this life is destined to stay in a volcano for a long time..

It hasn't even been half a year, but I already had to leave..

“No one in the midfield will be as busy as Sang-hyeong..”

Nak So-wol smiled lightly, shaking off the snow that had accumulated on the bamboo rips..

“It's a leap.”

“I don't think so at all.”

There was a call from the Murim Alliance, to be more precise, the Murim Lord Namgung Wimu..

Considering that he was called in even after knowing the circumstances of the volcano faction, it seems that the matter was quite urgent or serious..

I originally wanted to go alone, but the volcano group stopped me..

He is a hero of the political faction, and at the same time, he is in charge of martial arts training for Jang Mun-in. He couldn't let it go without an escort..

No matter how strong you are, it would be a big deal if you were targeted by a large-scale assassination group, so you were assigned a guard and guide..

There are as many as three Maehwa Swordsmen, the elite of the Hwasan faction..

There are only four in total, but this is better..

Even if there are a lot of people, it is difficult to move around..

It was better to move invisibly with a small number of people..

In particular, except for Nak So-wol, the two of them were excellent in Gyeongshinbeop among the Maehwa Swordsmen..

“Hmm, the days are getting colder..”

A middle-aged man with a somewhat stern appearance, uncharacteristic of a guru, muttered, looking somewhat dull..

This is Monggak, the third great disciple and plum sword swordsman..

“In order to prevent the intrusion of cold energy, there is inevitably a consumption of internal energy..

There may be people who think they are getting tired from continuous consumption and are preparing for an attack..”

Damhyang, a middle-aged woman with exceptionally severe eyes, brought up the possibility of an enemy in Monggak's words..

She is also a third-generation disciple and a plum sword swordsman..

When I was young, I had a rivalry with Mong-gak and competed for dominance..

“……!”

As soon as I finished speaking, I felt a presence..

As expected of a plum blossom swordsman, he is quick to notice..

The change in prayer was also instantaneous..

The hands were on the waist so that the sword could be drawn out at any time..

“……one?”

Luo Sowol muttered as if he was puzzled..

“it's okay. This is an ally I called in advance..”

Ju Seo-cheon calmed down Mong-gak, Dam-hyang, and Nak So-wol..

“A long time.”

Joo Seocheon looked up at the snow piled up on the tree branches..

Someone slithered out from above..

“……ah!”

Nak So-wol looked at someone and showed a knowing look..

But I just swallowed that name inside..

‘Order of desertion, fear!’

Ghosts of Hebuk Valley, the first ghost valley visited by Ju Seocheon.

However, he was the leader of the deserted spirits who could not overcome the process of assassination and eventually ran away due to exhaustion..

It was a memory that Nak So-wol could never forget, so he still remembered it well..

I wanted to ask what happened, but Mong-gak and Dam-hyang, who didn't know the truth, were next to me and noticed..

“……”

Ga Mu-ryang took a quick look at the plum blossom swordsmen and then silently glared at Ju Seo-cheon with disapproving eyes..

“Are you really an ally??”

Mong-gak sensed that Ga Mu-ryang's gaze was not very positive and asked Joo Seo-cheon..

“The situation is a bit complicated, but we are allies..

If it's okay, would it be okay if I leave your seat??”

“Joo Seocheon.”

Damhyang frowned..

“I know. If it's dangerous, I'll call you right away. That's because there's information you need to hear..

I would like to hear it with you, but please understand that I cannot because it involves the confidentiality of the Murim Alliance..”

“……grunt.”

Mong-gak and Dam-hyang made groaning noises..

From the guard's point of view, he couldn't leave the two of them alone with such a suspicious person, but since he said that, there was nothing he could do..

Above all, Jeong Hwi-ryun and Wi Ji-gyeol escorted Joo Seo-cheon, but they told him to follow his words as much as possible, so he could not say anything..

“That's just one part. If you don't come in there, I'll go find you..

Don't go too far.”

“All right.”

Ju Seo-cheon left his party behind and moved to his place with Ga Mu-ryang..

