Chapter 52
Chapter 52
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: Severing the Silver Tongue
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“Heh heh, it seems the Zhuge Branch Head views our Wudang too lightly.”
Zhuge Murin and Myeongchung locked eyes directly.
They created a tense atmosphere, refusing to yield even an inch as they vied for control of the conversation.
Anyone could see that Yeo Wi-gang had targeted the Ilhae Merchant Group. Yet he had concealed the facts with just a few words.
But there was no way to refute it. There was no falsehood in what he claimed.
As expected of Zhuge Murin.
Unlike Mo Ik-sang's clumsy imitation, he was the deepest schemer among those seated.
He had undoubtedly run through countless rehearsals and prepared to disarm his opponents with eloquent speech.
And the moment the opportunity arose, he seized control of the conversation and shifted the mood in the Zhuge's favor.
He hadn't demanded testimony from Yeo Wi-gang.
Instead, he crafted a statement grounded in facts that favored him, forcing Yeo Wi-gang to merely echo it. Even if questioned again, Yeo Wi-gang would parrot Zhuge Murin's words like a mimic bird.
With Ironclad Jaw's confirmation already secured, he wielded near-absolute power. Riding that momentum, he pinned all the blame on Jinmu.
In this battlefield without blades, Zhuge Murin was a grandmaster. No one could match his meticulous and insidious precision.
Facing him with orthodox conversational tactics, neither Myeongchung of Encounter Truth Hall nor Jingung stood a chance.
“Zhuge Branch Head. For you to take this stance leaves this poor Taoist deeply displeased. Your men donned masks and ambushed a Wudang disciple.”
“I already told you we did no such thing.”
Denying it flatly, Zhuge Murin leisurely reached for the teacup before him.
“Heh, our sect has overlooked even the fact that you manipulated the Yiseong Merchant Group last time to seize canal usage rights and disrupt the Ilhae Merchant Group's trade routes, showing utmost restraint.”
Sensing he had lost the conversational edge, Myeongchung tried to counter by bringing up another incident.
But that only drew a cold smile to Zhuge Murin's lips, as if he had been waiting for it.
Clink.
A sharp sound rang out as he set down the teacup he had been about to sip.
He had timed it perfectly.
That single motion drew the room's attention and seized the momentum.
“Lord of Encounter Truth Hall.”
“……”
“Mind your words.”
“What?”
“I have heard such rumors, but they are entirely baseless.”
“Baseless?”
“Indeed. We have already confirmed that those slandering our Zhuge Branch Family spread them.”
“……”
“No one from the Yiseong Merchant Group harbored any such intent.”
“What?”
“If necessary, feel free to verify with the Yiseong Merchant Group right away.”
He had already gotten to the Yiseong Merchant Group. Checking would yield nothing.
Afterward, Myeongchung could only repeat “What?” and “Pardon?”
All thanks to Zhuge Murin's three-inch tongue.
Defeat. A utter and crushing defeat.
Not content with Wudang having attacked Zhuge warriors on patrol, they were now branded as slanderous scoundrels spreading baseless rumors.
The tongue can sometimes be sharper than the sword.
Encounter Truth Hall boasted excellent diplomatic skills. Even Jinmu was slightly surprised by Jingung.
But such methods worked only against those lacking in numbers or against honest folk. They were useless against villains armed with treachery.
One must counter schemes with schemes of their own.
Jinmu clenched his fists repeatedly. Complicated orthodox sect bastards. Just beat them down and force your will through. If this were the Evil Hegemony Heaven, he would have done so without hesitation.
Mo Ik-sang, Zhuge Murin.
In the Evil Hegemony Heaven, they'd be bloody pulps by now. But there was no way to step forward here.
He needed a breakthrough.
[Sasuk.]
A transmission rang in his ear.
It was Cheongsang.
The moment he heard it, a sinister smile curled on Jinmu's lips. He had clearly learned something from the first captive.
