Chapter 309
Chapter 309
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 309
Chapter Title: The Alliance Leader's Return
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It was just a single word.
But the weight woven into that one word instantly crushed the grand assembly hall.
Silence descended.
Those who had arrived first at the grand assembly wore complicated expressions at the appearance of the Alliance Leader.
The Murim Alliance Leader, who hadn't shown himself until now, had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
It was far too abrupt, without any prior notice.
The Alliance Leader, who had thus seized control of the grand assembly, spoke with a serene gaze.
"There are quite a few faces I haven't seen before."
His sharp gaze swept over several people before he flashed a pure white smile.
It was a smile as cold as an ice field.
It was directed at those he hadn't seen before his seclusion.
And among them was Hyeondo.
For a brief moment, Hyeondo met the Alliance Leader's eyes before sinking his own gaze deep like an abyss.
Pure Heart Sword Hero Joo Cheon-geuk.
He was a legendary figure who had ascended to the position of Murim Alliance Leader armed only with his sword and no backing from any faction—a swordsman even the Nine Great Sects yielded to.
'The rumors weren't exaggerated.'
Cold sweat beaded on his forehead.
Was the dignity of an absolute master like this?
He hadn't even unleashed any pressure, yet with his mere presence, he dominated the grand assembly filled with the pillars of the Murim Alliance.
Meanwhile, as the Alliance Leader surveyed the attendees one by one and withdrew his gaze...
"Many new faces have joined us."
At that precise moment, the Military Strategist spoke up.
It aligned perfectly, as if timed on purpose.
"Is that so."
The Murim Alliance Leader grinned and nodded.
"It seems the Murim Alliance has changed quite a bit while I was away from the world."
As he murmured softly...
"Amitabha. It's been a long time, Alliance Leader."
Suddenly, Venerable Wonjong spoke up.
Emitting a faint golden light and even displaying his Buddhist power, he stared straight at the Alliance Leader.
The Alliance Leader smiled and replied.
"The Venerable is still here, I see."
Venerable Wonjong furrowed his brow.
It sounded nonchalant, but to his ears, it felt like the Alliance Leader was implying why an old monk like him was still clinging on in the Murim Alliance.
"How could this monk fall behind when the Alliance Leader himself, who has been absent for so long, has returned to hold that position."
Venerable Wonjong's words bristled like thorns.
It was a perfect rebuttal.
However...
"That's true as well."
The Alliance Leader defused Venerable Wonjong's attack with such disarming calm acknowledgment that it left the monk deflated.
Venerable Wonjong's brow furrowed even more.
'Still impossible to read.'
Even after all this time, he hadn't changed.
It was impossible to discern what he was thinking or what his goals were.
Soon, he looked at the Alliance Leader and asked.
"But what brings you here to attend?"
"What nonsense is that."
The Alliance Leader's voice deepened gravely.
"Isn't it only natural for the Alliance Leader to attend the Murim grand assembly?"
"......Unexpected."
Venerable Wonjong's eyes narrowed slightly.
"This monk thought that after entrusting all authority to the Military Strategist, you would never show your face again."
His words shot out like arrows.
It was a reprimand.
A war with the Evil-Black Alliance had broken out, yet as the Alliance Leader, he had handed all authority to the Military Strategist and only now appeared—what kind of excuse was that?
Several others glared sharply at the Alliance Leader seated at the head seat with eyes that echoed agreement.
They had hoped for the Alliance Leader's appearance, been overwhelmed by his presence when he arrived, but now, as time passed, resentment brewed over his long absence.
This was no ordinary time.
It was in the midst of war with the Evil-Black Alliance.
The very survival of the Murim Alliance hung in the balance.
Yet the one responsible for leading it had only now shown up.
How could they not be furious?
However, despite their piercing glares, the Alliance Leader remained utterly composed.
Not even a twitch in his eyes.
"I was delayed by some matters."
"What matters could possibly keep you away in such a situation?"
Venerable Wonjong's tone rose slightly.
He saw it as an excuse.
