Chapter: 868
“Sin, a sinner!”
“What the hell are you talking about!”
The Blue Dragon members, upon hearing my words, reacted fervently.
It would be reasonable to feel bewildered if someone suddenly barged in and accused you of being a criminal and talked about punishment.
Among them, especially.
“The Lord is joining hands with those Sapa scoundrels! What nonsense!”
“Even connected to the Demonic Cult? That’s ridiculous!”
They were furious about their master, Ilcheonggeom.
Ilcheonggeom.
The person said to be the closest to becoming one of the top ten masters in the world in the near future.
After joining the Alliance, he distinguished himself during the Battle of Jeongsa and was recognized for his exceptional achievements, eventually becoming the Blue Dragon Lord.
Some say.
With Ilcheonggeom, he might ascend to the leadership position in not too long.
Since the Shinryongdae has vanished, the one closest to the leadership right after the Sword God steps down is Ilcheonggeom, they say.
Of course, this is somewhat muddied by the return of the Shinryongdae.
However, that doesn’t mean Ilcheonggeom’s value has diminished.
The value of Ilcheonggeom in the Central Plains felt like that of the next-generation guardian of justice and chivalry.
“Justice and cooperation.”
In my eyes, it simply felt exceedingly awkward.
“This is a false accusation!”
The Blue Dragon members protested as a group. Their loyalty, I must say, seems to be quite strong.
[False accusation?]
I chuckled at that.
There was still energy woven into my voice.
They flinched at the sound of it.
“Y-yes,”
“If it’s not a false accusation, then what is it…!”
Though they were shrinking back, they appeared unwilling to back down.
It was a nice sight to see. Wasn’t it the appearance of a well-knit group?
“Yes, it looks good.”
That meant on the outside. What’s inside, we had yet to investigate.
“By what authority does Lord Seongryong have to act like this?”
“That’s right. This is unacceptable.”
Hearing that, I smiled and asked.
[Why do you think I don’t have authority?]
“Well, that’s….”
Bam!
Spitting those words, I took out a wooden plaque from my bosom and tossed it onto the floor.
“Ugh…!!”
“That’s…!”
The eyes of the guys who saw this widened to the size of lanterns.
The words inscribed on the plaque read ‘Alliance,’ and it had only one meaning.
‘Acting leader.’
When performing tasks in the name of the Alliance, it gives its holder the authority to make decisions without interference from the Murim Alliance.
Currently, there are at most three people within the Murim Alliance holding this, excluding the leader.
And this plaque I possess was handed directly to me by Mukyeon.
I said, expanding my aura right after I threw the plaque.
[You seem to have forgotten why Seongryongdae was established.]
The Seongryongdae, newly formed by the current Murim Alliance, was created for a very specific reason.
[Seongryongdae eradicates demons and terminates sinners who oppose the evil spirits.]
If the prior swords were created to deal with monsters.
Seongryongdae was formed solely to confront humans.
And.
[This Lord possesses the authority and right to execute anyone deemed a criminal in the name of the Murim Alliance immediately.]
A blade that allows one to disregard the leader’s commands and operate as an independent agent.
That is what Seongryongdae represents.
[I judge Ilcheonggeom as a criminal and will execute him. Do any of you object to this?]
“How could there be no objection…!”
At my words, a man in the group stepped forward and shouted.
“No matter how much authority the Lord has bestowed upon you, this is nothing more than emotional abuse…!”
[Hmm?]
I nodded and gazed at the guy.
Emotional abuse? What an odd phrase.
[Why do you think so?]
Let me hear the reason. As I thought that, he said.
“…Your Majesty, previously, you attacked our lieutenant and rendered him unconscious.”
[Oh. That’s true.]
I willingly spared the one I intended to kill. It was my version of kindness.
The guy frowned at my nonchalant response.
“Furthermore… today… our Lord…”
He bit his lip, unable to finish his sentence.
Since he couldn’t speak properly and was mumbling, I spoke for him.
[Yes, I even struck Ilcheonggeom. After a few blows, he fell down like a sack of potatoes. He was incredibly weak.]
“Ugh!”
Crackle….
The tension surged ominously from all directions.
That was their reaction to my insult directed at Ilcheonggeom. Honestly, I didn’t find it objectionable at all.
I felt respect, and that felt good.
But…
Do they truly know who they’re sending that respect to?
If they’re oblivious about it, that would be unfortunate.
