Chapter: 376
The political meeting is over.
Honestly, I’m not that curious about the details, but I had to know from my standpoint.
This result could potentially twist my previously set schedule.
That’s why the very fact that the plan was changed was such a big deal at the moment.
I had to remember this information.
I asked Cheol Ji-seon about things I hadn’t known because I had been sleeping.
“What happened?”
“… Oh, um…”
Cheol Ji-seon hesitated for a moment at my question, but soon began to explain to me.
The first thing the leader started talking about was, of course, the story of the raid.
– How did things end up like this?
Let’s start from the beginning.
– What on earth did the Murim Alliance do?
How did the Murim Alliance handle things until it led to this outcome?
– What do you plan to do moving forward?
Now that this has happened, what are your thoughts on dealing with it?
From the heated discussions about the incompetence of the Murim Alliance.
Along with the families of the victims.
The Sega clan suffered extensively since their reputation was in jeopardy, not to mention the factions and clans supporting the alliance that also bore the brunt of it.
The Murim Alliance had to present something substantial about this.
If not…
‘… Even if it doesn’t lead to disbandment, they’ll be in quite a bit of trouble.’
If they wiped out the alliance right away, it could lead to problems in the cities protected by the alliance’s forces.
If a branch were to disappear, the Sega or clan responsible for the area would start managing it.
Considering the costs and manpower involved, they wouldn’t just abandon it readily.
Since others are also aware of this, no one would dare step in rashly.
So what’s the conclusion?
First of all.
The Murim Alliance decided to temporarily close Shinryong Hall.
After graduating one class, it was a given that breaks would follow. However, due to this incident, there was no way they could continue operations,
And naturally, the places I have entrusted my blood relatives and descendants to wouldn’t want this either.
Thus, Shinryong Hall decided to go into temporary closure without a graduating class.
Upon hearing this, the first thought that crossed my mind was:
‘It’s not closed?’
The crux of the matter is that Shinryong Hall is not closed but simply on a break.
I naturally expected that they would permanently close due to this incident.
Contrary to my expectations, it seems they are only planning to take a temporary break.
Thinking about why they made this choice.
‘Probably for the sake of their damned honor.’
It’s surely due to the fame and honor that Shinryong Hall possesses.
In today’s world, where fighters are seen as equals to swords, the reputation of being from Shinryong Hall holds significant weight.
Just being from that place alone creates connections.
The camaraderie that arises from there tends to help their blood relatives rise to higher positions later on.
What this implies is.
In the end, it’s no different from delaying the closure for their own benefit.
The Murim Alliance must know this too, which is why they’re bringing up the issue of a break.
‘I feel uneasy about it, but… ultimately.’
Regardless of anything, the fact remains that Shinryong Hall went into temporary closure.
This was something that hadn’t occurred in my previous life.
‘There was never an attack to begin with.’
Now, it’s hard to even guess where things started to go wrong.
I simply had to nod.
If I try to cram everything in my head, it would never end; I just had to adapt to the changes.
Next up is the punishment for the Great Demon Head that attempted the raid.
The Murim Alliance has made an official announcement regarding the identity of the person who attacked Shinryong Hall, labeling him as the Black Dragon Sword.
People are buzzing.
It was only natural.
When it comes to the Black Dragon Sword, he’s the current sword master, and he’s a rogue martial artist who was defeated by Wei Hyogun, who was known as the Whirlwind Sword of the time.
Records already mention that he died with his throat cut.
So, the Black Dragon Sword is alive?
Not only that, but he’s been alive for decades and has drawn his sword against the orthodox factions again.
It seems to be quite a shocking revelation for those gathered here.
There’s the alliance.
There’s a fragile peace that can only persist because the monsters known as the Three Divine Beasts are the righteous ones.
Did they really not know how easily that could shatter?
It would be a fair statement to say they were intoxicated by the prevailing peace.
Currently held in the Murim Alliance’s prison, the Black Dragon Sword is said to be transferred to the Tang Clan shortly.
‘The Tang Clan?’
Hearing this made me frown.