“Is this the first time since then that you've seen each other face to face?.”

“……joy.”

He snorted as if he didn't like it..

Forty-five deserters.

Our first meeting was about two years ago, when I was nineteen..

At the time, the deserters who were causing trouble in Hebeuk Valley were subdued by using ghost magic, but it was not complete..

So I didn't want to make a mess by scratching, so I decided to give freedom in exchange and remain in a kind of cooperative relationship..

In exchange for freedom, the 45-year-old defector promised secrecy and not to belong to the martial arts faction..

Also, occasionally, when the owner of the Ghost Valley contacted me saying he needed help, I performed the mission under the premise of receiving fair compensation..

Although my hatred for Ghost Song, which took away my entire life, has not yet disappeared, I still silently followed because I was able to obtain the freedom I had dreamed of under good conditions..

Occasionally, I was in charge of collecting information, and in this area, the quality was much better than that of regular ghosts..

Ghosts whose minds have died after completing the mind-killing process are not active and only collect what is determined..

On the other hand, the deserter remained conscious of thought and was able to obtain quality information through appropriate judgment, suspicion, and speculation..

I've been holed up in the volcano for the past few months and gathered information, and everything the deserter brought back was of good quality..

“I found out about Okmungwan..”

Joo Seocheon narrowed his eyes..

“tell me everything.”

Okmungwan, one of the borders between Jungwon and Saewo.

The blood religion's army passed through the Jade Gate in an instant..

Unless the government military was out of control, there was no way they could have just sent away 5,000 warriors without complicated procedures..

The Murim Alliance thought it was strange and mobilized the government to investigate, but there was no significant result..

Since Okmungwan was under the jurisdiction of a military government agency, it was difficult to find out..

“The provincial commander is involved..”

There were sixteen provincial commanders in the Ming Dynasty..

The Provincial Commanding Sasa is a military government agency that oversees the province and is subordinate to the Provincial Commander-in-Chief..

The person who belongs to this provincial commander, controls the military government of the castle, and leads the Wiso (衛所) is provincial commander Jeong I-poom..

“…… is it.”

“I'm not really surprised..”

If you are a Jeong Ipum, you are a high-ranking official..

Gansu Castle is near the border, so it is on the outskirts, but its power is still very great..

It's normal to be surprised if such a person is involved..

“Because I roughly expected it.”

Okmungwan is a connecting passage with the western region..

It is a gateway that protects the border..

Opening that door requires the power of a powerful person..

‘Yogwang's hand has touched me.’

The main organization of Amcheonhoe, Chilseongsa, Yao Gwangseong is in charge of the military within the association..

The majority of the Seven Star Soldiers are Yogwangseong..

And its leader, Yao Guang, may be in the military government agency or in the imperial palace..

The Jeong sect had Cheonchu, and the Sa sect had Cheonquan..

Cheon-seon is in Heukdo and Yo-gwang is in the military government agency..

Cheongi, prison sentence, and enlightenment are unclear..

‘I finally caught that tail.’

Amcheonhoe is hidden not only in the martial arts world but also in the government department..

It's not for nothing that the Jungwon martial arts group came to the brink of destruction..

He acquired not only military power but also money and power..

However, like the Cheonchu, its identity was kept secret due to certain circumstances by being wrapped in a veil..

‘It would be troublesome if it became known that a person sitting in an important position in the country had done something unnecessary related to martial arts..

If it is revealed that they are even slightly involved, no one in power will be safe..’

Being a martial artist means strength and soldiers..

The reason why the Ming Dynasty does not get involved in the martial arts is because they are too busy fighting the barbarians and Mongols in the north, but they also fear that they will be criticized as to whether they are gathering the martial people to start an uprising..

No matter how powerful a person is, gathering a certain number of private soldiers is strictly prohibited..

Because I think it will turn into weightlifting..

As a result, it has been customary since ancient times not to get involved in martial arts, and they were able to avoid touching each other's territory..

However, that unwritten rule was broken in the era of war..

‘Still, with this, I found out at least something related to the provincial commander of Gansu Province..’

