Chapter 153
Chapter 153
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 153
Chapter Title: Leaders of the Orthodox Martial World
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Mu-heun slammed his palms on the desk again and repeated himself.
“Are we making a deal, or not?”
His voice was firm. Hearing this, the Beggars’ Sect Leader, Bi Chwi-hak, and the Haomun Lord, Wi Guk, hesitated for a moment. It wasn't simply because they were reluctant to share information; it was a matter of pride.
For two elders of the martial world to be swayed by this young pup and be the first to speak up... To make matters worse, this boy, Baek Mu-heun, was smacking the desk and rushing them to decide!
However, the more he acted this way, the more they had to admire him. If he truly was the savior the Soul-Stealing Immortal had spoken of, then at least they wouldn't have to worry about him being naive and getting taken advantage of.
*Smack! Smack!*
“Why has the cat got everyone’s tongue? Is this your first time doing business like this?”
Wi Guk’s head throbbed.
‘His insight is good. Very good. But... should I see this as a positive development? We are his elders by a significant margin... Do those demonic cultists not even teach basic etiquette?’
Wi Guk clutched his head and shook it from side to side.
Just then.
Bi Chwi-hak, having organized his thoughts, spoke up.
“It seems the decision has more or less been made. Fine, let’s make a deal.”
He had made his choice.
Mu-heun grinned at Bi Chwi-hak, then turned his head to address Wi Guk.
“Finally, we’re getting somewhere. Lord of Haomun, what will you do?”
His gaze seemed to say, ‘I’ve already secured the Beggars’ Sect, so you’re optional. Take it or leave it.’
‘Haa.’
Wi Guk let out a deep sigh and spoke.
“You’re certainly no ordinary young man. Very well, I will also agree to the deal. So, let’s hear it first. What is it you want?”
The leader of the Beggars’ Sect and the lord of Haomun had raised their hands in surrender, accepting Mu-heun’s deal.
In Mu-heun’s eyes, he could see the Soul-Stealing Immortal watching the two men. The Soul-Stealing Immortal, who was applauding and smiling brightly. However, it seemed the others couldn't see him clearly.
‘Is that also a type of soul-stealing art? Well, that’s not what’s important right now.’
“It’s simple. The information you possess. Please tell me about any matters that threaten the Central Plains and are difficult to understand through common sense.”
“Difficult to understand through common sense?”
“Yes. For instance, incidents where non-human beings are running rampant... Tell me everything about such occurrences. In return, I will provide information that will satisfy you.”
Hearing Mu-heun’s words, Bi Chwi-hak spoke.
“...Understood. However, do not underestimate us. In exchange for our information, yours must also satisfy us.”
Wi Guk also nodded and added.
“As you said, the deal has to be mutually beneficial.”
Mu-heun nodded at the two men, and from that moment, Bi Chwi-hak and Wi Guk began to divulge the information they knew related to the ‘great undertaking.’
On this day, the fateful meeting proceeded smoothly.
The horrific experiments conducted across the Central Plains—experiments like the ones Mu-heun had encountered in Yuhua County—had led him to meet the Beggars’ Sect Leader Bi Chwi-hak and the Haomun Lord Wi Guk, and through them, the Soul-Stealing Immortal, Jang Ryang.
* * *
The Martial Alliance Leader, Du Baek, was seated in a secret underground chamber in the Heavenly Dragon Castle, located in the Wuhan region of the Martial Alliance. In this clandestine room, he faced the foremost leaders of the martial world.
They were all familiar faces, but seeing them gathered like this, he could feel the immense power of the Orthodox Sects.
‘Truly reassuring.’
He had invited them for two reasons.
First, to explain the strange phenomena occurring throughout the martial world recently. Furthermore, he intended to form a unit to investigate these phenomena and needed to request the cooperation of the various sects and families.
The terms of cooperation were as follows: to receive recommendations for talented young warriors of the next generation and form a new organization under the Martial Alliance. The name of this unit would be the Hidden Shadow Corps.
