Chapter: 690
People possess a multitude of emotions.
Typically, this is referred to as the five desires and the seven emotions.
The five desires and seven emotions are called the five desires and seven emotions, aren’t they?
These are said to be fundamental emotions inherent in humanity, and it is believed that if one can completely transcend them, they will achieve a state of enlightenment.
Honestly, I can’t say I know much about that.
I haven’t even had any interest in that area.
‘What’s important here is…’
Whether it’s the physical desire for the body.
Whether it’s the greed for wealth and material goods.
Whether it’s the desire for fame or the craving for honor.
All of these can only be obtained through living life.
Thus, in the end, isn’t the will to survive the most crucial thing?
The desire to maintain life.
The yearning not to want to die.
Perhaps that is the most significant desire for humans.
I thought that as I looked at the middle-aged man kneeling before me.
This middle-aged man was proof.
The Fierce Tiger Nine Fists, Hwangbo Yeolwi.
He was a martial artist who stood among the top one hundred masters of the Central Plains, known for his solid one-punch style.
As the head of the Hwangbo family, he lacked neither merits nor shortcomings.
The typical head of a prestigious family.
He held a position of that caliber, yet…
“They say Shaolin has made contact.”
Now, he was a fallen figure who had become a demon.
Upon my words, Maeng Ho-gu-kwon cautiously continued speaking.
“…That’s correct. A few months ago, they attempted to gain access to our clan’s inner circle.”
“The reason is?”
“It was to request an invitation to the upcoming martial arts competition and a congratulatory letter from the head of our family.”
“A letter from the head of the family…”
I nodded at Maeng Ho-gu-kwon’s words.
‘Well, the request to attend is understandable.’
This is a festival that Meng has been determinedly constructing.
Naturally, inviting the prestigious Hwangbo family is a given.
‘But requesting a congratulatory letter from the head of the family…’
I stroked my chin as my eyes gleamed.
‘Does this mean they wish to solidify their position a bit more?’
Given that they have a weaker standing compared to past leaders, I suppose it’s an effort to firm up their position.
If other prestigious families sent official letters of congratulations, it wouldn’t be much different than them supporting the swordsmen.
‘That’s a possibility for their request.’
What’s odd here is…
‘Shaolin must have acted directly.’
That is, Shaolin attempted to contact the Hwangbo family directly to communicate these matters.
It wasn’t just a member of the Meng clan or even a disciple from the swordsman sect that moved; it was Shaolin itself that came forward for the purpose of reporting.
I couldn’t help but feel a sense of displacement at that.
‘Are they really trying to make a show of it?’
Shaolin participating in Meng’s affairs…
This signifies that Shaolin is openly expressing its full support for the Martial Arts Alliance through its actions.
‘I suppose this indicates they’re keen to get more involved.’
Cheonan, the abbot of Shaolin, who claims to read destiny and look into the future.
He declared he would lend his support to the current Murim Alliance.
“There’s been no other contact?”
“…There have been no reports.”
“Tsk.”
I clicked my tongue upon hearing that.
‘This isn’t much different from what I heard last time.’
It aligned closely with the information I had received via Nahi before. That was indeed the problem.
‘I’m certain there’s something more at play here.’
Information from Shandong had already reached me through Nahi.
I wondered if there could be some updated information compared to before.
That doesn’t seem to be the case, though.
“Understood,” I said.
While trying to conceal my disappointment, Maeng Ho-gu-kwon bowed his head even lower.
I regarded him, inspecting him like a curious creature.
‘The energy seems much more stable now.’
The giant’s martial artist is robust, as one would expect.
The energy encompassing his very being reflects a similar robustness.
Perhaps it’s because he’s a martial artist who has ascended to the ranks. His internal state appears quite stable.
But…
At a glance, I could detect some slightly unsettling instability.
It’s the kind of thing you need to observe closely to truly notice.
As I studied the energy of Maeng Ho-gu-kwon, I nodded slightly.
‘Not too shabby.’
Initially, he was not merely unstable; he looked like he was majorly broken. Now it seemed he had completed his recovery and entered a stable state.
“Your complexion looks good. It’s nice to see.”
“Thanks… It’s all thanks to the blessing bestowed upon us by our cult leader.”
I squinted at that.
‘It seems the Dokcheondan has nearly absorbed everything, huh?’
The amount of energy has swelling and solidified, so that must be accurate.
‘If I gave him three doses and he’s still not improved, he must be crazy!’
The Dokcheondan, which matches the value of Shaolin’s Daehwandan.
I administered three doses of it to him.
The reason was simple.
‘That much was necessary!’
Maeng Ho-gu-kwon’s body had been damaged to an irreparable point.
