The next day.
An order to appear at the government office was issued.
Accordingly, the righteous martial artists in this district gathered. Not everyone came, only those with a certain rank in their organizations.
“…”
Wow, were there this many righteous ones in this town?
From what I heard, there were numerous sects with names like “Intermediary Brigade,” “Contract Gang,” “Threshold Hall,” and “Modern Transport Agency.” They looked nothing like the vulgar and sinister black-robed scoundrels.
They all had neat appearances and clean clothes. They were completely differentiated from the filthy, ugly, and frivolous looks of the black-robed scoundrels.
But what caught my eye was none other than the warriors of the Tiger Brigade and the man in luxurious golden robes standing next to the district governor.
That must be the Golden Guard.
Just at a glance, I could tell he was a powerful expert, exuding an overwhelming sense of intimidation. Is this what it means to be an imperial martial artist?
“Is everyone here?”
“Yes.”
As the Golden Guard spoke, the governor in official garb responded.
Being a governor is a prestigious position, but it seems like it’s nothing in front of the Golden Guard.
“Then let’s get started.”
The Golden Guard looked at us and said.
“You don’t need to know anything about me. My attire will serve as my introduction.”
What an arrogant tone.
“From this moment on, I will command all of you. If you do not obey my orders, I will handle it as treason, so keep that in mind.”
“…”
Many martial artists seemed dissatisfied with his words, but there was no way they could push back against the Golden Guard… He came here on the emperor’s orders.
In this Ming Dynasty, the only one who could act out against the founder Zhu Yuanzhang would be the Demon King.
“Well, there’s no need to be too tense. It’s not like you insignificant sects will play a crucial role in this.”
Wait, what’s up with this guy?
“I plan to give you only supplementary tasks. However, Tiger Brigade. I have high expectations for you. Aren’t you the promising later-generation figures of the Martial Arts Alliance? Perhaps some of you might become Golden Guards.”
“O…!”
At those words, some members of the Tiger Brigade lit up with excitement.
Being a Golden Guard is one of the ultimate positions for martial artists, almost as significant as the head of a clan.
It’s something to covet.
“Obey me. Got it?”
“Yes!”
“Yes!”
“Yes!”
The Tiger Brigade members responded loudly.
“Good. Then, from now on, commands will be given through the Tiger Brigade.”
The Golden Guard, speaking in an incredibly disrespectful tone, announced while looking back at the lesser sects.
“From this moment on, the Tiger Brigade will be your superior. Orders will be delivered through them, so follow them well. Got it?”
“Understood.”
“Yes.”
I nodded while answering that I understood.
This Golden Guard… Isn’t he just riding too high?
Not only does he command the dispatched combat units of the Martial Arts Alliance, but he also attempts to control our righteous martial artists with a mere snap of his fingers.
Of course, I can’t contest this.
In Anhui Province, even the Namgoong Clan, with powerful authority equivalent to a winged two-headed tiger, is just a well-meaning local fool compared to the empire.
Ultimately, martial artists must obey the government.
The reason the empire recognizes the martial world is that they obey orders and are useful. If martial artists fail to exorcise demons, refuse to pay taxes, and ignore the government’s orders, what reason would there be to keep them around?
The moment the emperor decides, the Ming Imperial Army could obliterate this martial world like the Yuan cavalry trampled the Han people.
The emperor of this great Ming Empire could certainly do that. After all, isn’t he a master of the higher realms? Just sending down a few generals fighting against hellish demons from the northern territories would undoubtedly turn the martial world into a wasteland.
Since Serin said so, it must be certain.
“You all know that the infamous sorceress, the Four Fairies, has plotted. One district has already fallen. You must cooperate with the government to fend off the devils’ armies.”
The Golden Guard explained the mission in his still haughty and authoritative tone. But it seemed he had no intention of sharing detailed information, making it all sound vague; the conclusion was simply to obey.
With that, the Golden Guard’s lecture ended, and the disbandment order was issued.
“What a free-spirited Golden Guard…”
“Who does he think he is?”
“Even telling us to obey those young punks?”
Our righteous martial artists vented their anger, duly gossiping. Honestly, I wanted to jump in too, but I didn’t know them well enough.
It seemed the righteous martial artists here were all familiar with each other. They were all industry insiders who had known each other for a long time.
I was just the newcomer who came to snatch the interests previously held by the black robes, so I had no connections at all.
It’s so frustrating.
I need to hurry and meet up with the others.
“Ah, wait! Everyone, hold on!”
At that moment, a voice called out, stopping us just as we were about to disperse. It was one of the Tiger Brigade warriors. All eyes focused on him.
