Chapter 99: The Youngest Alliance Leader Candidate (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 99: The Youngest Alliance Leader Candidate (5)
“Illusion Demon Poison?”
At my words, everyone in the meeting hall was filled with a mixture of shock and suspicion. Some of the elders, in particular, couldn't hide their visible discomfort.
Sama Jung-hyeon, the Second Strategist, stood up and shouted at me.
“What on earth are you talking about? Illusion Demon Poison?”
Naturally, it was a poison they had never heard of.
It was a specialized toxin meticulously crafted by Blood King Gu Je-yang, a subordinate of the Golden Emperor.
I held up the needle resting on the cloth for everyone to see.
“The Illusion Demon Poison is the substance coated on this needle. It exerts a powerful influence on the human brain, scattering cognitive abilities and allowing the victim to be manipulated.”
One of the elders spoke up.
“Are you saying the Chief Strategist was truly compromised by such a poison?”
It was Namgung Mujin, the head of the Namgung Family.
Before I could answer, the Evil Connection Sword, currently occupying the body of Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon, replied instead.
“It is difficult to believe, but it is the truth. I offer my sincerest apologies to the elders.”
The elders began to whisper among themselves in disbelief.
“To think such a poison exists…”
“How could this happen…?”
It was hard for them to accept that the Chief Strategist, the very brain of the Martial Alliance, had been controlled like a puppet.
Then, someone else spoke.
It was Taoist Master Hoyang, the Plum Blossom White Sword—the second elder of the Martial Alliance and the Sect Leader of the Huashan Sect.
“Can you prove that he was truly under the influence of poison? This old man has spent many years in the Murim, yet I have never heard of such a toxin.”
Several elders nodded in agreement. Like Taoist Master Hoyang, they were part of the faction that supported the former Alliance Leader, the First Sword of Wuhan, Baek Hyang-muk.
“Of course.”
I had brought the long needle coated in the Illusion Demon Poison specifically for this reason.
Fortunately, Dang Woo-jung, the Vice Head of the Tang Family, was present. There was no reason I couldn't prove it.
As if he had read my mind, Dang Woo-jung stood up.
“I shall verify it myself.”
“Amitabha. Wait a moment.”
Someone rose to interrupt. She was a nun who appeared to be in her mid-fifties—Matron Jeonghyang of the Emei Sect.
“Deputy Alliance Leader, elders. Are you truly going to take the Lesser Sword Immortal’s words at face value? Furthermore, this meeting is for the Elder Council and…”
“That is enough, Matron Jeonghyang. What the Lesser Sword Immortal is saying transcends mere matters of protocol.”
“Elder Gwak!”
Gwak Hyeong-jik, the Bukyeong Doseong, cut her off. He had stepped in at the perfect moment.
—Why is that nun making such a fuss?
Of course she was. The current leadership of the Martial Alliance was already facing a crisis of confidence from numerous sects and clans following their crushing defeat in the recent war against the Blood Cult.
In such a situation, if word got out that Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon—the heart and mind of the Alliance—had been poisoned and manipulated, that trust would crumble even further.
Then, a white-haired old Taoist stood up and rebuked Gwak Hyeong-jik.
“Elder Gwak. As Matron Jeonghyang said, this meeting is restricted to the Elder Council and those of the Strategist’s Hall or higher. If we are to ignore that, what becomes of our laws and traditions?”
He was Taoist Master Jeongyang, the Sect Leader of the Gongdong Sect.
I knew from Jo Seong-won, the current leader of the Beggar’s Sect, that he belonged to one of the elder factions, but I hadn't expected him to be so blatant about it.
Like Matron Jeonghyang, he was a supporter of Deputy Alliance Leader Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun. They were itching for any excuse to kick me out.
“Please, stop, Taoist Master Jeongyang. Even if protocol is important, if the Chief Strategist was truly poisoned as my Junior Brother says, then this is no time for bickering, is it?”
Another person stepped forward to defend me.
It was Jo Cheong-un, the Hengshan’s First Sword. It seemed he was supporting me because of the bond we had formed as fellow disciples back at the Yikyang So Family. Of course, his upright character likely played a part as well.
“Junior Brother—no, Lesser Sword Immortal. Are you certain that poison was used to control Elder Bang Deok-hyeon?”
“Did you not hear what Elder Bang said himself? He was manipulated by this needle and led the Martial Alliance into a crisis.”
As I spoke, a voice reached me via Sound Transmission.
[What do you think you’re doing, Brother So!]
It was Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon. He was the one who had originally told me that Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon might be a spy for a mysterious organization. Now, he was rebuking me for escalating the situation.
