Even for the Murim Alliance
People rose to their feet, clasping their hands in formal greeting.
Namgung Hwa-in walked neither too fast nor too slow, returning a fist salute to each one individually.
He ascended the pre-prepared platform.
Huuuuh…
Taking a deep breath, he smiled inwardly.
…Perfect.
Just standing a little higher than the others made the air feel different.
This was truly where he belonged—up high.
Namgung Hwa-in slowly scanned the faces below him.
Familiar ones, complete strangers, and…
A face so handsome it was hard to believe it was real.
…That bastard?
Sitting in the Kunlun Sect's spot.
Handsome as the rumors said.
Without a doubt, that was the Jade Dragon.
Just as I thought, I don't like him.
It wasn't just the looks matching the rumors.
His personality was flawed too—those eyes were rotten from the start.
Annoyance? Boredom? Contempt?
Something bubbled up inside him for a moment, but he forced it down.
In the end, they were all beneath him.
Insignificant things that would sink even lower in time.
Composing himself, Namgung Hwa-in circulated his inner energy and spoke.
"We've prepared with all sincerity, but I wonder if it suits your tastes."
Praise erupted from all around.
Namgung Hwa-in gave a slight smile before continuing in a solemn tone.
"Here gather our seniors who have long shed blood and sweat to protect the murim. Though I am no youth myself, their presence makes me mind my conduct all the more."
The elders beamed with pride; the younger ones straightened their robes self-consciously.
"I offer my deepest gratitude to those seniors. And to the heroes of the jianghu who step forward inspired by their example, my thanks as well. With that in mind, please relax and enjoy this gathering we've prepared."
His brief but meaningful speech done, Namgung Hwa-in offered a respectful fist salute to the crowd below.
They returned it, expressing their thanks.
Some even chanted his name, forcing him to school his features into indifference.
Yes. This is the flavor I crave.
As he made his way back to the Namgung family seats, he glanced around at the people.
Faces showing admiration, faces tinged with wariness—both pleased him.
It was all because of his strength and greatness.
But that one…
Jeong Gwang's face still grated on him.
* * *
Jeong Gwang didn't like Namgung Hwa-in either, but he had to admit one thing.
He's no fool.
Gathering people and yapping endlessly was the height of idiocy.
The longer the speech, the more it devolved into self-praise or nagging.
Who enjoys that when they've come to eat and drink?
In his previous life, when Jeong Gwang hosted banquets at the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, it was always like this.
Anyone got complaints? Speak up.
No one?
Then stuff your faces till you drop dead.
Clean and simple, right?
Compared to that, Namgung Hwa-in's rambling was…
Pretty short for a righteous sect guy.
The content was orthodox too.
Unnecessary humility and phony courtesy to win favor. Proper etiquette without overdoing it—leaving a good impression.
Not bad at handling people.
The looks directed his way had softened just a touch.
Though some haters can't be helped.
Like the Paeng Clan folks way over there.
Among them, a burly middle-aged man with a fierce face waved at him.
So the Hebei Paeng Clan head showed up. That must be him.
He looked the part of someone who could hold his own.
As Jeong Gwang stared, the man waved even harder.
And…
…he's grinning?
It only made his ugly mug uglier.
He could've tossed him straight into the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, and he'd blend right in.
"That's Paeng Su-gwan, the clan head. Seems he likes you. What do you think?"
Heo Cheong's question got a blunt reply from Jeong Gwang.
"Face of a guy who's killed a ton of people."
"Pfft. Yeah, pretty menacing, huh."
Heo Cheong wiped his mouth with his sleeve after spitting out his tea, then sent a transmission.
-This alliance leader election carries huge weight—it's a generational shift. Folks like me, Namgung Hwa-in, and Paeng Su-gwan are stepping to the front.
-Gonna stir up a lot of trouble, huh.
-Probably. But those two are polar opposites in temperament. Who wins the seat will change the wind direction big time.
Jeong Gwang recalled the rumors he'd heard about them.