This was also why he had fallen into my hands.
For years now, rumors had circulated about Hwangbo Gaju’s poor health, causing him to avoid public appearances.
He’d hidden away like a mouse but began to emerge again just a year ago.
And contrary to the rumors, he appeared very healthy.
Thanks to this, the Hwangbo family, which had been wavering, regained its firm standing.
Nevertheless, it must be said that the rumors were founded on truth.
In reality, Maeng Ho-gu-kwon was dying at that time.
‘Of course, that was due to the characteristics of the Hwangbo clan.’
Clan.
It’s a flaw inherent in the special martial arts only direct descendants can inherit.
Due to the nature of Hwangbo’s martial arts that demands extreme training in external energy, the physical health deteriorates as age advances.
During this process, some are afflicted with external diseases that cause their bodies to break down.
Their muscles deteriorate, their internal systems become compromised, and life becomes perilously close to its end.
That was his vulnerability.
‘A thirst for life…’
Fall into corruption.
Then I will let you live.
That was the condition I extended to Maeng Ho-gu-kwon.
As he slowly approached death, Maeng Ho-gu-kwon accepted this far too easily.
The regenerative abilities he would gain from becoming a demon.
Alongside that, there was the Dokcheondan that would heal his damaged energy.
There were several processes to go through, but the decisive reason Maeng Ho-gu-kwon ultimately fell into the corruption of becoming a demon was…
“I will elevate the Hwangbo family among the Four Great Families.”
That would shake his heart.
The primal desire to survive.
Along with the desire for honor as the head of the family.
I delved into that, and much to my surprise, it was easier than expected for Maeng Ho-gu-kwon to succumb to becoming a demon.
‘After all, Hwangbo has lingered at the back of the pack up until now.’
A prestigious family most suited to among the Four Great Families, yet still a notch below them.
That was the perception surrounding the Hwangbo family.
‘This must surely stem from the deeds of the past heads of the Hwangbo family.’
He sought to end that legacy in his generation.
Thus, he aspired to become the greatest head of the Hwangbo family in history.
That was likely Maeng Ho-gu-kwon’s greatest wish.
I promised to restore his health while enabling him to fulfill this.
Maeng Ho-gu-kwon simply took that hand.
‘I merely exploited the opening.’
The expenditures appeared substantial, but…
It wasn’t a huge expense, as I ended up gaining a useful pawn.
‘Dokcheondan, I can always create more.’
I already possessed the formula.
Based on that, production was already in progress.
Naturally, it was undertaken by the Tang Family.
Very clandestinely.
‘According to the branch leader, it looks like there may be results within this year.’
Seeing as we lost it centuries ago, I don’t expect it to be akin to the original.
As long as something comes out of it, that would be fine.
“What has happened with the other requests I made?”
“As per your instructions, the issues regarding the collateral line have been resolved.”
The collateral line of the Hwangbo family.
It’s about maintaining silence.
“Even if it’s not a direct martial arts achievement, the absurdities I encountered up until now have been diminished…”
I took certain measures to ensure he could live more comfortably.
“Also.”
Maeng Ho-gu-kwon’s eyes glimmered as he continued speaking to me.
“As you commanded, preparations are made to convene a council of elders to nominate a candidate for the position of deacon.”
Hwangbo Lee Gongja.
Referring to Hwangbo Cheolwi.
‘I mentioned it once.’
That trash, Hwangbo Cheok, would be disposed of, and Hwangbo Cheolwi would be elevated to head of the family.
Preparations for that were also underway.
“Not bad. You’ve worked hard.”
The corners of my lips rose slightly.
Not bad at all.
The plan appears to be unfolding steadily.
So I said to Maeng Ho-gu-kwon.
“Be ready for the remaining tasks. The time will come soon.”
“…!”
“Shouldn’t we be leaving now? Talking about the Four Great Families.”
The time is set for after the non-combat event.
Or…
‘In the midst of the non-combat event.’
I’ll prepare according to circumstances, but the most basic time will be then.
It was time to secure a solid foothold.
“…I shall offer this worthless life to you, Master.”
Maeng Ho-gu-kwon bowed as if about to touch the floor.
I stared at him, the cold demeanor in my eyes reflected.
Then, you ought to sacrifice your life.
‘That’s precisely why I’m using you.’
There’s no issue with the plan.
If there’s an oddity, it’s merely because of Shaolin’s involvement.
‘This part needs to be clearly conveyed to Jegal Hyuk.’
I have a remarkable strategist here who should comprehend this.
Although it’s unclear whether this fellow will act accordingly.
While I was arranging these thoughts in my mind…
“Yangcheon-ah.”
I heard someone calling me from the side.