[Was it not I who informed you that Bang Deok-hyeon was a spy? Why are you causing such chaos in a meeting of this magnitude?]
It was exactly as I expected. If I continued to push here, the positions of the Deputy Alliance Leader and himself would become precarious.
If they hadn't noticed the Chief Strategist's abnormal behavior, it was an admission of incompetence. If they had known and ignored it, it was an even bigger problem.
[Stop this at once. If you withdraw now, I will later…]
Before he could finish, I clasped my hands in a formal salute toward Sama Jung-hyeon and spoke aloud.
“The one who discovered all of this was none other than the Second Strategist.”
“!?”
Sama Jung-hyeon was left speechless by my sudden declaration. He clearly hadn't expected me to play it this way.
Taoist Master Hoyang asked in confusion, “What do you mean? The Second Strategist found this out?”
“It is as I said. The reason I disappeared for seven months was at the request of the Second Strategist, to uncover the organization hiding in the shadows and plotting against the Martial Alliance.”
“!?”
The meeting hall erupted in a stir. Sama Jung-hyeon stared at me with a look of utter absurdity, then hurriedly looked toward the head of the table at Deputy Alliance Leader Jin-gyun.
Jin-gyun’s expression was frozen in a terrifying mask. Seeing Sama Jung-hyeon’s throat tremble, he was likely sending frantic explanations via Sound Transmission.
—Your petty tricks are really something, kyahaha!
The Lesser Conversation Sword laughed, shaking its head.
With just a few words, I had made Sama Jung-hyeon my accomplice. From Deputy Alliance Leader Jin-gyun’s perspective, he would be feeling both suspicion and mounting rage.
Ignoring the chaos, I continued.
“Those of you here should be aware of the existence of the Golden-Eyed Man.”
“The Golden Eye!”
Everyone’s attention sharpened. As the late Chief Strategist Zhuge Won-myeong had said, the leadership of the Alliance was aware of the Golden Emperor, who had been hunting the next generation of Orthodox masters.
Eon Gwang-woon, the head of the Jinju Eon Family, asked me, “Are you saying this matter is related to the Golden-Eyed Man?”
“Yes.”
“Then the Blood Cult…”
“It is not the Blood Cult.”
As expected, they hadn't even come close to the truth yet. To think they still believed the Blood Cult and the Golden Emperor were linked. I had to set the record straight here.
“According to my investigation, the Golden Eye has been attempting to manipulate the Murim from the shadows for a very long time.”
“What on earth does that mean?”
“Exactly what it sounds like. That man hasn't just been killing masters. He has been planting his people within numerous martial organizations—Orthodox and Evil alike, including the Martial Alliance—to sow chaos.”
The murmurs among the elders grew louder. This was likely the first time such a thing had been discussed in an official capacity.
Then, a handsome middle-aged man spoke to me.
“Lesser Sword Immortal. I have heard much of your fame, but whether what you say is true or not, such claims could throw the Alliance into turmoil.”
He was Moyong Woong-gyeong, the head of the Moyong Family. I had heard he was part of the faction supporting Deputy Leader Jin-gyun, and it showed.
“He’s right. Even if you were investigating this at Strategist Sama’s request, your story is far too preposterous.”
Hwangbo Jong, the head of the Hwangbo Family, chimed in to support him.
“What exactly is preposterous about it?”
“Lesser Sword Immortal. If what you say is true, it means the Alliance is being toyed with by an organization hiding in the shadows…”
I cut him off with a smirk.
“Are we not, in fact, being toyed with?”
“What?”
Hwangbo Jong couldn't hide his displeasure at the mockery in my voice.
Taoist Master Jeongyang of the Gongdong Sect intervened.
“See here, Lesser Sword Immortal. You are going too far.”
“How is it too far? The Chief Strategist, the very brain of the Martial Alliance, was brainwashed by that organization. And yet, with the exception of Strategist Sama over there, was there anyone among you who noticed?”
“You!”
Taoist Master Jeongyang’s face flushed deep red. If we weren't in this setting, he looked ready to strike me then and there.
But he wouldn't dare. He knew the capabilities of the Six Great Experts—or rather, the Eight Great Masters, though with the deaths of Merciless Blade Jeong Cheon and Taiji Sword Emperor Zhongxian, I suppose it’s six now.
Regardless, he knew the power of those who had reached the realm of superhumans. Unless he wanted to be humiliated, he wouldn't attack recklessly.
Of course, there was one person who was an exception.
Vroooooom!
A suffocating pressure erupted, and everyone’s eyes turned toward Deputy Alliance Leader Jin-gyun at the head of the table. He sat with his hands clasped, clearly trying his best to suppress his rage.