I wondered why they were sending him to the Tang Clan instead of the Murim Alliance.
‘Why is that?’
The road to Sichuan is quite long.
If it’s for torture, it would be safer to carry it out within the confines of the alliance.
What’s the purpose of sending him such a long distance?
While I was mulling over that.
A greater problem arose here.
The issue was, since it was a meeting, it wasn’t simply a platform for the leader to talk endlessly but rather a place where questions were exchanged back and forth.
It could be seen as a stage for debate.
In that scenario, I was the one who captured the Black Dragon Sword.
Those eager to understand what had transpired were inclined to ask me questions.
… The real issue was that at that moment, I was actually sleeping, leaning against my father’s shoulder.
A blood relative of a noble family, sleeping during a meeting—now that’s embarrassing to the extreme!
In the midst of it all, I had no memory of waking up during that situation.
What on earth happened here?
‘Was it due to the impact that I couldn’t wake up?’
That could be it, but then…
Cheol Ji-seon suddenly spoke nervously.
“… Your father… was really scary.”
“What?”
“No… It’s nothing.”
Cheol Ji-seon shuddered as if he wished to forget whatever he just recalled.
What on Earth did he witness to react like that?
Just when I was about to express my frustration at Cheol Ji-seon for not finishing what he started…
“… So, instead of you sleeping, I fielded the questions.”
“…”
The confession, made with a seemingly liberated expression on Cheol Ji-seon’s face, left me speechless.
Only then did I understand why Cheol Ji-seon had been staring at me like I owed him one with that dying look.
I was supposed to handle the questions in the meeting but ended up sleeping instead.
Due to my inability to wake up to the situation that had unfolded.
He said that he was the one who answered the questions directed at me, even though he was also participating.
With the head of the prestigious family.
A long-suffering leader among noble lineage.
The leaders from Central Plains rained questions upon Cheol Ji-seon like crazy.
This suggested that it was quite the burden for the timid Cheol Ji-seon to bear.
Especially since he was someone who hid his name while living under the Jegal family.
I could only guess that he was trembling even more.
“… You… had a hard time.”
“…”
That was all I could manage to say.
Cheol Ji-seon still wore a tired expression. He looked as if he might collapse at any second.
He shook his head and continued speaking.
There was a myriad of topics discussed.
After hearing everything, I could distill it down to three key points.
– Shinryong Hall has decided to close for at least ten years.
– The alliance has taken the incident seriously and declared war against the rogues.
And,
The most important point.
Since this incident has transpired, someone must be held accountable.
Even if they are innocent.
People naturally seek someone to blame more than anything else.
This is something that can’t be resolved unless someone takes responsibility.
Thus, the alliance has resolved to find a scapegoat and make it public.
First off.
The head of the Kunlun school.
Cheonghae Ilgeom has decided to resign from his leadership position, taking responsibility upon himself.
Hearing this, I clenched my fists without realizing it.
The leader stepping down after causing a significant incident is hardly negligible; it’s a massive blow to the Kunlun.
In a previous life, Cheonghae Ilgeom had degenerated into a demon and resigned, but here, though he is indeed stepping down from his leadership role…
The circumstances have unfolded quite differently.
‘I never expected him to step down from his position as head.’
After all, the individual overseeing the crown prince responsibilities was Cheonghae Ilgeom.
It seemed to be a gesture to accept responsibility.
Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling of bitterness.
‘Moreover.’
That wasn’t the only issue.
It’s indeed significant for Cheonghae Ilgeom to step down from being the leader.
Because an even bigger problem remains.
That is,
– Nakgeom Jangcheon also chose to take responsibility and step down from his position as the current leader.
For over a decade, Nakgeom had occupied the leader’s chair, but now he’s decided to resign just like Cheonghae Ilgeom.
“… The leader?”
As soon as Cheol Ji-seon relayed that information, my head whipped around.
Nakgeom is stepping down?
“What do you mean…?”
“Well, as soon as the leader brought it up, people’s reactions were explosive.”
“Of course, it would be!”
Nakgeom resigning from leadership is no trivial matter, not in the slightest.