Cheonchu is also Cheonchu, but there are not many records about Yogwang..

“So, how are you connected to the provincial commander??”

“It is military training for the opening and closing of the Okmungwan..”

In war, opening and closing doors is more important than you think..

Open the door, send out the soldiers, and if you don't close it quickly, the enemy will be allowed in..

Or, when a retreating soldier returns, if you don't open the door quickly to accommodate them, you'll be afraid of enemy invasion, so you'll miss the opportunity and have no choice but to open the door and leave them to die outside the door..

“It was held between 3 and 5 a.m..”

After the sun sets and in the middle of the night, security is tight..

However, when people are just waking up, especially just before the sun rises, they feel safe and their guard is relaxed considerably..

In other words, when surveillance is the weakest and the spirit is weak. And it's not yet bright, so it's hard to see movement..

“In time?”

Even at first glance, it was suspicious..

If the training was to prepare for a night battle, it should have been conducted at midnight, and if it had been thought of in the morning, it should have been delayed a little later..

“This is a training exercise carried out independently by the provincial commander. The timing is strange to think it was an unexpected training in preparation for a surprise attack..”

On that day, the forces of the Blood Cult crossed over Okmun Pass..

“Is there anything else??”

“It took four months of time, effort, and money just to find out this fact. Do you think there is?”

Most military training is classified..

Even if it is managed by another organization, access is restricted..

On the contrary, it was amazing to learn about the unnoticed training that took place in person and who led it..

“Good work. Receive the money at the top of the gold coin as usual..”

“Additional missions?”

“If there is anything that seems suspicious among the actions of the provincial commander, I would like to find out without overdoing it..”

Excessive curiosity sometimes leads to disaster.

This is especially true if the curiosity is connected to the Amcheonhoe and the military..

If your tail is long, you will get stepped on..

“I would also like to ask Hao Wen-ju and Sang-sang Ju to convey this fact. Since the content is the content, it would be a big deal if someone saw the letter after sending it..”

It is related to the provincial commander. You can't do it carelessly..

The presence of Gamuriang has disappeared..

‘There's a lot more to find out.’

As the day was slowly passing by, I went back to where my group was so as not to worry them..

Mong- gak, Dam-hyang, and Nak So-wol asked what was going on, but they answered that it was confidential information conveyed by the Murim Alliance and died..

I told Nak Sowol, who knows about Gamuryang, that I would tell him separately later..

It was six days later that we arrived at Murimmaeng from this day..

* * *

It didn't take that long to get from Shaanxi Huashan to Anhui Hefei..

Instead, it had quite a tail..

Joo Seocheon is famous.

Now there is no one in Moorim who does not know that name..

Even children know.

There was no need to say anything to ordinary people..

As a result, the tails of various forces were attached..

It was mainly an assassin's room where Sadocheon or other requests were received..

Among them, there was likely to be a female group, but there were so many people that it was impossible to narrow down who it was..

Anyway, I didn't want to end up with these tails, so I looked for places with few people or passed through rough roads..

Or, he ran at full speed, spreading his light to the extreme so that no one could catch up..

Somehow I was able to shake it off.

When I arrived at Hefei, the suspicious eyes increased again, but I didn't care..

Anyway, if you are in the Murim Alliance, it will be known..

Because I had decided on my arrival time in advance by letter, the guide came out in advance and I was able to enter without attracting attention..

“long time no see.”

It was Zhuge Sang, the earth dragon of the Five Dragons and Three Peaks..

‘You still look handsome.’

Not long ago, I looked at my face reflected in the water and thought, 'But wouldn't this be okay?' I regret mumbling that.

I felt like lying down on the floor right now and kicking the air..

“Lord Maeng is waiting in the office..

Those who inspect the plum blossoms will be guided to separate rooms..”

“I understand.”

The Murim lord called me separately, so no matter how much I was escorted, I couldn't follow him..

I gave up completely and was guided by the maid..

Zhu Xiangman followed Zhuge Sang and headed to the Emperor's office..

“Can’t wait to come.”