“Deputy Alliance Leader…”
Sama Jung-hyeon tried to restrain him, but Jin-gyun raised a hand, signaling him to stay back.
Jin-gyun stared at me with sharp, piercing eyes.
“Brother So. No, Lesser Sword Immortal.”
“Speak.”
“I, too, was already aware of the Chief Strategist’s abnormal behavior.”
At his words, some of the elders looked at him with puzzled expressions.
Jin-gyun continued, “However, I feigned ignorance in order to draw out the entity behind Elder Bang Deok-hyeon. And yet, you have ruined everything.”
I scoffed inwardly. In just half a year since entering the Martial Alliance, he had become a full-blown politician. With those words, he had shifted all the blame onto me.
The elders supporting him brightened and voiced their approval.
“As expected!”
“So the Deputy Alliance Leader knew all along.”
“I wondered why the Deputy Alliance Leader remained silent; now I see the reason.”
Silent, my foot. He was just fuming because he thought Sama Jung-hyeon had stabbed him in the back.
In truth, the reason he hadn't been able to touch Bang Deok-hyeon was that he lacked a decisive justification. Moreover, a portion of the elders had been supporting the Chief Strategist.
I didn't let my thoughts show and spoke with feigned surprise.
“Ah. I had no idea the Deputy Alliance Leader had such a scheme in mind.”
Feeling emboldened, Jin-gyun spoke in a low, lecturing tone.
“But you have made a mess of it all. Because of you, we have lost the trail to the mastermind. How do you intend to take responsibility for this?”
The elders supporting him nodded in agreement, their spirits high.
To this, I replied as if I couldn't understand.
“Why should I take responsibility?”
Jin-gyun raised his voice, exasperated.
“Do you not realize what you have just done?”
“Did I not prevent the Martial Alliance from falling into even greater chaos?”
“Are you mocking me right now!”
“I am not.”
“What?”
“I believe it was the late Alliance Leader and the brainwashed Elder Bang Deok-hyeon who pushed for the subjugation war, claiming the Blood Cult was weakened. How many people were sacrificed because of that?”
“!?”
Jin-gyun was momentarily silenced. He couldn't refute the fact that countless Orthodox martial artists had lost their lives in this war.
Sama Jung-hyeon stepped in to defend him.
“See here! The Deputy Alliance Leader was against this war. Do the elders here not know this? The Deputy Alliance Leader argued that instead of causing more casualties, we should first capture Jue Xin, the murderer of Taoist Master Zhongxian. It is thanks to him that we were able to preserve this much of the Alliance’s strength.”
The elders supporting Jin-gyun began to berate me in unison.
“You go too far without knowing the facts.”
“Do you have any idea what the Deputy Alliance Leader was feeling at that time!”
They were desperate to bury this incident. If they didn't, the positions of the Deputy Alliance Leader and themselves would be shaken.
I snorted and said, “How unfortunate. If you had revealed the Chief Strategist’s abnormal behavior then and opposed him, you could have saved even more lives.”
“……That is……”
Sama Jung-hyeon was at a loss for words. If he argued further, he would be admitting that they had allowed the war to happen just to eliminate a rival faction.
I shook my head and continued.
“Or, if you had noticed Elder Bang Deok-hyeon was poisoned, you could have prevented it. Seeing as you didn't, it seems you didn't actually know anything.”
Jin-gyun’s face turned beet red. The veins bulging on his forehead showed that his rage had reached its limit.
Matron Jeonghyang of the Emei Sect snapped at me.
“Amitabha. Almsgiver Lesser Sword Immortal, you are truly insolent. The Deputy Alliance Leader and all the elders here are people who have sacrificed themselves for decades for the sake of justice. To insult them in this manner—do you truly believe you have the right to be a candidate for Alliance Leader?”
“Ahem! Matron Jeonghyang is right. To run wild like this without any respect for his seniors or understanding of the situation… if we recognize such a person as a candidate…”
Hwangbo Jong of the Hwangbo Family supported her. They were perfectly in sync.
Hwangbo Jong had been part of the faction supporting Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon and hoping for the return of the former leader, Baek Hyang-muk. The fact that he was now helping the opposing faction was because he viewed me as a threat.
If I continued my claims, their own positions would be in jeopardy.
I smiled brightly and called out.
“Chief Strategist.”
The Evil Connection Sword, possessing Bang Deok-hyeon, replied.
“What is it?”
“Did you say this meeting was intended to reach an agreement that no one can be registered as an Alliance Leader candidate without the recommendation of the elders?”
At this question, the expressions of several elders stiffened. They were the ones who had accepted Bang Deok-hyeon’s proposal. Hwangbo Jong was among them.
