A massive conscription is underway.
Rumors of an incoming enemy are spreading, and soldiers are seen bustling about the streets. Not only that, but there are also many commoners going off to do forced labor.
Amidst all this, unfamiliar martial artists appeared on the streets, and the moment I saw them, I had a gut feeling.
They were masters from outside.
When an army comes in, news travels fast. However, since these martial artists are not as numerous as an army, their rumors tend to spread slowly. As a result, I can’t figure out who they are.
What faction could they belong to?
The Martial Alliance’s combat unit? Or maybe those disguised as the Imperial Guard or the Dongchang? Whatever it is, caution is key.
Just as I was trying to pass by casually…
“Hmm? Wait, noble son? Just a moment.”
Some guy called out to me.
What the heck? Why him?
He turned out to be a clean-looking man wearing a hero’s robe. His clothes and weapon looked like something from an elite orthodox martial artist.
“What’s the matter?”
He better not be trying to pick a fight.
Even if I don’t know much, the masters that just appeared are stronger than me. They are in a different league from those lowly baddies. I must avoid conflict.
“That sword… is it not the Heavenly Thunder Sword? The famous sword of the Namgoong Clan?”
He was interested in my sword.
“Ah, indeed it is. It’s a sword I received from the Namgoong Clan.”
“I thought so! I heard it’s a sword given when the Namgoong Clan expresses gratitude!”
“That’s correct.”
“Surely, as an adept from Anhwa City, you’ve done a lot to help the Namgoong Clan.”
“Indeed! Obtaining this sword was truly a stroke of luck in my life. But… who might you be?”
While he spoke to me in a friendly manner, I still didn’t know who he was.
“Oh! I’m Gong Sun-tan!”
“Gong Sun-tan! Are you perhaps from the Gong Sun Clan?”
The Gong Sun Clan rings a bell. Gong Sun-chan from the Three Kingdoms is quite the famous personality, so I figured others would know the name.
So I feigned surprise a bit, and Gong Sun-tan seemed pleased.
“Indeed! I have a personal interest in the Namgoong Clan’s sword… That’s why I focused on the sword and spoke to you.”
I nodded and replied.
“I’m Kim Geunhyeop. I received this Heavenly Thunder Sword while helping the Namgoong Clan.”
“Oh! I’m curious about what work you did, but could you tell me?”
While chatting, I tried to gauge Gong Sun-tan’s aura as naturally as possible. A master is a master. Is he stronger than Serin? That’s something I can’t figure out.
But in times like these, there’s no benefit in chatting too long with an external master.
“Unfortunately, it’s a matter that requires confidentiality. Also, I’m quite busy due to matters related to the incoming enemy.”
“Hmm… what a pity. In fact, I came here because of the enemy as well.”
“Oh? If a warrior from the Gong Sun Clan lends a hand, that would be quite reassuring.”
“It’s not just me. The Martial Alliance’s combat unit has also arrived.”
“The Martial Alliance’s combat unit?!”
Shocked, I shouted, and Gong Sun-tan only smiled vaguely.
“I didn’t mean to surprise you. I’m a warrior belonging to the Tiger Squad of the Martial Alliance’s combat unit.”
“The Tiger Squad?! This is amazing!”
“Yes, it’s made up of late third-rate warriors, and aside from me, there are several other distinguished warriors. With their arrival, this situation will be resolved easily.”
“Wow, who would have thought I’d see the Martial Alliance’s Tiger Squad in my lifetime! That’s incredible!”
This isn’t an exaggeration; I truly am surprised!
The combat unit has already arrived!
Though, I won’t take it lightly. The situation won’t resolve just because the Tiger Squad has arrived.
The Four Fairies are a witch even Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang keeps an eye on. If the Emperor’s Huajing and General Hyun-gyeong are cautious about such a faction, what can a mere combat unit of the Martial Alliance do?
“Anyway… if I have the chance, I’ll talk further. I’ll be staying here for a while.”
“I understand, Gong Sun-tan.”
“Calling me a great warrior is too much. Hehe, you must be from this area.”
“That’s correct.”
“Oh, if that’s the case, then…”
Is he curious about something?
“Have you seen the Jade Flower Sword?”
“The Jade Flower Sword from Martial Arts History?”
Why is he bringing up Serin?
Gong Sun-tan nodded.
“You’re from this area, so you should have seen it. I’ve heard there’s some recent activity; any changes in her beauty or such?”
That felt a bit suspicious.
Does he know her?
“Well… I’m not sure. Are you acquainted with her?”
“Uh, err, not exactly, but…”
It seems like they’re not exactly close.
I’ll ask about that later.
“Anyway, it was nice meeting you, Gong Sun-tan. We might see each other again on the battlefield. Until then.”
“It was nice meeting you too.”
Breaking off the conversation with Gong Sun-tan, I hurried on my way.
First, I need to share this news.