When I opened the door, I could see Nangong Weimu struggling with a mountain of documents..

The door was closed, but Zhuge Sang did not go out, but stood next to Nangong Weimu as if he were assisting him..

“You must be tired from coming all the way from the volcano, and I feel sorry for this old man calling me without a break..”

“it's okay.”

Since I called despite knowing the internal circumstances of the volcano faction, I roughly expected this to happen..

“I regret what happened to Geomseon..”

Nangong Weiwu did not speak for a long time but spoke briefly..

But I could feel the sincerity in that expression and voice..

“Didn't you tell me in a letter before?.”

“Isn’t that enough sincerity?.

I wanted to go pay my respects, but……”

“Aren't you busy cleaning up after the Battle of Jeonghyeoljeon? I fully understand.”

“Thank you.”

Even in Nanju, it was Nangong Weimu who did not look very good, as if he was bothered by the fact that he had always asked for vigilance..

Or, I thought it might be because of some circumstances..

“I'm going to tell you bluntly... … hmm?”

Nangong Weimu stopped talking and tilted his head..

What was visible beneath the wrinkled eyelids were strange eyes..

“Lord?”

“……?”

Zhuge Sang called, but Nangong Weiwu did not respond..

I just stared at Joo Seocheon..

“I think something has changed……?”

Go Soo recognizes Ha Ha..

No matter how much Ju Seo-cheon hid the realm, there was a significant gap between the realm of the realm and the realm of the world, so it was inevitable that it would be discovered..

But now it was different.

I attained the realization of mental image and reached the rank of Dongsu..

“her! no way!”

Nangong Weiwu’s eyes were colored with astonishment..

Even when I saw it last year, I could clearly see that state..

But now it seemed hazy, like there was fog..

Nangong Weimu realized what that meant and opened his mouth wide..

“I was able to establish myself.”

“……”

Nangong Weiwu stopped breathing..

I even felt an unspoken emotion that went beyond surprise..

It was like I couldn't believe it..

“Now, do you know what that means?.”

“of course. I can't hide it from the Lord, anyway, and I have no intention of hiding it..”

“haha……”

Nangong Weiwu leaned back in his chair and laughed helplessly..

Only Zhuge Sang had an expression on his face that he didn't understand..

“Hehehe, that's right……”

Nangong Weiwu was just speechless..

The stage of image realization, what is the state of reality?.

Talent alone is not possible.

Even if heavenly luck reaches you, it is difficult.

Even if you are a genius, one of whom exists every hundred years, you will not achieve anything if you do not meet certain conditions..

Even if Hyeongyeong and Sangcheonjwa gave clues, no one knows if it will be helpful..

A realm beyond human limits.

It is a state that can be likened to the difference between life and death..

There are a strangely large number of people in the current Moorim, no less than eight..

It was such a difficult, unattainable realm..

Sword Saint and Nangong Weimu were as incomprehensible as blood demons..

To achieve the realization of the image, which is the first, last, and source of the world, one's whole life must be immersed in it..

But since he achieved it at the age of 21, it's natural that he doesn't understand..

Nangong Weiwu forgot the reason for summoning Zhou Seo-cheon and, as a military officer, could not hide his pure doubts..

“I'm really at a loss for words..”

Nangong Weimu was at a loss for words, looked up at the ceiling of his office and said, 'Huh.' And she just made a series of exclamations..

“My head denies it, but my eyes and heart say otherwise, so I can't express it..”

“It's up to you to decide..

I won't go into detail and explain it to you..”

“If it's okay, can I also know??”

Zhuge Sang asked with a bitter smile, as if he was frustrated..

“hmm… … I feel sorry for the Vice Commander..”

Nangong Weiwu came to his senses late and awkwardly smoothed his beard..

“I have a mountain of things to ask, but I had some business to do, so I'll put it off until later..”

“What did you call me for??”

“Demon Cult's Jundong.”

Demonic religion).

It is the forerunner of magic and is a spiritual religion and armed force organization that promotes 'power' as a doctrine as if it were the truth..