Paeng's supposed to be magnanimous but ambitious.
He looked like a demon, but the vibe fit.
Namgung's said to be righteous and humble…
Looks wise, sure—but the energy he gave off was the total opposite.
A fake gentleman through and through.
Exactly the kind of righteous sect hypocrite from his past life.
-Better if you became alliance leader than Namgung, Master.
-…Thanks for the high praise. But that 'better than' stings a bit.
Jeong Gwang grinned, and Heo Cheong shook his head with a chuckle.
"Anyway…"
He glanced back and forth between Namgung Hwa-in and Paeng Su-gwan, muttering.
"Namgung started things off, so Paeng'll probably make a move too. Damn, the food's getting cold. Dig in."
"Sure."
The Kunlun Taoists ate heartily; Jeong Gwang picked at his food sparingly.
Oh right. Junior brother.
Couldn't fill up now if he planned to sneak out for more.
Baek Seung-mu was devouring his meal like he was starving.
Fine. You can come and just smell it.
Some time had passed—about time to make a move—when Hebei Paeng Clan head Paeng Su-gwan approached with Paeng Su-won and Paeng Gang-ung.
"Paeng Su-gwan of the Paeng Clan greets the Kunlun immortals."
Un Hu, who'd faced misunderstandings after denying the 'immortal' title, had given up and just accepted it.
"Welcome. I am Un Hu of Kunlun."
With so many people, greetings took a while.
When Paeng Su-gwan reached Jeong Gwang, he flashed a broad smile.
"You must be the Jade Dragon. Nice to meet you."
"Hello."
"Haha. Heard a lot about you from Gang-hwi. He couldn't make it this time but asked me to pass on his regards. You're coming to the main house sometime, right? He's looking forward to it."
Looking forward?
Paeng Gang-hwi had invited him, sure.
But Jeong Gwang had never said he'd go.
No need to nitpick.
As he tried to brush past, Paeng Su-gwan kept talking.
"Could you swing by our lodgings for a bit? There's something I want to discuss… Hm?"
Paeng Su-gwan turned slowly.
Dang Gi-hwang, Geol Jon Yun Hui-gu, and Chang Jon Ak Man-chun stood there.
"The Ten Supremes. Well met."
Not flustered, he smiled and greeted them. Dang Gi-hwang spoke for the group.
"Thanks to you, we're doing well, Paeng Clan head."
"Haha. Glad to hear it. I was just about to come pay my respects—honored you came first."
"No worries. But… are the Paeng also eyeing my disciple?"
"…Pardon?"
Dang Gi-hwang's gaze sharpened.
"I'm talking about Jeong Gwang."
"Ah!"
The rumors hit him—three of the Ten Supremes had taken him as joint disciple.
The Paeng must've rushed over fearing they'd muscle in.
Paeng Su-gwan raised his hands slightly in mock surrender.
"Haha. How could I intrude when the Supremes have bestowed their wisdom? I was just chatting with the Jade Dragon here—he's got ties to my second son."
Only then did Dang Gi-hwang and the elders relax their frowns.
"Your word carries weight, Clan head. We trust you."
"Oho, high praise—feels good. You all look even spryer than before. Something good happen?"
Paeng Su-gwan's cheek was impressive. He bantered casually with Dang Gi-hwang, Geol Jon, and Chang Jon.
Jeong Gwang was quietly impressed.
They said he was more raccoon dog than bear. Spot on.
Soon after, Sacheon Dang Clan head Dang Yeong-jung arrived with his kin, and Shandong Yue family head Ak Hyeong-ik joined with a few others.
Not just them.
Beggars' Sect leader Yang Hoe and his successor Yu Jeong-pung showed up with beggars in tow; even folks from unfamiliar sects gathered.
They all exchanged a word or two with Jeong Gwang before mingling with the Kunlun Taoists.
In moments, the area buzzed with people.
What the hell is this?
A chill prickled his senses. Turning, he saw Namgung Hwa-in glaring daggers.