It was Cheol Ji-seon,
When I turned my gaze, he produced something from his pocket and handed it to me.
“…This is communication from the strategist.”
“Hmm?”
Noting Cheol Ji-seon’s discomfort, I soon discovered it was a letter from Jegal Hyuk.
‘Seems he’s still feeling a bit uneasy.’
It appeared that Shin Ui-do and Cheol Ji-seon shared less than favorable sentiments toward Jegal Hyuk as well.
After he learned that Jegal Hyuk was a grandson of Shin Ui, he behaved this way despite sharing the same surname. That suggests something problematic lingered there.
‘He’ll manage.’
I had no inclination to involve myself further.
I was too busy to accommodate their circumstances.
So I opened the letter immediately.
Inside were a few terse lines, all pertaining to the information and solvable directives I had requested.
– Confirmed the offspring of the Dragon Lord. Deployed as instructed.
It seems they successfully located the daughter of Beomdong.
Since I ordered simply to monitor her, they must have dispatched personnel accordingly.
Additionally…
– The shaman has confirmed unusual activity.
‘Hmm?’
There was an unexpected piece of information written.
– It appears that there is a covert operation to amass supernatural artifacts.
‘Collecting supernatural artifacts?’
Among the sect?
If Jegal Hyuk wrote it down, then it’s valid information, yet I’m curious if they even have opportunities to gather such artifacts among the shamans.
‘What could they be planning?’
It piqued my interest.
I instinctively sensed it.
‘What in the world are they trying to do?’
The shamans are attempting something dubious, no doubt about it.
‘Tsk, it’s just too coincidental that the Black King is absent right now.’
In this case, sending someone to infiltrate the shaman’s realm to retrieve information would undoubtedly be the swiftest option.
Given what transpired previously and with the swordsman in Hanam, the shaman’s vigilance would be doubled.
The only one capable of breaking through and gathering information would be the Black King.
‘I instructed him to come back, yet here he still is, apparently swamped with affairs.’
What should I do?
After a moment of contemplation, an idea sparked.
‘…There’s one possibility.’
A method for obtaining intel concerning the shamans.
While it may not be as reliable as engaging the Black King, I do have a thought.
I should prepare that detail soon.
‘As for the last note.’
Reading the final line of the letter, I froze momentarily.
“Huh? Look at this?”
A smile escaped me involuntarily.
It was inevitable.
The last line of Jegal Hyuk’s letter was…
– There is a strong likelihood the Sword King will attend the Bimuje in person. Keep a watchful eye on this.
It was information I never thought could be true.
Moreover…
‘Life never fails to surprise. Just when things seem to go well, there’s something to keep one on edge.’
It was not far from the desires I had been secretly harboring.
Having wrapped up my tasks and facilitated the return of Maeng Ho-gu-kwon.
My destination was where the deity resided.
I sought to meet Namgung Bi-ah, but more so, it was to encounter someone who had found their way there.
“Long time no see.”
A coolly handsome middle-aged man, whose aura felt eerie yet alluring.
I nodded at that man, feeling an indescribable chill emanating from him.
“Yes. It’s been a while.”
The middle-aged man was none other than the current Sword King.
Namgung Jin, the head of the Namgung clan and hold of the Heavenly Sword.
He just happened to be exiting the deity’s abode, likely after meeting Namgung Bi-ah.
“How have you been?”
The somewhat congenial smile he bore was slightly irksome.
As if affirming he is Namgung Bi-ah’s father, a similar smile appeared.
Still, there was this instinctive urge to keep my distance from him.
“… Yes. I hope you have been kept well, Your Majesty.”
“That formal title remains the same.”
“… ”
What else am I supposed to call you, then?
Several names flitted through my mind, yet none could escape my lips.
If anything, it might very well have been swearing! But I had to suppress that urge.
‘The last time I saw him… that was about a year ago, right?’
There was a reason I had visited Namgung Se-ga that time.
‘It was likely about delivering some edict from the Heavenly Ruler.’
What the message carried, I didn’t know, but I vaguely remembered I had handed it over during my departure.
‘… I had prepared measures to prevent them from coming unnecessarily.’
The Namgung family had lost the Namgung Myung sword.
This led to Namgung Jin clinging to me for its retrieval.
It was when I had already devised a plan to tackle this.
I regarded Namgung Jin momentarily and then spoke.
“It seems your training goes well.”
“It’s nice to hear that.”
Namgung Jin lightly smiled at my remarks.
It wasn’t mere flattery.
In truth, the progress in Namgung Jin’s skills was markedly different from before.
‘When I first laid eyes on him, he was like a half-opened flower bud.’
In just three or four years.