Those who joined the Hidden Shadow Corps would be under the special management of the Martial Alliance. They would be provided with various elixirs and equipment, and at the same time, they would be granted the authority to exert influence in various places.
It might be far from a simple agreement, but the work was just as dangerous, so it could also be considered a fast track to success.
Moreover, the Martial Alliance Leader Du Baek, who had already reached the Transcendent Realm, would personally oversee their martial arts training.
‘There’s no greater benefit than this.’
Second, according to the Soul-Stealing Immortal, the strange phenomena occurring in the martial world were not isolated incidents.
They were merely a prelude to a great catastrophe to come... If so, investigation and subjugation were inseparable elements.
First, the Hidden Shadow Corps would investigate these phenomena.
If, during the investigation, it was revealed that there was an enemy capable of threatening the martial world, a subjugation force would have to be formed immediately.
Of course, if all the members of the Martial Alliance joined forces, they could neutralize any opponent, no matter how strong.
The Martial Alliance, which he led, was by no means weak.
However, in the current situation where they didn't know where or how many enemies were distributed, it was impossible for all members of the Martial Alliance to traverse the vast Central Plains.
This was precisely why he had gathered them here. To first explain the situation and then ask for their immediate cooperation when the time came.
Since the various sects were spread throughout the Central Plains, what if the closest sect or family were to primarily handle the subjugation upon discovering an enemy? There could be no more efficient response.
The first to be invited for this great undertaking were none other than the Nine Sects, One Union, and the Five Great Families. Although not all were able to attend, a considerable number of people were present at this meeting.
First were the two great powers of the Shaanxi region, the Huashan and Zhongnan sects...
In terms of the entire sect's strength, influence, and prestige, Zhongnan was superior to Huashan, but a single swordsman present here had elevated Huashan's reputation above Zhongnan's in the public eye.
The Plum Blossom Sword Venerable, Jin Hong.
The man closest to being the strongest under heaven sat on one side, silently sipping his tea. His expression was devoid of any emotion.
In the world, his reputation was that of a ruthless executioner. Perhaps due to a past mistake, he was known to despise the Unorthodox Sects and the Demonic Cult.
But had there been a recent change of heart?
On the opposite side, the Zhongnan Sect Leader, Mong-yu, was watching Jin Hong while pretending to be nonchalant, sipping his tea. Mong-yu was the leader of Zhongnan. He, too, was a master who had reached the Profound Realm.
His sword was not as flamboyant as Huashan's, but it was righteous and straight. When he wielded his steadfast blade, one's gaze would be irresistibly drawn to it.
Just then.
“Is the Huashan Sect Leader not attending?”
The Zhongnan Sect Leader, Mong-yu, asked Jin Hong.
“The Sect Leader had urgent business, so I came in his stead.”
“Ahem. I heard you had left Huashan and were wandering.”
“I have returned. Why, is there a problem?”
“No. Not at all. I just hope you will convey the matters of this meeting to Huashan properly.”
“Thank you for your concern, Sect Leader.”
From the Martial Alliance Leader Du Baek's perspective, the emotional rift between Zhongnan and Huashan had not yet healed. The slight tension in their exchange was proof.
Was it two years ago? An incident occurred where one of the merchant caravans under Zhongnan's protection in Shaanxi was attacked by the Waterways Gang.
At that time, the second-generation disciples of Zhongnan assigned to protect the caravan were defeated by the Waterways Gang in the water.
So, the Zhongnan Sect Leader Mong-yu had dispatched first-generation disciples and an elder, but Jin Hong had stepped in without a word and resolved the entire incident himself.
In the end, Huashan's name soared to the heavens, while Zhongnan's was dragged through the mud.
‘It must be because of that incident.’
Beside him, Du Baek saw the Wudang Sect Leader, Heo Seon-jin-in. Shaolin and Wudang were the sects that boasted the most powerful forces among the Nine Sects, One Union.
Moreover, Wudang had a Transcendent Realm master, just like Huashan's Plum Blossom Sword Venerable.