"It's not time to reveal that yet."
"Such unreasonable..."
As Venerable Wonjong tried to say more...
"Is that the important matter right now?"
A cold voice interjected.
It was Yong Ju-gae.
He had been startled by the Alliance Leader's sudden entrance as well, but now spoke with his usual expression.
"What matters is that the Alliance Leader has appeared."
"......"
Venerable Wonjong clamped his mouth shut, his face displeased.
He was right.
Regardless, the key point was that the Alliance Leader had finally shown himself in an official capacity.
Yong Ju-gae glanced at Venerable Wonjong before turning to the Alliance Leader and speaking.
"Does that mean your semi-seclusion is over now?"
"Indeed."
"Good."
The exchange was brief.
But it was enough.
Dwelling on the past unnecessarily wouldn't help the current dire situation.
As the commotion settled...
"Then let's end the pointless talk and get to the main issue."
The Alliance Leader looked around and said.
"Military Strategist. Explain the situation first."
It was direct to the point.
Like a charging bull.
And Zhuge Gong, matching his pace, pulled out prepared documents from his robe.
Adding swift explanations as he went.
"The Divine Dragon Squad..."
Winter had yet to fully pass, but the incidents that had unfolded were numerous.
From the Divine Dragon Squad Leader's critical injury to the Iron Blood Unit's mission failure, the annihilation of Heavenly Sword Manor, and more.
Information poured out fluidly.
As Zhuge Gong continued his explanation, he wrapped up and turned his head to the side.
"And the last remaining mission will be explained by them."
His gaze fell on Yukwon, the Cooperation Unit Leader, and the Demon Subjugation Unit Leader.
The three exchanged glances briefly.
"Yukwon here."
Yukwon rose from his seat and cupped his fists in salute.
Then dove straight into the explanation.
"During this mission..."
Yukwon detailed everything he had seen, heard, and felt while carrying out the mission.
Especially in his explanation...
"Young Hero Cheonhwi's martial arts left the Immortal Heavenly Cult Leader utterly powerless."
His account of Cheonhwi was particularly meticulous.
A detailed praise laced with admiration.
The listeners felt as if they had witnessed it themselves.
After speaking at length, Yukwon described the moment the Immortal Heavenly Cult Leader met his end, briefly reported the battle casualties and returning personnel, then sat back down.
"To take down that Immortal Heavenly Cult Leader single-handedly."
"I knew he wasn't ordinary since he defeated the Bandit King and the Poison Master, but..."
Everyone seated was stunned by Yukwon's vivid tale.
It felt like a dream.
Moreover, Yukwon was not one to exaggerate or falsify reports.
Meaning it was all objective fact.
As the assembly swallowed dryly...
"Impressive."
Having heard it all, the Alliance Leader stroked his beard with a surprised expression.
He suddenly shifted his gaze.
Toward the man who had been wearing a proud look since the nickname Plum Blossom Divine Hero first emerged.
"Mount Hua has raised a remarkable disciple."
Hyeondo was startled by the sudden praise from the Alliance Leader but soon smiled.
"Our sect hasn't done much for our Cheonhwi. It's all thanks to his own brilliance."
"Such excessive humility."
The Alliance Leader smiled as well.
At that moment.
"Alliance Leader."
Zhuge Gong called out.
"What is it?"
"We should commend those who returned from their missions. The Alliance has been demoralized by the ongoing wars. Now is the time to boost their spirits with recognition of their achievements."
Several eyes lit up instantly.
They were the ones whose disciples had successfully completed their missions.
"Hmm, commend their merits..."
As the Alliance Leader pondered briefly...
"A good idea."
"The Military Strategist is right."
"With everyone exhausted from the prolonged wars, shouldn't we inject some vitality now?"
They chimed in immediately.
It was an opportunity not to miss.
Commendation from the Alliance Leader would greatly elevate their prestige.
Soon, the Alliance Leader nodded.
"So be it."
"Then, with the reports so far concluded, let's discuss future plans."
Zhuge Gong moved straight on.