In its heyday, its power was so great that it was called the Hundred Thousand Churches, but now its power has decreased significantly..

“When will I move?.”

The Demonic Cult's movement was planned..

Furthermore, the invasion was never based on knowledge of the future..

Anyone who looks at the current situation of Moorim can expect this..

The Murim faction was divided into Jeongsa and Mado..

Among them, the Sa faction was cut in half due to a rebel rebellion, and the political faction and blood religion were damaged by the war..

Since the originally equally balanced system was shattered, it was natural for the Demonic Cult to show its ambition..

“There are no rumors about the Demonic Cult yet, so it is unlikely that Jungwon will be in front..”

Outside the central region, Sae-o and Xinjiang have their chiefs in the south, with Cheonghae and Gansuk in the southeast..

“Or did a force of about 5,000 suddenly appear like a blood religion and pass through the Jade Gate in an instant??”

“Something like that happened a while ago, was it possible?.”

“As Master Maeng said, guard soldiers have been deployed at the border of Cheonghae in addition to Okmungwan..”

Zhuge Sang gave a supplementary explanation..

And while the Kunlun faction was unable to participate in the Battle of Pure Blood, they were very concerned about the movements of the Demonic Cult..

Since the war had just ended, there was a lot to worry about, so we paid close attention..

“According to the spy planted in the Demonic Cult, preparations for war are in full swing within the church, including securing weapons and military supplies. Other than that, I found out by comparing through various channels, so you can trust me..”

This is what the heavenly soldier knew, and it was correct in the circumstances..

‘However, the question is whether Amcheonhoe intervened or not..’

The Demonic Cult is as fanatical as the Blood Cult..

‘Even if I tried, I couldn't understand their mental world that said 'power' was everything and worshiped force..

The problem was that because of that, his behavior was completely unpredictable..

It was unclear whether they came forward voluntarily and invaded the central plains, or whether the Amcheonhoe, like a blood cult, turned their backs..

“The Demon Cult's next target will probably be a political faction. The Safa alliance and the Sado River are geographically natural..”

It has no choice but to do so because not only Sado Heaven but also the Sa Sect forces are located in the southern part of the country..

“The problem is that the political faction cannot afford to go to war with the Demonic Cult one after another..”

I could feel the fatigue in Nangong Weimu’s voice..

The political faction suffered a measles due to blood relations not long ago..

“To be specific, we are short on money and people..”

Zhuge Sang stepped forward and explained the problem of the current situation..

“The financial cost of cleaning up the Great War was quite large..

Thanks to the State Council, we were able to minimize the number of deaths and injuries, but it still cost a lot of money..”

war costs money.

It also consumes more than you can imagine..

Win or lose doesn't matter.

If you lose, you lose everything, but if you win, you lose a lot..

Starting from the cost of medical treatment, medical treatment, doctor's fees, and even funerals and compensation for public achievements, the total amount was so incalculable that it was almost embarrassing to look at the total amount..

The reason there is no war for a while after the end of the war, or because there is a truce due to circumstances, is because there is no money..

“The number of deaths reached nearly 3,000, and there were over 900 people who could no longer live uninhabited. In the case of the major clans, it is okay to talk about the situation, but for those belonging to the Murim Alliance or small and medium-sized clans, clear compensation must be provided..”

The Daemun Sect, the Gu Pilbang Group, and the Five Generations, which make up the Murim Alliance, can take responsibility for themselves even if a disciple or family member dies..

Since most of the Murim Alliance's budget came from them anyway, there was no particular problem if it was paid later, excluding the cost of the dead or seriously injured..

However, the situation is different for individuals belonging to small and medium-sized sects or the Murim Alliance..

We do not have the capacity to solve it on our own.

Of course, the Murim Alliance should take care of this on their behalf..

That's what the Murimmaeng does..

They sacrificed their lives to fight, but who would fight if they were not properly compensated?.

Not only is it unreliable, but it is also unwilling to follow any faction..

There are few cases where a fight is purely based on humaneness and righteousness..