“What is it?”
“I have something to discuss regarding this matter! Everyone gather around!”
“What discussion?”
The Tiger Brigade warrior requested a dialogue, but the righteous martial artists weren’t particularly receptive.
Since a lackey from the Golden Guard had said a word, these young punks had suddenly become our superiors.
If some lofty person who crawled out of God knows where suddenly raised the hierarchy just by saying a few words, there’d be no such thing as rebellion or insubordination in this world. Without legitimacy, there’s no authority. The righteous martial artists cast such glances at the Tiger Brigade.
“The command structure is one thing! To resolve this situation, we need tighter collaboration!”
“We don’t have time. It’d be better to gather quickly.”
“We’ll wrap it up nicely, so don’t be too anxious.”
But as expected, they are seasoned veterans. Sensing that atmosphere, the Tiger Brigade warriors began to gather and exert pressure.
“Hmm.”
As a result, the relatively less influential righteous martial artists started to glance at each other cautiously. What should I do here? I’ll just blend in with the crowd and watch the situation unfold.
But effectively, the Tiger Brigade warriors had now become the higher authority over us. They might even forcibly draft our Nanchal Room troops into some dangerous battlefield just because they feel like it.
I have to consider that and be careful to appease them… Haha. Now that I’ve become a leader, I’m thinking about political matters too. It’s amazing how much I’ve grown.
“Got it… I will speak.”
The one who answered was the head of the Modern Transport Agency. He seemed to be a recognized martial artist since he spoke on behalf of everyone. I should remember this.
Anyway.
I was about to move along with the group when.
“Geunhyeop. Are you done?”
Over there, Serin came out to greet me.
“Oh, Serin. I’m done, but it seems there’s more to do.”
“That’s…”
Just as Serin was about to reply.
“GASP!”
“Jade Flower Sword!”
“Oh, it’s the Jade Flower Sword!”
“Martial Arts History!”
Everyone present turned their attention, captivated.
Ah, right. This is Serin’s fame.
“AHHHHHHHHH!”
Especially shocked were the young figures of the Tiger Brigade, who literally looked like their jaws had dropped to the floor, their eyes bulging out cartoonishly.
As much as my girl Serin was beautiful and incredibly famous, puffing up my pride, I couldn’t help but think that there’s nothing particularly good about her sticking out like this.
So I was about to say something.
—THWACK.
Suddenly, Serin squeezed up next to me and linked her arm with mine.
“Huh? Serin?”
“This is an opportunity. We must let the righteous martial world know about Geunhyeop.”
“Ah.”
Come to think of it, she did say something like that before. Since I’m a new face in the righteous sect, I should introduce myself somewhere to become known.
But is this really the right time for that?
“I, what’s going on here?”
“What’s that!”
“Uh, uuuuhhh!!”
As expected, the Tiger Brigade warriors had an outbreak of astonishment.
C’mon, Martial Arts History is like a martial arts idol. Just the startled reaction from the Tiger Brigade when they saw Serin proves that. Young martial artists naturally idolize the beautiful female martial artists known as Martial Arts History.
But suddenly, this idol-like figure, the Jade Flower Sword, links arms with some guy?
It’s like a nuclear bomb dropping.
“Oh, Jade Flower Sword! Excuse me, but what does this mean…?”
“Hmm?”
Serin, indifferent as ever, showed no change in her usual expression. With her doing that, I unconsciously squared my shoulders.
Surely, as the partner of the Martial Arts History, that’s how it should be.
“What does this mean?”
“Ah, it’s not that! That man…!”
One of the Tiger Brigade warriors awkwardly pointed at me, stuttering.
“Jade Flower Sword, what is your relationship with him…?”
“What’s this? How absurd. Why are you suddenly pressing me? What qualifications do you have?”
“Ah! I’m sorry! It wasn’t my intention at all!”
Serin’s tone was chilling.
—GULP.
Seeing that, the Tiger Brigade warriors couldn’t hide their anxiety, trembling as they stared at the situation.
“Ah, now that I think about it, you are the Tiger Brigade warriors. It’s been a while.”
“Y-yes… It’s nice to meet you. Then, who is this person next to you…?”
As one of the Tiger Brigade warriors quivered while speaking.
“This man is.”
Serin answered.
“He is my partner, Geunhyeop.”
My partner.
“What?!”
“U-uhhh!”
“AAAAAAAH!”
The Tiger Brigade warriors screamed in shock.
I really drew too much aggro here.
“Is it really true that the Jade Flower Sword made an appearance!”
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.