The faction supporting the Deputy Alliance Leader also had nothing to say. They had likely intended to accept the proposal while feigning reluctance.
The possessed Bang Deok-hyeon opened his mouth to answer.
“It is shameful, but true…”
Then, Peng Sa-yong, the head of the Hebei Peng Family, cut in.
“Enough! You are clearly determined to throw the Alliance into chaos. Even if your claims are entirely correct, how can you divide the Alliance when we face a great enemy like the Blood Cult!”
I smirked and said, “I heard that you, Elder Peng, also agreed to the plan to prevent me from registering as a candidate.”
Peng Sa-yong flinched, unable to find words. There were few here who could speak with a clear conscience.
I clasped my hands toward the elders.
“I cannot help but be impressed by the elders, who, even in the face of such a grave issue as the Chief Strategist being brainwashed by Illusion Demon Poison, refuse to face reality and instead unite for the sake of their respective candidates.”
As my words struck home, the expressions of the elders shifted.
However, seeing some of them—like Taoist Master Hoyang of Huashan, Namgung Mujin of the Namgung Family, Eon Gwang-woon of the Jinju Eon Family, Matron Yang Myeong of the Hengshan Sect, and Dang Woo-jung of the Sichuan Tang Family—sighing in shame, it seemed not everyone was cut from the same cloth.
I suppose there are still some true Orthodox martial artists left.
“I have talked long enough. I hope the newly elected Alliance Leader will be capable of facing the Blood Demon. This humble one shall take his leave.”
Having delivered my final blow, I turned around to walk away.
Then, someone called out to stop me.
“Halt.”
It was Deputy Alliance Leader Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun. With a terrifyingly grim expression, he rose from his seat.
“What exactly do you mean by those words?”
Without turning back, I answered slowly.
“Exactly what you heard.”
“Exactly what I heard? Ha!”
At that moment, a loud crash echoed from behind me.
Boom!
I looked back to see that the table in the meeting hall had been smashed to pieces.
The immense pressure radiating from Jin-gyun left everyone unable to speak. When someone who has reached the realm of superhumans releases their energy without restraint, the very air becomes heavy.
Jin-gyun stepped over the shattered table and walked straight toward me.
“You’ve become quite arrogant since I last saw you. It seems I misjudged you.”
I clasped my hands and spoke politely.
“If my words have offended you, I apologize. However, I, too, am utterly disappointed in the senior I haven't seen in so long.”
Intense battle spirit erupted from Jin-gyun. The sheer force of his aura created a wind that swept through the entire hall.
Jin-gyun spoke loudly for everyone to hear.
“There is no need to drag this out. Let us decide right here who is fit to be a candidate for Alliance Leader.”
“Deputy Alliance Leader!”
“Silence!”
Whoosh!
“Urgh!”
Sama Jung-hyeon tried to stop him but was pushed back by the sheer force of his aura. Realizing that no one could stop Jin-gyun now, the others rose from their chairs and backed away.
Jin-gyun walked toward me, his voice laced with murderous intent.
“It seems you’ve lost your perspective after we fought to a draw in our informal duel. Do not regret the misfortune your insolence has brought upon you.”
I didn't lower my hands from the salute as I replied.
“Senior. I would prefer if we ended this here.”
“It is too late for regrets. It won't be like last time!”
Flash!
With a shout, Jin-gyun lunged at me. His right hand shot forward with incredible speed, looking ready to tear me in half.
“Sigh.”
I let out a breath.
I lowered my hands and placed one behind my back.
“Arrogant brat!”
Seeing my posture, Jin-gyun’s rage intensified, and his strike became even more lethal.
As he closed the distance in an instant, I simply caught his right hand.
BOOM!
The wall to my left was completely blown away by the shockwave of the internal power loaded into Jin-gyun’s strike.
Yet, his hand remained firmly caught in mine.
Jin-gyun’s eyes turned serious as he spoke.
“You’re quite… huh!?”
Crack!
Before he could finish his sentence, I twisted the wrist I was holding.
His pride was so great that he didn't even groan, but his eyes widened as if they were about to burst.
“You… how is your internal power so…”
To the astonished man, I whispered.
“I told you we should stop.”
“What?”
I brought my left hand from behind my back and raised it high.
Then, channeling my Seven Stars internal power, I brought my palm down onto Jin-gyun’s head.
Jin-gyun hurriedly raised his left arm to block, but—
CRASH!
“Gah!”
With a short scream, Jin-gyun was driven straight into the floor.
Rumble, crash, bang!
The sound of destruction continued from below. He had likely crashed all the way down to the first floor of the main building.
I turned my head toward the elders. They were so horrified that every single one of them stared at me with slack-jawed, stunned expressions.