Namgung Jin had reborn himself as a perfect practitioner of the Hwa-gyeong.
While he seems somewhat shy to still call himself the Sword King, he is unarguably formidable.
‘I wonder if the little advice I gave turned out to be really beneficial.’
At the onset, it was Shin Noya who guided him.
The second time, I shared a jest.
The third time, I borrowed the authority of the Heavenly Ruler.
Sacrificing a letter in exchange for a bit of help.
‘To think he climbed that far with just those three pieces of information.’
In the end, it implies that Namgung Jin himself was remarkably gifted from the start.
Well, it’s only natural considering he’s Namgung Bi-ah’s father, I guess?
“… I gather you’re visiting to see your daughter?”
The thought of Namgung Bi-ah pierced my mind, prompting the question. Then.
“Hmm, that’s somewhat correct. She is indeed a daughter…”
Namgung Jin’s eyes turned chilly as he spoke.
It was just an instant where I questioned the source of his demeanor.
‘Ah.’
I realized who happened to be residing there.
‘Strange Immortal.’
The shaman Namgung Hyung.
He too was present in that realm.
You could easily surmise their relationship wasn’t stellar just by glancing at the affiliation of Geoseon.
For a moment Namgung Jin shifted his expression before reverting back to a smile, striking up conversation with me.
“By the way, I wonder how your grandfather is faring.”
That was a question concerning the Heavenly Ruler.
He was aware, as conveyed through the previous letter, that the Heavenly Ruler remained in Shanxi.
“I imagine he’s living well.”
Most likely true.
‘I’d prefer that remained under wraps if possible.’
Contemplating the Heavenly Ruler made my head twinge slightly.
‘What implications would it have if it became known that the top three of the sect all lingered in Shanxi?’
‘It would come off as more sinister than a demon’s cave.’
Predictably so, as this was an undertaking no major family in the world could ever accomplish.
“… It appears there remains no intention to return to the clan.”
“You should inquire him directly on that. I’m not well-versed in that matter either.”
“I could like to do that too… however, unfortunately, I’ve had no return messages.”
After delivering the letter, I hadn’t heard from the Heavenly Ruler since.
When it came to anything from the clan, I typically sent it back without even glancing at it.
‘That he hasn’t taken the initiative to visit signifies he probably setup something to dissuade him from doing so.’
“Therefore, if possible…”
Just as Namgung Jin was about to furnish additional remarks.
“Before that.”
What I needed to relay took precedence.
“I heard the Ilgongja had also arrived. Where is he?”
Nyorong Namgung Cheonjun.
I came here in search of him.
Namgung Bi-ah had clearly mentioned that he came along, thus I figured he’d be here.
“Hmm?”
In response to my inquiry, Namgung Jin explained.
“The Ilgongja did not accompany me. He has some other responsibilities, so regrettably, he could not make it to Hanam.”
“… What does that mean?”
The reply deviated from my expectations.
‘He couldn’t come?’
I distinctly recalled Namgung Bi-ah saying he would arrive, yet did he possibly drop out midway?
‘This creates a degree of ambiguity, doesn’t it?’
Namgung Cheonjun coming to Hanam, especially to where Namgung Bi-ah is situated.
This contradicted the restrictions I had imposed, and if he were indeed able to visit, it warranted determining how such had transpired.
‘If Namgung Cheonjun hasn’t arrived…’
Things have become slightly unclear for verification now.
At this stage…
‘There’s the possibility that he was barred from appearing at all.’
Alongside the notion that it might be impossible to come by even without obstacles.
‘Yet, there remains a chance he could show up without those limitations.’
Nostalgia persisted for how firmly the constraints seemed still based on my inference.
‘I absolutely have to verify this.’
It might soon be prudent to involve Nahi in confirmation.
‘Realistically, I ought to handle it personally.’
The competition is merely two days away.
Confirming such will prove challenging.
‘Tsk.’
Regret naturally lingers, but it proves a matter beyond my control.
I’ll postpone what ought to be delayed.
Having settled that thought, I bowed to Namgung Jin.
“Thank you for your words. It’s getting late, so I’ll come by later to formally greet you.”
“It’s not that late… Perhaps I could invite you for a sparring match, if you wish…”
Seizing that gap, Namgung Jin appeared to be subtly hinting for some training.
But…
“I’m terribly sorry, but I have a prior engagement.”
Such a suggestion was out of the question.
“I have plans today… I’ll make it a point to visit formally next time.”
Naturally, I had zero intention of visiting Namgung Jin.
I ignored his disappointed expression and hurriedly retraced my steps back to my quarters.
I spent time organizing my future agenda while practicing.
Thus, two days slid by, and before I knew it…
The day of the competition had finally arrived.
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