[Confirmed as Zhuge family. He identified himself as Ju Hak of the Dark Heaven Squad.]
As expected.
Good call leaving it to Cheongsang.
Perfectly timed.
The guy showed absolute loyalty to Jinmu's words, so he probably hadn't held back—likely sliced off a limb or two.
Anyway, a breakthrough had appeared.
A way to cut off that vaunted three-inch tongue.
“Elder.”
As Jinmu, who had been silently listening, stepped forward, Jingung grabbed his hand. It meant the high-ranking figures were speaking; it wasn't his place.
But it was time to step up. To save the defeated Wudang Taoists.
Losing here meant the end.
For achievements and reputation alike.
“May this disciple Jinmu of Five Dragons Palace speak?”
Ignoring it, Jinmu advanced, and after a moment's thought, Myeongchung nodded.
Jinmu slowly hypnotized himself.
I am a Wudang Taoist.
A disciple of the orthodox sects, versed in propriety and the Way.
Not the Lord of Evil Hegemony Heaven, Hyeokryeon Mugang.
Be courteous, dignified, observe all etiquette.
Even if it pisses off Zhuge Murin, no fists. No cursing.
“Can the Zhuge Branch Head take responsibility for claiming you did not monitor Wudang?”
Zhuge Murin's brow furrowed at the bold words from a mere first-generation disciple. But in this official setting, he had to respond.
“Naturally.”
“I see.”
Jinmu nodded with a wicked grin.
Then he looked to Myeongchung.
“Elder, actually, I was ambushed recently while out.”
“Ambushed?”
Jinmu didn't miss the flicker in Zhuge Murin's eyes.
“Yes. An ambush.”
He paused briefly.
They're curious now. Never imagined what he'd say next.
“Continue.”
“While strolling by the river to enjoy the scenery, I noticed someone stealthily tailing me.”
“And?”
“At times a drunkard, at others a passerby. He was exceedingly skilled in disguise.”
“Heh!”
Myeongchung's exclamation coincided with a change in Zhuge Murin's eyes.
His disguise skills were truly exceptional. Jinmu had never seen such talent even in the Evil Hegemony Heaven. And Zhuge Murin wouldn't overlook a subordinate with such abilities.
“He was monitoring me.”
All eyes focused on Jinmu at his words, and Jingung had unconsciously released his hand.
“Upon checking, his name was Ju Hak.”
“……!”
Yeo Wi-gang, kneeling, jerked his head up.
'Damn. Forgot about him.'
His face filled with dismay; the odd situation had prevented him from briefing Zhuge Murin in advance.
But Jinmu's words continued relentlessly.
“And he claimed to belong to the Zhuge Branch Family's Dark Heaven Squad.”
“Silence!”
An unexpected blow.
Zhuge Murin's composure shattered at the unforeseen attack.
He hadn't been informed about Ju Hak. Zhuge Pavilion had only mentioned the Dark Heaven Squad Leader and the Ten Protectors. Ju Hak out of nowhere?
But having struck a chink in his armor, Jinmu pressed the assault.
When a wound opens, one must rub in the salt to make it truly sting.
“He attempted to kill me.”
“Absurd!”
Zhuge Murin's cheek twitched as he took a fatal hit.
The atmosphere flipped in an instant.
“Can Disciple Jinmu of Wudang prove this?”
“Yes. There is a witness.”
“Who?”
Myeongchung eyed Jinmu with anticipation.
Jinmu's gaze turned to Yong Seon-gae, the Beggars' Clan Southern Branch Leader. Just as Zhuge Murin had used the Beggars' Clan, Jinmu would do the same.
“Does the Branch Leader know?”
As all eyes followed Jinmu to Yong Seon-gae, his face wrinkled beyond endurance.
“Yong Seon-gae.”
Myeongchung demanded sternly.
“Do you know something?”
“Well……”
Yong Seon-gae could only sigh.
He knew but couldn't speak, leaving the others staring at his mouth in frustration.