In fact, in the past, there was a time when the Murim Alliance was weak, but due to lack of finances, compensation was not paid properly, and there were cases where soldiers deserted and did not respond to summons..

“So, I would like to get some help from the State Council..”

“If it's any help... … Need a donation……?”

“ha ha ha. Could it be possible?!”

Nangong Weimu slapped his knee and laughed..

“It's not even a penny or two. Where would a Taoist have that kind of money?.”

Zhuge Sang also smiled slightly..

“Aren't you a hero?.

It may be a bit off-putting, but I would like you to help me promote my donation activities for the political faction using that name..”

Even if you add up all of the Five Dragons and Three Peaks, it is less than the name value of Geomryong..

Joo Seocheon’s current position is beyond imagination..

If you use that influence, you can raise enough money to stop the invasion of the Demonic Cult..

‘phew!’

Joo Seocheon sighed in relief..

‘I thought I was caught stealing and monopolizing Vigo again.!’

When I asked for help, he said, 'Actually, I knew you were complaining. 'Give it all.' I thought you would say.

Since the wisdom of the Heavenly Master was so unusual, it was not strange to have such an illusion..

“it's okay. Please feel free to use it..”

“her!”

Nangong Weimu and Zhuge Sang were surprised by Ju Seo-cheon's refreshing answer..

“I've been preparing for the past few days to try to convince you somehow, but I feel like I'm stupid for worrying about it..”

It may have been a year or two since the end of the Great War, but not even half a year had passed and finances were not good..

So I was even prepared to be a little unreasonable..

If you don't have money, you can't bring people in, and then the war between political and political power will be at a disadvantage..

We even called the military and deputy military officers and discussed until late at night how to persuade them if they refused..

That was because military personnel, and political officials, were extremely sensitive to honor..

It's a reputation earned through martial arts, but isn't it ultimately meant to be used to make money?.

It's not strange to get angry.

The warriors of this era may have considered it important, but it was not Ju Seo-cheon who lived through the cruel times of war..

The idea was to take advantage of utility rather than fame..

“I will tell you well in the envoy..

By the way, is there anything else that's particularly problematic??”

“Then I would have had an hour.……”

There were deep wrinkles between Nangong Weiwu’s eyebrows..

“Just cleaning up the Battle of Blood and Demonic Cult is giving me a headache, but something else is happening again..”

Is there a problem?

“The traitor within. About those people I mentioned before who might be part of the dark world..”

Zhuge Sang also frowned..

Joo Seocheon’s expression also hardened..

“Not long ago, several blood believers imprisoned in an underground prison were poisoned..”

After winning the Battle of Blood and Blood, about 100 blood cultists who were fleeing from Nanju were captured and brought to headquarters..

Of course, it was not to treat them as prisoners, but to dig up information about the blood cult and the spies they had planted there..

“The problem is that the location of the underground prison is unknown to anyone involved. According to security at the time, there was no suspicious person, so it must have been an inside job..”

“Have you ever doubted suicide??”

“Of course. Before being imprisoned, every part of my body was searched to see if I had hidden poison..”

‘……sacral vertebrae.’

It was obvious even without looking who the culprit was..

A secret force that is hidden deep inside a political faction and seeks to monitor and control its every move..

Amcheonhoe executive, Chilseongsa Cheonchu.

“Since you haven't said anything, it seems like there aren't many people who are suspicious..”

“shamefully.”

There are many people in the world who do not admit that they make mistakes or do things beyond their capabilities due to their pride..

This was especially common among political figures who valued honor, and it went without saying if their status was high..

They tend to make excuses to somehow avoid responsibility, but it was nice to see them willingly admit it..

It is not for nothing that people are called heroes and respected in the future..

It is possible because he has that much personality..

“it's okay. If he had penetrated deep into the political faction, he would not be an ordinary person. On the contrary, if I had been able to make a simple conclusion, I would have wondered if it was true..”

Amcheonhoe is not easy..

This is especially true if Cheonchu's identity was revealed near the end of the era of war..

“It's not wrong..”

Nangong Weiwu nodded..

“Even if it wasn't, I was just about to bring it up because I was having trouble with it right now, but you said it well..”

