Chapter 74
Martial Alliance Headquarters━.
“Alliance Leader.”
“Welcome, Chief Jang.”
The past year.
The Martial Alliance Headquarters was bustling amidst a turbulent situation.
The battles with the Demonic Cult, occurring everywhere, had turned into a prolonged war, and the entire martial world was shaken by the fear and anticipation of a ‘new era’ where the situation in Jianghu could change drastically……
As the leader of the Martial Alliance, ‘Namgung Hak’, which undeniably leads half of Jianghu, his worries grew day by day.
“Your return is later than expected, Chief Jang.”
“Indeed, Alliance Leader. We’ve been focused on the ongoing battles with the Demonic Cult on the front lines. Meanwhile, many things have happened in the Central Plains, which the Alliance has neglected for the past six months. My return has been somewhat delayed due to this.”
“I understand. Certainly…… the Alliance has been solely focused on confronting the Demonic Cult, neglecting our internal affairs.”
“Therefore, today, I wish to discuss the future of Jianghu.”
“The future of Jianghu…… I have some thoughts on that as well. I’ve heard that while the Alliance has been confronting the Demonic Cult, the Cult of the Evil Path has become active. Is it related to that?”
“Hmm…… It is certainly related to the Cult of the Evil Path, but to be precise, it’s not about the Cult itself, but rather about a very small sect in Shaanxi.”
“A very small sect in Shaanxi?”
“That’s correct.”
Chief Jang Jagwang of the Martial Alliance Intelligence Division continued in a heavy voice.
“Actually…… it’s a matter that hasn’t been reported because the Alliance Leader has been busy, but…… I think it’s time you knew.”
“Huh…… Chief Jang. What is it that you’re hesitating so much to say?”
“Alliance Leader. In the past year, a sect called ‘Dawn Heaven Sect’ has been established in Chang’an, Shaanxi.”
“Dawn Heaven Sect? It’s an unfamiliar name.”
“That’s understandable. It’s a small sect with no more than 20 disciples.”
“But why are you bringing it up?”
“The Sect Leader of Dawn Heaven Sect is a man named Jin So-cheon, and his actions are quite unique. First, Jin So-cheon defeated several bandit groups that had sprung up while Shaanxi’s defenses were weakened, one by one. He then disbanded an organization called the Green Gang and established his sect. Afterward, he single-handedly brought down the Black Society, established by Baek Gui-ho, a former member of the Cult of the Evil Path. He then consecutively forced the closure of the Noh Family Assassin’s Guild. And recently, it’s said that he won a duel against Yuk Gwang, known as one of the thirty Guardian Messengers of the Cult of the Evil Path.”
Alliance Leader Namgung Hak’s eyes widened at Chief Jang’s words.
“Goodness…… Who on earth is this Jin So-cheon? Could he be someone expelled from the Nine Great Sects, or perhaps a hidden master we’re unaware of?”
“He’s not from the Nine Great Sects. I’m not sure if he’s a hidden master, but I heard he’s not even thirty years old yet, so he’s too young to be a recluse master. However……”
“……”
“His martial arts are growing day by day. Remarkably so.”
“So, a rising star has appeared in Jianghu…… Huh.”
A smile appeared on Alliance Leader Namgung Hak’s face.
Actually……
Only recently has the Demonic Cult openly declared its ambition to conquer the Central Plains, proclaiming the reign of the Demonic Path.
Looking back over the past decade or so, Jianghu has enjoyed a period of peace and prosperity.
This was especially true for the Righteous Martial World, composed of righteous sects. Only disciples from large sects, represented by the Nine Great Sects and the Eight Great Families, became members of the ‘Nine Phoenixes of the Righteous Path’, who were considered the top young martial artists. The existing prestigious righteous sects had monopolized all the power and interests in Jianghu.
However……
In any era, heroes emerge in times of turmoil, and these heroes tend to lead the transformation of a ‘new era’.
It was still too early to say for sure, but Namgung Hak couldn’t help but feel strong curiosity and anticipation towards Jin So-cheon’s actions.
“Alliance Leader, that’s not all.”
“What else is there?”