In a flash, he became the key to the incident. A single word from him could sway the standings for Zhuge or Wudang alike.
Speak up! That Yang Sobang investigated me! I saw him fight that bastard Ju Hak! Why can't you use your mouth!
Jinmu inwardly berated him fiercely.
And then.
“Myeongchung, don't bully my clan's disciples too much.”
A voice rang out from somewhere, as if by magic.
All eyes turned as one.
Huh?
Why's that old beggar here?
I didn't call you! Yong Seon-gae's enough. Go away, old man!
Jinmu's eyes narrowed slightly upon recognizing him.
At the open main gate of the Ilhae Merchant Group.
A hunched straw-hat figure slowly approached through the Zhuge warriors encircling the perimeter. The Zhuge warriors looked baffled, unaware of how or when he had passed them.
“Who are you?”
As bewilderment spread among those present, the straw hat came off.
“Mu, Mupung!”
“Yang Sobang!”
Those who recognized his face gawked with eyes nearly popping out, mouths agape.
One of the absolute figures in the current Justice Alliance, the man with the most enigmatic exploits, had appeared.
The Beggars' Clan disciples slammed their heads to the ground in unison, while Myeongchung and Zhuge Murin hastily stood and bowed.
“We pay respects to Senior Mupung-gae.”
The weight of that name alone was immense.
Especially for Zhuge Murin, whose eyes looked ready to tear.
Why? Why has Mupung-gae appeared?
“Heh heh, rise, disciples of the Clan. No need to suffer on my account.”
“No, sir. It was our mistake; we failed to complete the mission you assigned.”
“Enough. You're embarrassing me.”
Yang Sobang, now approached, lifted Yong Seon-gae and turned.
Myeongchung and Zhuge Murin still dared not lift their heads without permission.
Such was the prestige of Mupung-gae Yang Sobang and his position in the Justice Alliance.
“You lot, enough of that. Sit.”
“Yes, Senior!”
But Myeongchung and Zhuge Murin only raised their heads; they couldn't sit until Yong Seon-gae hurriedly offered a chair for Yang Sobang.
“Myeongchung, Murin. Long time no see.”
“Yes, Senior. It's been nearly two years.”
Myeongchung replied courteously.
“You're a far cry from last night, kid.”
Yang Sobang acknowledged Jinmu.
“My apologies. I failed to recognize and properly greet a renowned figure.”
Propriety my ass. As if.
He's just playing nice because of the setting.
But Yang Sobang gave a peculiar smile at the display.
“Knowing your temperament, I wouldn't expect change anyway.”
This damn beggar.
Always so irritating.
“In any case, yes, I ordered the Clan to monitor this child.”
“Ah, I see. I was unaware.”
Myeongchung couldn't question him even slightly.
How could a mere Wudang elder dictate to the world's Yang Sobang? Even if he had half-crippled Jinmu, he'd have to say “Well done.”
“I saw he was under attack. Well, whether he was attacking or being attacked is a bit ambiguous.”
Stick to the point, old man.
Jinmu quickly interjected. The unpredictable geezer might veer off into irrelevant chatter.
“Senior Mupung-gae witnessed my ambush that time.”
Mupung-gae nodded at Jinmu's words.
This was ironclad testimony.
More precise than anything, irrefutable by anyone.
“Indeed. I had the Clan monitor him for other reasons, but the misunderstanding regarding that should be cleared up.”
“Of course.”
Jinmu felt a twinge of irritation at Myeongchung's reply.
I didn't clear it up, so why are you answering?
But with this, it was over.
With Yang Sobang himself confirming it, Zhuge Murin was trapped with no escape.
“On my way here, I heard from the Clan lads there was a minor friction between the Zhuge Branch and Wudang.”
“Yes.”
“Hm, from what I gather, it seems the Zhuge Branch erred against Wudang. How about it— for my sake, shall we end it here?”
As Yang Sobang subtly pressured Zhuge Murin, his face shifted colors by the moment.