“Is something in trouble??”

“If the cause of death is poisoning, the first person to be suspected is among those involved within the organization or from the leadership..

Have you ever heard the name Heukyeongbu??”

”Young lady in black? Was this really where the black spirit was??”

Joo Seocheon was surprised and asked back..

If there is light, there must be a shadow..

There is a bad rumor that the Murim League is not all clean..

It is said that he is willing to do dirty work behind the scenes sometimes due to necessity. It was rumored that he mainly starts with torture to obtain information, and finds and kidnaps blood relatives to get spies to open their mouths and uses them as a tool of intimidation..

‘I shudder at the hypocrisy’ when I see political factions. It is a confidential organization that is mentioned when saying, but its true nature is shrouded in secrecy..

The rumor grew so much that the Murim Alliance once completely denied it, saying it was incited by hostile forces..

“As you live in this world, there are times when you face situations that cannot be helped..”

Nangong Weiwu smiled bitterly..

For example, what should one do if one of the prisoners knows information about a trap that could cause fatal damage??

If negotiation fails, torture must be used, and if torture is not possible, threats must be used..

If I didn't have time, I had to abandon my ethics..

However, the Murim Alliance, which values ​​and represents the right path, could not take such a drastic action..

I avoid it because I don't want dirty blood on my hands..

If the truth becomes known, criticism cannot be avoided..

This is especially impossible since each individual's actions can cause damage to the monks..

However, it was impossible not to do it, and the organization formed for this purpose was the Black Young Department..

In fact, the Poison Institute, which conducts research on poisons to determine the cause of death or detoxify them, is also under Heukyeongbu..

It was natural that the upper class involved in the confinement, torture, and poisoning of prisoners would be suspected first of all..

“Who is most suspected right now??”

“Poison Dragon (靑龍) party name.”

“venomous dragon?”

Joo Seocheon opened his eyes wide as if he was genuinely surprised..

Dokbong was Danghye's brother and the head of the Tang family..

“Was Poison Dragon a member of the Black Spirit Department??”

Oryongsambong means the later index of the political faction..

In a way, I couldn't help but be surprised that a person who could be the representative of a political faction was part of the dark side of the Murim Alliance..

‘I never thought it really existed……’

There were a lot of rumors about the dark spirit even in my past life..

Personally, I was curious and did some research..

During my time as Elder Hwasan, I was given permission to view the confidential information of the Murim Alliance..

I searched about Heukyeongbu on my own, but couldn't find anything, so I just passed it off as a rumor..

But now I see that wasn't the case.

It was a level of secrecy that even the Five Elders of Hwasan could not reach..

‘Well, if you think about it, it's the shame of the Murim Alliance, so you can't teach it carelessly unless you're a related person..’

If the dirty side of the Murim Alliance, or rather the political faction, is made public, it will not end with ordinary criticism..

“As you said, Seo-cheon, I don't think the culprit is doing anything that will immediately raise suspicion..

On the other hand, I thought that Youngbu Black might have deliberately chosen to poison her so that she would be suspected..”

Zhuge Sang nodded his head as if he agreed..

“However, since the perception of black spirit or poison is perception... … Your gaze is not so pretty..”

Germans have a poor reputation among political factions..

I only reluctantly acknowledged it because it was necessary..

Heukyeongbu, there is no need to say anything..

Even people who know about their existence are reluctant to talk about it..

Since the missions they performed were all far from political factions and closer to sad factions, such treatment was inevitable..

Acknowledging Heukyeongbu's methods was like acknowledging a faction with which he had been an enemy for his entire life..

‘I'm out of my mind because I don't have enough finances and my internal enemies are running rampant..

The old man, who always seemed relaxed, looked a little tired, but that was understandable..’

There is a lot of work to do just to clean up after the Great War..

But it was a big problem when other problems arose..

No matter how much the current situation surpassed human limitations, there seemed to be some parts that could not be resolved..

“I can't help it.

I will also visit the black spirit's poisonous dragon..