His face wore a benevolent smile, but his eyes were ice cold.
Too many crowding around me, huh.
Namgung Hwa-in soon shifted his gaze, blooming smiles among those around him.
Mount Hua, Jongnam—plenty of sects clustered there.
Numbers-wise, their side's still bigger.
Neither Namgung Hwa-in nor Paeng Su-gwan had pulled everyone; plenty sat quietly eating at their own spots.
Whoever drew the most would claim the alliance leader seat.
Whatever.
Everyone looked like they had tons to say.
Enough to drag on forever.
Time to bail.
Instead of Jeong Gwang speaking up, it made more sense for senior brother Jeong U.
-Senior brother.
-Hm? Sudden transmission?
-Elders' chat's gonna drag. Let's head out first.
-Mm. Good idea. Got it.
Jeong U approached Heo Cheong and said the Jeong generation would take their leave.
But Heo Cheong was smiling slyly.
"You're out in the jianghu now. Mingle with your peers."
"Pardon?"
"You're the senior brother of the Jeong generation. Own that weight. Take the lead."
Who knew when they'd return to the central plains from distant Qinghai Province?
Seize the chance to build ties with other sects' youths, leading his juniors—that was the advice.
Something I should've done as senior brother…
Jeong U inwardly scolded his own passivity and bowed his head.
"I understand, Martial Uncle. We'll do that."
Yu Jeong-pung, who shared a slight acquaintance with Jeong U, laughed heartily and stepped up.
"Haha. I'll guide you. Let's go."
Dang O-gun and Dang Ye-ji, despite scant familiarity, chimed in.
"We'll join too."
Jeong U welcomed it gladly.
The rest of the Jeong generation did the same.
"Thanks. We owe you."
But not Jeong Gwang.
Hang with the kids? In a big group?
Blood-boiling youths from various sects mingling could spark trouble.
No interest in wading into that.
-Master. I'll move separately.
Heo Cheong's eyes narrowed at the abrupt transmission.
-Planning some mischief again?
-Something good.
-Hmph. Tell me. If it makes sense, I'll allow it.
-Actually…
Gonna sneak out for meat.
Say that, and it'd be a flat no.
True dilemma.
But who was Jeong Gwang?
The one who'd clawed through countless brushes with death to become the True Heavenly Demon, worshipped in the end.
Just bolt?
Luckily, no need.
Just then, ordinary warriors outside the Daeyeonmujang eyed the scene enviously.
A plan formed in Jeong Gwang's mind.
-The discrimination's too much. Shouldn't we look after the regular warriors too?
With a glance at the outsiders, Heo Cheong sighed.
-Sigh. I overlooked that. For the Murim Alliance to cater only to the powerful…
Heo Cheong looked at Jeong Gwang approvingly, but suspicion crept in soon after.
-But you thought of that?
-Yes.
-Infinite Buddhas. Primeval Heavenly Lord. Should I believe this?
-Master. No need to transmit that.
-True enough.
Shaking his head, Heo Cheong chuckled.
-If your master doesn't trust you, who will?
-Then I'm off.
-Promise me first. No fighting anyone. Not even one-sided beatdowns.
-You trust me, right?
-That's why I'm only half-worried.
Jeong Gwang shrugged.
-Got it.
-Good. Go on.
Bowing to Heo Cheong, Jeong Gwang scanned for Baek Seung-mu.
Huh? Look at this guy.
Baek Seung-mu latched onto Jeong U the instant their eyes met.
Pretending not to notice.
-Junior brother. Training too cushy lately?
-…Senior brother. I'll escort you.
Jeong Gwang explained to Jeong U and left with Baek Seung-mu.
Yu Jeong-pung, Dang O-gun, and Dang Ye-ji pressed to join, but he cited prior plans, and they backed off.
Outside the Daeyeonmujang, Jeong Gwang asked the ordinary warriors.
"Hungry, right?"
"…Pardon?"
Grinning at their surprise, Jeong Gwang said,
"Come on. My treat."