If they do know and still act this way…
Then they’re all just fools.
There was no need to spare him. That was my conclusion.
[So?]
“Go on, tell me more,” I said, nodding my head, and as if the stage had been set, the guy quickly added his thoughts.
“I understand that Your Majesty has ill feelings towards us of the Blue Dragons. Nevertheless, if you’re stepping in to punish us like this, it can only be viewed as an abuse of power.”
His voice trembled.
He must be scared. I could feel it in my aura. Given that he must have witnessed or heard of Ilcheonggeom, who was said to be on the brink of entering the top ranks, getting beaten, there’s no way he wouldn’t be aware.
Wouldn’t I appear like a monster in front of him?
Despite that, it’s remarkable he manages to convey all his thoughts.
In some respects, it might be a commendable act.
“Hence, to ensure legitimacy… first, let’s go to the Alliance…”
[Geumtaeseom.]
“…!”
The guy flinched.
It had to be that way; that was the name of his game.
[A person born in Hanam Geumga who joined the Alliance ten years ago. Forty-two years old, and judging by his contributions in tasks… he’s most likely to become a deputy leader in two years.]
“Uh… how?”
[You’ve really worked hard, haven’t you? I suppose that’s how you ended up in your current position…]
It’s not easy to rise to that position unless you’re exceptionally diligent.
Especially from Hanam Geumga? A clan I’ve never even heard of. Even more so if it’s from a minor clan.
Yes, perhaps that’s why.
[Then, at the very least, you shouldn’t have crossed the line.]
“What… do you mean by that?”
[Daewon Geumtaeseom. In return for looking out for Baek Dongpa, he received dirty money four times a year. Right?]
“…!!”
At my firm tone, Geumtaeseom’s eyes widened.
[Moreover, for his own accomplishments, he continuously shared information about other Sapa members after intervals of time. I suppose these were also given by Baek Dongpa from behind the scenes.]
“I, I…”
[Justice and cooperation? How trivial.]
Thud. I took a step closer to him. He hesitated and stepped back.
[Do you dare bring that up?]
“Ah. No. This is… this is…”
[If you have an excuse, then speak it. Whatever you say, there’s more than enough evidence to deny your claims.]
He bit his lip. I could see anxiety and fear bubbling in his eyes.
“This is a, a conspiracy—!!”
Bang—!!
Thud.
With a loud noise, Geum Taeseom knelt down.
Thud. Blood flowed from the floor as he collapsed, his head caved in, and he breathed his last.
“That, that mold!”
“Oh my…!!!”
As Geum Taeseom died before their eyes, those behind him reacted violently.
[The number of times he dealt with Sapa behind the scenes exceeds ten. Over a span of five years. If there’s no excuse to be made, the penalty is death.]
I said, wiping the blood off my hands.
The response was sufficient. At this point, the atmosphere and foundation of the situation felt aptly set.
[Now, I will name the criminals.]
I looked around with cold eyes. I locked eyes with them one by one.
[Daewon Oh Seok-cheong, knowing that orphaned girls were taken from Hwanseonggiru in Hubei and forced into prostitution, turned a blind eye to it. In return, he brought in numerous prostitutes and engaged in sordid acts against them. He visited almost every three months, mind you, and yet he is a nobleman with three daughters at home.]
A man with half his hair missing, Oh Seok-cheong, covered his mouth.
After laying out the facts, I glanced at another.
[Daewon Seokgyeongdo. He has connections with Haesunggwan, the military officer directly under the Alliance.]
The man looking as if he might faint, Seokgyeongdo, shuddered at the mention.
Haesunggwan. It was a military academy established and operated by the Murim Alliance. It was not for just anyone. Children under fifteen would be tested, and if found talented, they would be admitted.
Those who passed would undergo years of training and subsequently could join the official swordsmanship of the Alliance.
That’s how influential the military academy is.
[You received bribes, split with the elders, and manipulated the entrance exams. Isn’t that true?]
He had accepted substantial payments from some clans, arranging for their descendants to infiltrate Haesunggwan.
[Just as a side note, that elder will also be taken into custody, so don’t worry about it.]
The atmosphere grew increasingly strange as I continued to speak.
Afterward, I called a few more individuals.
As I mentioned their sins, the reactions escalated.
They protested vehemently, claiming it was nonsense, that it was a false accusation; nevertheless, a clear anxiety emerged among them.
Couldn’t the others perceive this? Of course not, the cracks had already started forming.