“It’s said that Jin So-cheon cooperated with Senior Ju Yeong-cheon of the Wudang Sect in the process of forcing the Noh Family Assassin’s Guild to close. And when he had a duel with Yuk Gwang of the Cult of the Evil Path, the Cult Leader himself arrived in Chang’an to observe the duel.”
“Huh! Is that so? Then, from the righteous side?”
“It’s said that Cheongmun Sword Master of the Mount Hua Sect and Master Won-il of the Mount Zhongnan Sect were present. This information was obtained from a Mount Hua Sect member active in the Shaanxi branch, so it’s undoubtedly true.”
“This Jin So-cheon has quite the network. So, has he joined the Alliance yet?”
“No. He refused the invitation from Cheongmun Sword Master and Master Won-il. Perhaps he intends to build his own power rather than being affiliated with a specific faction.”
“That’s a shame. In these times, it would be a blessing for the Righteous Path if someone like him became a member of the Alliance……”
“However, Jin So-cheon is said to have a personality that firmly adheres to the Righteous Path, so broadly speaking, wouldn’t he be classified as a member of the Righteous Path?”
“It would be good if that were the case.”
“That’s why I’m suggesting this, Alliance Leader.”
“Tell me.”
“How about holding a Heroes Tournament, since we have this opportunity?”
Alliance Leader Namgung Hak looked at Chief Jang with surprise once again at his question.
“Heroes Tournament? Would it be appropriate to hold such an event in these times?”
“Alliance Leader. There are many talented individuals stationed in places beyond the Alliance’s reach. Wouldn’t it be helpful to identify and nurture talent through a Heroes Tournament, especially now that the conflict with the Demonic Cult is turning into a prolonged war?”
“Hmm…… That makes sense, but…… To be honest, the current talent in the Righteous Martial World is predictable…… It’s highly likely that it would end up as a mere spectacle for the prestigious sects.”
“That’s something we can’t know for sure. Also…… is it necessary to limit the Heroes Tournament only to the Righteous Path?”
“Then……?”
“This Heroes Tournament…… should be one where both the Righteous Path and the Black Path participate. In short, it should be a unity event where all Jianghu members, excluding the Demonic Cult, can participate.”
It’s a somewhat shocking suggestion.
However, if it could be achieved……
It would undoubtedly be an opportunity to boost the currently stagnant atmosphere in Jianghu……
Alliance Leader Namgung Hak nodded as well.
“It would be difficult, but it would certainly be an opportunity if it could be achieved. As it is, the current promising young martial artists in Jianghu need a stimulus. It would be an occasion to sound a wake-up call for the future generation of martial artists. However…… I doubt the Black Path would cooperate.”
“Why don’t you arrange a meeting with the Cult Leader of the Evil Path?”
“The Cult Leader of the Evil Path……”
“If it’s difficult for the Alliance Leader to step forward directly…… just give me the authority. I’ll take charge and push it forward.”
“Alright, Chief Jang. You take charge of this matter.”
◈ ◈ ◈
Initially, I promised Oh Won-jung of the Taewha Guild that I would transport the Yin-Yang Mago within a month……
But I had no intention of spending the entire month on transportation.
So, I set a goal of ten days and embarked on the journey, utilizing Fast Whale Steps at full power.
‘Ten days is still too long.’
Suddenly, I thought that even ten days was too long.
What if I could push myself a little harder and shorten ten days to seven days and nights a week?
Ultimately, I could become the best and most efficient worker of all time, earning three gold ingots in just seven days.
‘Run mindlessly.’
Therefore, I not only utilized Fast Whale Steps at full power but also traversed rough mountain paths and land routes without eating or sleeping.
Firstly, I’ve become accustomed to not eating or sleeping through the recent ‘Three Martial Arts Training’, and stamina is originally my ‘specialty’. So, while it might be a big deal for everyone else in the world, it wasn’t a problem for me.
And……
To be honest, the reason I’m trying to shorten the transportation time as much as possible is because of So-yun.
Because of So-yun.
Firstly…… So-yun encouraged me, saying I should go and come back safely.
But funnily enough, I’ve reached a point where I can’t stand not seeing So-yun’s face.
Even during meditation, So-yun’s face appears before my eyes. Is this what they call being a daughter fool?