* * *
I returned to the Naksal Room and relayed the news of the arrival of the Martial Alliance’s Tiger Squad. Hearing that, Galbijong was astounded.
“Oh my! The Tiger Squad!”
“Why? You know about them?”
“Of course! Those guys are cunning and dangerous!”
This jerk is starting to act up again.
“Kekeke, you just can’t help freaking out, can you?”
“I thought the same thing.”
Honestly, Galbijong’s sentiment is way off from mine. The only guys I truly vibe with are Mr. Song and Jaemi Son.
“What exactly makes them so cunning?”
“The Martial Alliance’s Tiger Squad is from the orthodox path!”
“Orthodox?”
“Oh. Back when I was with the Black-themed Martial Arts Group, they were known for that. The Tiger Squad is a unit comprised of late third-rate warriors from the orthodox sect.”
In other words, it means they consist of promising talents from various sects or clans. Technically speaking, if a truly promising individual existed, they wouldn’t be sent out into the field.
But those sent out shouldn’t have low skills, so they often dispatch those ranked second or third among the late third-rate warriors, right?
“As late third-rate warriors, they’re quite impulsive and want to make a name for themselves. They have a tendency to showcase their skills. They often attack weak and small sects to fill their own pockets. I’ve heard a lot about the Tiger Squad’s bad reputation.”
“What?”
So they’re not as bad as I thought?
They’re actually guys who impulsively beat up lowly baddies to make a name for themselves. Now, that’s a true warrior’s way.
“They’re good guys?”
“Good guys?!”
“Hehehe, Galbijong. We’re from the orthodox path now. If they’re helping us eliminate our competitors, aren’t they good guys?”
“What?!”
With those words, Galbijong seemed to have realized something.
His eyes went wide, sparkling like crazy.
“Ah, I see! To you, the human-mask demons of the Martial Alliance’s Tiger Squad are just tools to be used…! I get it!”
“No.”
Stop the nonsense.
* * *
The unit dispatched by the Martial Alliance has arrived.
Upon hearing this news, Namgoong Serin recalled the faces of the members of the Tiger Squad.
“Hmm… I can’t remember a particularly notable warrior.”
Namgoong Serin is among the upper tier of late third-rate warriors. Additionally, with her overwhelming beauty, many late third-rate warriors approached her trying to get close.
The same went for the Tiger Squad’s warriors. In fact, there were even those who fervently courted her, but since she wasn’t interested, she didn’t remember who those were.
In any case, she was certain that the overall skills of the Tiger Squad members were below hers. Namgoong Serin firmly believed this.
“But since they’re often dispatched to various places, it’s true that their perspective might be broader than mine. I must acknowledge what needs acknowledgment.”
Thus, their fame was higher.
While the Jade Flower Sword is famous for its martial arts legacy, the stories of its masters only spread around the Anhwa City area. However, the Tiger Squad is well-known throughout the central plains.
“That’s good.”
Having reached that conclusion, Namgoong Serin came up with a good idea.
“It wouldn’t be bad to raise Geunhyeop’s name in the orthodox martial world this time. He needs some fame, especially with the Tiger Squad in town. It seems promising.”
The plan is as follows.
She, a notable figure, would take Geunhyeop around to make his presence known to influential people in the orthodox martial world. Just doing that would significantly increase Geunhyeop’s recognition among the orthodox sects.
This fame would undoubtedly be of great help later on.
“Hehe, this is what a true wife should do. As the main wife, I should support my husband to achieve even more.”
While she’s doing this, she’ll also confirm that she’s the main wife. She is the main wife, and Wi Hayoung is just the secondary wife. Although Geunhyeop claims both are main wives, having two main wives is nonsensical.
“Such things must be rightfully claimed. Moreover, what is Wi Hayoung doing now? This chance has come, yet she is not thinking of elevating her husband’s fame. Truly, the real main wife is none other than Namgoong Serin.”
Currently, Wi Hayoung is holed up in her room, practicing some spell or another, which makes it quite clear that she doesn’t stand a chance.
As the wife, one should always be ready to support their husband.
Namgoong Serin felt victorious in that aspect.
* * *
“Hey! Take this!”
“What’s this?”
Hayoung handed me what looked like a pile of talismans.
“Open it up!”
“Huh?”
The moment I unfolded it, I realized it was clothing.
“Is this some kind of talisman clothing?”
“Yep! It’s clothing made of anti-demonic talismans. Wear it underneath. We’re going to be at war with demonic entities soon, so preparation is necessary, right? If you wear this, it’ll protect your body from chaotic energy.”
Oh, really!
“What…! So you’ve been holed up in here making this for me!”
“Kekeke, did you just figure that out? It’s a present filled with my feelings.”
“Hayoung!”
—Whoosh!
I immediately scooped up Hayoung and lifted her into the air!
“Ah, hey… you’re crushing my chest! It’s hard to breathe!”
Kyaaaaaa! I can’t take it anymore!
“Aha…! When did you?!”
Serin muttered something.
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