The Taegeuk Sword Emperor.
His existence further elevated Wudang's already lofty reputation.
Next to him was the Qingcheng Sect Leader, Ji Gun-ja. Qingcheng was likely the sect with the most information regarding this situation.
They were also known as a branch of the Nine Sects, One Union...
And... Kunlun's Cloud Dragon, Ok Cheon-u, was there. He had come separately from Gu Pae-seon and the other elders, having been delegated the authority of the Sect Leader to visit the Martial Alliance alone.
It was said he had fully recovered from the internal injuries sustained in the battle with the Poison Fiend not long ago...
‘He looks fine, which is a relief. By the way, five of the Nine Sects, One Union... It seems the Emei, Kongtong, Beggars', Diancang, and Shaolin sects did not come.’
Well, it was more or less expected.
Shaolin, Diancang, and Emei had always been reluctant to participate in such external affairs, and the Kongtong Sect would likely follow Kunlun's lead.
The only regret was that there was no way to contact the defrocked monk who had been expelled from Shaolin some time ago.
The defrocked monk, who was excommunicated for indiscriminately slaughtering both allies and enemies during the war after falling to his inner demon.
He later overcame his inner demon and returned to Shaolin... but Shaolin did not accept him back.
For Du Baek, who knew that he was a hidden master of the Orthodox Sects, it was a truly regrettable situation.
‘If he had stepped forward... the absolute masters of the Orthodox Sects would be known as four, not three. Anyway.’
The most important figures were not in sight.
The Beggars' Sect Leader, Bi Chwi-hak... he knew he had come here, but where had he gone...? And the Haomun Lord?
Well, they were free spirits, so they would probably show up soon.
It wasn't just the Nine Sects, One Union that had come.
The family praised for generations as the Divine Strategists of Zhuge and hailed as a family of wisdom. The family that remained in Hubei Province, serving as strategists for the Martial Alliance. A family that Du Baek personally cherished.
The head of the Zhuge Family, Zhuge Hyeok.
A representative family that walked the path of supremacy, the hegemon of Hebei. A family known to have many connections with the government, being located in Beijing, the nation's capital.
The Blade of Hebei, who prided themselves on being the best in the world with their blade techniques.
The head of the Hebei Peng Family, Peng Mu-seon.
A family residing in Hefei, Anhui Province, also known as the government of Anhui. These people, who reigned like emperors, were famous for their excellence in both literary and martial arts.
The successors of the Imperial Sword Style that had pacified the region with its swordsmanship.
The head of the Nangong Family, Nangong Jin.
Descendants of the royal family of the Yan Kingdom, a family that valued dignity and etiquette. In the land of Shenyang, called the heart of Liaoning, they still reigned like kings. The noble sword they wielded showed a different kind of power from the Imperial Sword of Nangong.
The head of the Murong Family, Murong Su-yeon.
The head of the Sichuan Tang Clan was absent, but he knew the reason well. The new family head, Dang Yeon-hwa, must be busy putting the current Tang Clan in order.
The one who had made the Tang Clan that way was Dang Baek-ho. Thinking of him, this incident was a blessing in disguise for the Sichuan Tang Clan. This only made him more curious about Baek Mu-heun, the key figure in the Tang Clan incident.
And to hear his name mentioned again by Kunlun's Gu Pae-seon and the Soul-Stealing Immortal who had come to visit him...
His curiosity grew with each passing day.
‘I wonder what kind of man he is.’
Anyway.
With the exception of the Tang Clan, the heads of all the families were in attendance. This was a good turnout.
The Martial Alliance Leader, Du Baek, stood before everyone, cupped his fist in salute, and spoke.
“I thank all the elders of the martial world for gathering here in response to the Alliance's request. Since you have all taken time out of your busy schedules, I will get straight to the point.”
Du Baek began to calmly explain why he had invited the representatives of each sect and the heads of the families here.
And in one corner of the room sat a man wearing a necklace from the Earth Fang Squad, which was connected to the Soul-Stealing Immortal, Jang Ryang.