Countless times……
I’ve had such thoughts.
Clearly, I was Jin So-cheon, the leader of the Demonic Cult’s Assassin’s Guild in my past life, and I’ve possessed the body of the hunter Jin So-cheon through reincarnation.
But why is my paternal affection for So-yun so strong?
Whenever I think about it, I come to a few conclusions. First, I wonder if the strong instincts of the hunter Jin So-cheon, the original owner of this body, are leading to this paternal affection……
Second, I’m certain that it’s because So-yun is incredibly cute and lovable.
Firstly……
So-yun is cute beyond words.
It’s not just that she’s smart and speaks well, which makes her cute.
Even at her young age, her considerate heart is beautiful. She rarely throws tantrums, acts bothersome, or cries and clings like other children her age.
Furthermore……
I sometimes project my childhood onto So-yun.
The days when I wandered the streets as an orphan, begging……
Could it be that I’m pouring my compensatory feelings about that childhood onto So-yun?
However……
As time passes and these thoughts fade and become dull, I realize that……
So-yun is simply my daughter now, and I’m just So-yun’s father. So, it’s only natural for me to think about So-yun.
Just as water flows from high to low……
I’m Jin So-cheon, the one and only father of So-yun in this world.
‘Sigh……’
As I ran diligently with these various thoughts, a day passed.
I arrived at Ningqiang, the edge of Shaanxi, from Chang’an in just one day. But from now on, I had to use waterways instead of land routes, so my ‘mindless sprint’ came to a grand finale.
◈ ◈ ◈
“When is the next boat to Sichuan?”
As soon as I arrived at the docks, I immediately inquired about a boat to Sichuan Province.
It would be romantic to sit at a lakeside inn and have a cup of tea, since I’ve come this far, but I couldn’t waste a single moment if I wanted to save time.
“What to do, sir. All the merchant ships heading to Sichuan are unavailable today.”
“I don’t mind a cargo ship from a merchant guild. I can endure any inconvenience, so please help me. I’ll pay extra.”
“Sigh…… Sir, I’m sorry, but even the cargo ships aren’t sailing today.”
“Is there no way? I’m short on time……”
“If you’re that desperate, shall I make some inquiries?”
“I would be grateful if you could.”
I handed the boatman a silver tael and made my request.
It’s a bit of a waste, but if someone has received something, they’ll do something in return out of conscience. In situations like this, it’s best to be generous.
“Sir!”
As expected.
After about an hour, the boatman returned with five or six men.
“Sir, these are salt merchants who are scheduled to depart for Sichuan at dawn. However, when I explained your situation, they said they would leave earlier if you paid extra. What do you say?”
At the boatman’s question, I turned my gaze to the salt merchants.
‘They’re not just ordinary merchants……’
I……
Immediately realized that these men weren’t ordinary merchants from a merchant guild, but individuals who had trained in martial arts.
Of course, it wasn’t easy to discern that.
Their energy flow was ordinary, they didn’t possess any weapons, and they looked exactly like merchants.
However, I read their ‘breathing’ and footwork.
The fact that their breathing was regulated according to a specific pattern and their strides were consistent indicated that they were martial artists.
“How much do you want?”
However.
I didn’t mind.
There are countless merchants in Jianghu who have trained in martial arts.
Besides, whether they’ve trained in martial arts or not, it doesn’t really matter.
If anyone tries anything funny with me?
That day will be their death anniversary.
“Ten silver taels.”
One of the merchants replied curtly to my question.
Ten silver taels for a ride on a cargo ship, not even a merchant ship, when they’re already heading that way……
I almost cursed, but it was more beneficial to save time, so I just nodded.
“Alright. Let’s depart immediately then.”
“Follow me.”
And so, I boarded the ship, even though I was being ripped off by these merchant bastards.
The ship was smaller than I expected.
Moreover, piles of salt that smelled salty were stacked like mountains all over the deck, making the smell unbearable. There were also close to thirty merchants, so instead of traveling comfortably, it seemed I would have to spend the entire journey standing up, covering my nose, and crossing the river.
Tsss━!
At that moment……
From the ‘iron-clad box’ I had placed in my arms……
The crying sound of the Yin-Yang Mago leaked out.