If the hero of the political faction, rather than anyone else, personally visits you and shows you are friendly, the perception will be a little better..”

“Are you really okay??”

“It is much better that way for the future..

Anyway, don't you have to stay in the Murim Alliance for a while just for the sake of donations? I also have a close relationship with Dokbong, Dokryong's younger sister, so it won't be difficult to talk about it..”

“Even so, Dokbong was also called..

They say it will arrive tomorrow, so you can come visit then..”

Indeed, Cheongunsa. Preparation is thorough.

“So is this really the end? If there's anything else I need to ask you to do, just kill me..”

Joo Seocheon asked, organizing his work in his head..

“Hehehe, you idiot. I'm not that conscienceless..”

Nangong Weimu also cleared his throat as if he was embarrassed..

I left the leader's office and walked down the hallway..

“By the way, Deputy Commander.”

“What's going on, Joo Daehyeop??”

“that… … I forgot because I'm always so busy, but you can leave it at peace like before..”

Joo Seocheon scratched his head awkwardly..

Jang Hong and Jang Seo-eun, who became brothers and sisters to Jegal Sang during Kang Ho's first visit, told Ju Seo-cheon, who accompanied them, to be comfortable with him..

Zhuge Sang refused, saying it was not polite, but Zhou Seo-cheon at the time welcomed him with open arms..

I thought it would be good to build a relationship with someone who would later become a Cheongunsa, so I asked him to talk to me in peace..

“That can't be possible..”

Zhuge Sang responded immediately..

“Weren't you very young back then?.

Above all, there isn't that much of a difference, but to decide who is older or younger based solely on age... … Thinking about it now, I'm so embarrassed.”

“It's okay if you don't care……”

“haha. Then consider it a courtesy to the hero..”

When Zhuge Sang showed up like this, I couldn't force it anymore..

With a feeling of regret, I decided to just pass it on..

“By the way, how is that kid doing??”

“I'm doing well.”

“Ever since I was young, I felt uncomfortable because I couldn't take care of my older brother properly... … I'm really glad.”

Even though we have different ships, we are still brothers..

As the older brother, I wanted to support and help my younger brother in his work, but I couldn't because of the family's disapproval..

Bronchology.

I was ignored by the midfielder and was noticed by those around me just because I liked abandoned technology..

However, I was worried and proud of the way he studied without paying any heed to it..

“I am truly fortunate to have met the State Council and to have my value recognized..

Joo Dae-hyeop is more of an older brother than me.……”

“no.”

Zhou Seo-cheon cut off Zhuge Sang's words in a firm tone..

“He certainly has a sworn brotherly relationship with Seung Ji, but that connection is not as deep as the blood relationship with the Zhuge family. Of course it's not shallow either..”

“main bridge……?”

“Even though I was unable to help out loud due to the jealousy of the Zhuge family, I know that my older brother and sister, Confucius and Xiao Zhe, took care of the succession behind the scenes..”

Zhuge Sang and Zhuge Suran may not have understood bronchial techniques, but they loved their younger brother..

When the family's persecution became severe, there were times when he secretly visited me and consoled me or restrained me..

It's the same in my past life.

I was so busy with the war that I couldn't take care of my younger brother anymore, but I still tried to help him in any way I could..

In the end, I resented and resented myself for not understanding Zhuge Dynasty's bronchial technique..

“Seung-Gye, even if no one else knows, his eyes shine with pride when he talks about his older brother and sister..”

“It's succession……”

Zhuge Shang stopped walking..

Those eyes were full of regret and gratitude for my younger brother..

‘The Zhuge Dynasty, or rather, the geniuses that will go down in history, are brothers and sisters born at the same time, and they have a deep friendship... … haha.’

For the political faction, it is literally red clothes..

By the way, these are not empty words..

In fact, when Zhuge Heir heard stories about his brothers and sisters, he would be happy and act proud as if it were his own business..

Actually, when those two are in front of me, I feel awkward or tense up because of tension..

‘Cheongunsa Temple, Mosami Peak, Mangak Icheon.

I won't let anyone die..’

* * *