There was no time to waste on such matters when the situation was so urgent.
He then began voicing the opinions he had prepared in advance with the Alliance Leader before the assembly started.
"In place of the critically injured Divine Dragon Squad Leader, the Vice Leader will..."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The Alliance Leader's return after eight years of seclusion spread rapidly through the Alliance.
"The Alliance Leader has emerged!"
"Finally..."
The gloomy atmosphere that had blanketed the Alliance lifted dramatically with his appearance.
Anxiety vanished, and morale soared.
Such was the existence of the Alliance Leader.
He was their guiding leader.
And that evening.
Cheonhwi, who had been calmly uninvolved in the commotion, slipped out of his quarters.
Moving through the silence as those around him slumbered unknowingly in their dreams, he pierced the darkness.
Under the blue moonlight sprinkling faintly on the streets, Cheonhwi's figure moved as swiftly and stealthily as a ghost.
Thus, bounding across rooftops for a while...
Tap.
Cheonhwi's foot stopped.
At the grounds of some unnamed palace hall.
Soon, Cheonhwi looked ahead.
In the center of a serene lake stood a pavilion with a swaying yellow lantern.
And in the pavilion were two people.
One was a familiar face.
The Military Strategist, Zhuge Gong.
But the other was a stranger.
'Well now?'
Cheonhwi's eyes narrowed.
Standing with hands behind his back, gazing at the lake—his aura was extraordinary.
A typhoon in stillness.
No pressure emanated from him, but Cheonhwi's instincts sensed it.
A supreme expert.
Not just any...
'An absolute master.'
As Cheonhwi continued staring...
Swish—
The man looking at the lake raised his head.
The lantern light illuminated the middle-aged man's strikingly impressive face.
A sharp jawline and high nose bridge.
Beyond that, his soft, elegant eyes suggested he had been renowned as a handsome man in his youth.
Whoosh—
A breeze from somewhere tousled his neatly combed-up hair, strands flowing through his hairband and brushing his face.
Amplifying his already unique presence even further.
And in that moment, his closed lips parted.
"You must be the Plum Blossom Divine Hero."
A deep, resonant voice filled the air.
Calm like the lake before him.
Revealing pearly whites, he wore a refreshing smile.
"Indeed, as the rumors say. No, surpassing them. Your presence is so faint even right before my eyes. It feels almost illusory."
He let out a voice of admiration.
Like one admiring a stunning vista, he appraised Cheonhwi.
"Have you stepped beyond Heavenly Martial into the divine realm?"
At his following words, Zhuge Gong, who had been standing by as attendant, widened his eyes.
'The divine realm?'
It was shocking.
The divine realm, the Martial God realm!
A height reached only by the Eight Martial Gods.
For such a young man to have attained it—naturally, it left his mind blank with shock.
At that moment, Cheonhwi took a step forward.
In an instant, his form flickered ethereally, crossing the lake in one breath to land atop the pavilion.
A footwork as dreamlike as a fairy.
Standing before the middle-aged man, Cheonhwi met his eyes.
The yellow lantern light floated between their gazes, mingling with moonlight and scattering ethereally.
As if unable to withstand their presences and fleeing.
A wordless moment of locked eyes.
But the two, already at distant realms, instantly gauged each other.
"Isn't it the same for you?"
Cheonhwi said calmly.
And at those words...
"Hahaha!"
The middle-aged man burst into hearty laughter.
"Truly amusing. Most amusing."
After laughing heartily, he worked his mouth.
"Do you know who I am?"
At that, Cheonhwi's lips twisted.
He had never seen the man before.
But the moment he encountered him here, he had a rough idea who it was.
No, near certainty.
How could it not be?
Who else but that figure shaking the Murim Alliance would be with the Military Strategist Zhuge Gong at this hour?
"You're the Murim Alliance Leader, right?"
Instantly, the Alliance Leader's eyes curved.
A sharp, keen smile like a honed curved blade.
"Correct. I am the Murim Alliance Leader, Joo Cheon-geuk."