Taking responsibility and deciding to step down?
That’s certainly plausible.
Yet, if that happens, it means the leader’s position is left vacant.
Which implies a new leader must be elected.
If that happens, it gets exceedingly complicated.
In my previous life, the leader was Nakgeom.
The one who assumed power right after the bloody turmoil concluded was none other than Wi Seol-ah.
Yet here I am, having Nakgeom resign from leadership now,
‘Who will be the new leader next?’
In the next generation, a leader absolutely must be chosen.
The Murim Alliance, dubbed the symbol of orthodoxy.
The leader’s position must never be vacant.
“Ha…”
Everything is spiraling into complexity now.
The leader’s position being up for grabs is something I absolutely did not foresee at all.
The sun has already set.
With a wearied mind, I headed to a guesthouse.
This was the place Mrs. Mi had hinted at beforehand.
It’s likely where all the members of the Gu family are gathered.
The streets of Hanam felt more crowded than I’d seen in a while.
It was so tightly packed that I could barely take a step.
After vaulting over buildings a few times, I miraculously reached my destination with ease.
Interestingly enough, there weren’t many people around the guest house.
I guess it must be because Mrs. Mi rented out the entire venue.
Just before I arrived at the guest house and opened the door,
“Hey… Yangcheon-ah.”
The iron wire on my back called out urgently.
“What?”
“Am I really allowed to go…?”
“You said it was okay, so it must be fine.”
“Well, still…”
With an anxious tone, Cheol Ji-seon responded.
The reasoning was that he was also invited for meals.
He said his family wouldn’t come anyway, and felt bad for dragging him around, so I offered to at least feed him.
I remembered Mrs. Mi smiling happily when I asked if a friend could join.
“Is… is it really… okay? Someone like me…”
“What’s the problem? Quit whining and follow me.”
“Ugh…!”
I said that and tossed the iron wire I was carrying aside.
Now that we’ve arrived, he should be able to walk on his own.
I left Cheol Ji-seon, who was patting his behind, and opened the door to the guesthouse first.
As the door swung open, a splendid interior greeted my eyes.
I guess all guesthouses are like that, but perhaps due to the low number of patrons inside.
Everything seemed clearer.
As I entered, someone welcome me.
“Oh! It’s been a while.”
A giant approached, laughing heartily.
It was Elder Gu-Ryun.
For me, it had been months since I last saw him, just like Mrs. Mi or Gu Hee-bi.
For some reason, I felt particularly glad to see him.
“It’s been a while.”
“How have you been?”
Haha-!
The elder laughed heartily and slapped my back.
… It still really hurts.
It was a sign of warmth, yet the old fellow had a heavy hand.
“Oh, Yangcheon.”
“… Yes.”
While enduring the pain as I answered, the elder’s smile turned predatory.
“You’ve become quite strong since the last time we met. I do like this.”
As he said that, he flexed his biceps to show off.
His muscles bulged, making his martial arts uniform seem pitiful.
Almost as if it might burst at any moment!
“I hope you’re doing well, Elder.”
“Haha! I’ve been doing well! Yangcheon, you seem to be doing great too! I heard you even received a new nickname this time, right? What was it? Soyeom…”
“Oh, I’m starving.”
I rushed past before the elder could generate any more awkward comments.
Because I wasn’t really interested in hearing it.
– Huh? Who are you?
– Ah… Hello. My name is Cheol Ji-seon from the Cheol Clan…
– Ah, so you’re a friend of our Yangcheon. But why does such a guy seem so frail? His arms…
– Ah? Uh… Wait…! Aah!
A scream erupted from Cheol Ji-seon, who had been snagged by Elder Gu-Ryun.
But I ignored it.
‘I’ll remember it as a good sacrifice.’
I sent my condolences for Cheol Ji-seon before heading towards where the Gu family was congregated.
Creak.
Opening another door and stepping inside revealed many familiar faces, including Mrs. Mi and my father.
“Huh?”
These were people I’d naturally assumed would be present for a family meal.
But then…
“… What?”
An unexpected face was sitting among them.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.