With such a foundation laid, I simply needed to fulfill my duties.
[You claimed to pursue justice and harmony.]
Swish.
I heard the sound of a sword being drawn somewhere behind me.
[Let me ask again.]
I amplified my aura, creating a palpable pressure. It wasn’t for intimidation or to kill. It was simply for pressure.
[Are you truly justice?]
There was no response. In reality, there was no need for one.
[If you fail to answer, I will make my judgment.]
I raised my hand.
[You are not justice.]
And then I brought it down again.
[Seongryongdae, punish the sinners.]
Boom—!!!
As soon as my hand dropped, several figures sprang from behind.
These were individuals who were already prepared.
There was no hesitation.
“I, I demand—!!”
Slash—!
Before he could finish speaking, Seongyul’s sword severed his head.
He was a scoundrel who had harassed women at the academy.
Before his severed head even hit the ground, wails erupted from elsewhere.
“Kyaaaaaaaah—!!!”
“Heeheehee–!! Heehahaha–!!”
Somebody’s body crumpled amid Bong-soon’s creepy laughter.
According to my standards, those who crossed the line would die, while the ambiguous ones would have their ligaments severed yet be left to breathe.
Grrrr—!!
Ugh—!!
They attempted to resist, but were utterly helpless. There were indeed skillful individuals among them, but my aura was thick enough to restrain them all.
My Lord…!
Ugh—!!
I walked among them. Those who mentioned their sins were busy squirming in panic.
The expressions of those who remained silent were equally troubling.
They were bewildered, unsure of how to respond.
It seemed overwhelming to comprehend the situation. They stood by, unable to react while witnessing their comrades being slaughtered.
This is what fractures in relationships can lead to.
Just as I was easily handling them one by one…
“What is going on…!!”
Suddenly, someone appeared in the Blue Dragon’s den.
It was Mok Ri-seon, the branch manager of the Sacheon office.
I turned my gaze in that direction.
“L-Lord Seongryong, what is the meaning of this…!”
Oh, right.
[Yes, you were here too.]
“…What?”
The instant this guy panicked, my body had already appeared right in front of him.
Thud—!
“Ugh!?”
I reached out and grabbed him by the throat.
[Sacheon Branch Manager Mok Ri-seon. I’ve confirmed your collaboration with Gyecheonmun to engage in treason.]
“Ugh… Huh!”
[You betrayed the Murim Alliance and conspired with Sapa to threaten peace. Here and now, you shall face judgment.]
“P-please… No….”
Crack—!!!
Mok Ri-seon’s life ended in misery as his neck snapped.
“Hu-!”
The accompanying warriors trembled at the sight.
But among them, someone drew their sword and aimed it at me.
They appeared terrified, yet their eyes bore determination.
I recognized this individual. It was someone I had confirmed long ago.
They were the only one in this dim Sacheon branch with a spotless record.
“…What are you doing here at the Alliance’s branch? Just because you’re the Lord of the main branch…!”
[Seong Do-gyeom.]
“…!”
Upon uttering his name, the man aiming his sword at me, Seong Do-gyeom, froze.
I looked at him and stated.
[From now on, you are the branch manager.]
“…Huh? What does that mean…?”
I finished speaking and immediately turned away.
By that point, the situation had nearly concluded.
The scent of blood lingered in the air, and those who survived were moaning in agony.
Though they were not mentioned in any sins, those who dared to resist were thoroughly dealt with.
As I observed, the pressure gradually lessened.
The fluttering attire calmed, and as I passed by the corpses, someone approached and spoke.
It was Seongyul.
“…I have dealt with everything as per your instructions.”
“Oh, good work.”
Possibly due to using a sword after so long, there was a sparkle in his eyes, reminiscent of touching the Thousand-Sal Castle.
I placed a hand on his shoulder as I observed him.
Thump.
Then his gaze softened a bit.
As I acknowledged this, Seongyul added,
“However, the whereabouts of the Blue Dragon Lord remain uncertain.”
“Really?”
“…Yes. Should we search for him?”
“No, that’s unnecessary.”
I already knew where he had gone.
“Bong-soon.”
“Yeah?”
Smiling wide enough to split her face, Bong-soon turned to me when I called her name.
Oh wow, that smile is terrifying! She looks cute, so why does she smile like that?
“Come with me.”
“Where are we going?”
“There’s something to do.”
I stated, putting strength into my legs.
“To catch the escaped prey.”
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