Chapter 148
Chapter 148
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 148
Chapter Title: Murim Alliance Inspection Squad
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All eyes from the gathered heroes turned to Han Ibi.
Expressions mixed with shock and suspicion.
Apart from Han Ibi's gaping mouth, it was clear their minds were racing.
They were recalling Tak Bu-yong's words.
The countless rumors heard during the Murim Alliance's training sessions...
Causing chaos everywhere he went...
His clan's downfall...
Disasters striking sects...
And even his original nickname, 'Zhongli Ruffian'!
It felt too suspicious to dismiss as mere coincidences.
At that moment, Han Ibi shouted.
"That's ridiculous!"
Tak Bu-yong said.
"Of course, it could be. We must keep all possibilities open. We shouldn't suspect rashly until the full truth comes out."
Han Ibi scowled and said.
"If you know that, why are you doing this?"
"We must be cautious, ever cautious, right? The Demonic Cult's schemes surpass imagination, after all."
Then he bellowed toward the assembled heroes.
"I, Tak Bu-yong, Sect Leader of the Wudang Sect, hereby declare: Jong Ri-mae of the Qingcheng Sect has been apprehended by the Murim Alliance. However, until his guilt is proven, he remains one of our fellow Murim warriors without doubt. I ask that you refrain from prejudging or harassing him."
Han Ibi was on the verge of exploding with rage.
This vile Tak Bu-yong didn't even give him a chance to rebel at the right moment.
Just then, Deputy Alliance Leader Dang Cheong-jeong raised one arm and said.
"Now, bring in the guests."
With a sharp 'whoosh', five men emerged from their hiding spots around the area.
It happened so suddenly that all the heroes were visibly startled.
They all wore purple uniforms, with a vivid yellow image of a soaring eagle embroidered on their chests.
The so-called 'Murim Alliance Inspection Squad', nicknamed the underworld envoys of the jianghu.
Deployed across the Murim world, their affiliations and identities were kept strictly secret for mission purposes.
Thus, even their eyes were covered with purple cloth matching their outfits.
The man at the forefront addressed Han Ibi.
"Submit to binding."
Han Ibi raised his eyebrows and shot back.
"What? Did you get permission from the authorities?"
The man replied with a hint of amusement in his tone.
"The government does not interfere in Murim affairs."
"Then you're operating without a warrant."
"What?"
"No warrant. Whose permission are you acting on to take me?"
The man said irritably.
"By order of the Murim Alliance Leader. If you resist..."
No sooner had he spoken than the four men behind him surrounded Han Ibi.
"...we'll have to take you by force."
Han Ibi's mind raced for a moment.
Flee?
Unleash the Crimson Dream Great Law and fight?
Or go along quietly for now...
'Hmm... The moment I use the Crimson Dream Great Law, I'll be pegged as a Demonic Cult spy... And once the time limit expires and my strength fades, capture is inevitable. Fleeing outright has low odds of success too.'
Han Ibi said.
"Fine. Say it's all coincidences, and the other suspicions are whatever. But do you have proof I cultivated demonic arts?"
His unexpected retort made the Inspection Squad members glance at each other.
Then Tak Bu-yong spoke to the Deputy Leader.
"Deputy Leader, though Jong Ri-mae stands accused, he has the right to know. May I explain?"
The Deputy Leader nodded.
"No issue."
Tak Bu-yong nodded once and turned to Han Ibi.
"Young Hero Jong."
Han Ibi glared at him, eyes wide.
"Of course, you'll have ample chance to explain yourself. However... an anonymous Murim Alliance disciple has already testified to witnessing Young Hero Jong practicing demonic arts."
At that instant, Han Ibi's head spun.
One person immediately came to mind.
'Amitabha's White Plum... That woman finally spilled it...'
Han Ibi inwardly regretted waking the fainted White Plum back then.
But outwardly, he feigned nonchalance.
"Anonymous... Anonymous, huh. I don't trust anonymous testimony. If it's legitimate, reveal the identity."
Tak Bu-yong smiled.
"Of course, you'll learn it once guilt is confirmed. For fairness. But until then, their identity remains protected for the witness's safety. Now, please submit to binding."
At his signal, the Inspection Squad advanced on Han Ibi.
The ropes glinting in the sunlight looked far from ordinary.
Clearly some special restraint common in wuxia tales.
Han Ibi glared at Tak Bu-yong.
"Sect Leader Tak. People don't change easily, do they?"
But Tak Bu-yong remained utterly composed.
"Aside from our brief meeting last night, this is our first encounter. I have no idea what you're talking about."
One of the squad members roughly twisted Han Ibi's arm behind his back.
Han Ibi irritably shook off his arm but didn't resist violently.
He merely said to Tak Bu-yong.
"Beautiful jade tokens come in pairs. Can you be absolutely sure you're the only one in the world who knows that secret?"
For the first time, Tak Bu-yong's unchanging expression stiffened momentarily.
Han Ibi pressed on.
"Murim Alliance Leader... Hmph. Fine. Not content with ruining three lives, now you're out to destroy the entire jianghu. Don't the nightmares keep you up at night?"
The heroes, puzzled by his words, exchanged confused glances.
Tak Bu-yong, briefly flustered, quickly regained his mild smile, clapped once, and said.
"Impressive. Truly impressive. I spared you for my wife's sake until the end... but this baseless slander can't be overlooked."
Han Ibi scoffed.
"I'm just stating the facts."
Tak Bu-yong declared loudly.
"The Demonic Cult's schemes truly defy imagination!"
"You're the one defying imagination, Sect Leader. Whatever you dream up, reality exceeds it."
Then the Deputy Leader spoke.
"Sect Leader Tak. Time to escort him."
Tak Bu-yong replied.
"Understood."
At once, the squad yanked Han Ibi along.
As he stepped forward with them, he shouted.
"If I happen to die a mysterious death in the next few days, don't be too shocked! Surely the head of the Wudang Sect wouldn't stoop to that!"
A young Wudang disciple led the way at the front.
Contrary to expectations, he and the Murim Alliance Inspection Squad were heading deep into Mount Wudang.
Han Ibi chuckled.
"Hang on, you talked about arresting me and all that—don't tell me you're colluding with Wudang to drag me somewhere secluded and kill me?"
The man who seemed highest-ranking—walking alone ahead—spat on the ground and growled.
"I hate bastards like you the most. Especially traitorous Demonic Cult scum—they make my blood boil just looking at them."
Han Ibi said seriously.
"Hey, didn't you hear Sect Leader Tak? We can't suspect the accused without proof."
"Crazy bastard. Who begs to be arrested like you?"
"Hey now... This old man's got prejudice ingrained in his bones."
"Yeah. yap away while you can."
"So, are you gonna kill me or not?"
"Pah. Shut your trap. You think the Murim Alliance is some savage Demonic Cult rabble?"
Han Ibi's banter was actually to test the strength of his bindings.
But the rope, made of heavenly silkworm thread—a spiritual material—didn't seem easy to snap.
Han Ibi thought.
'Opportunities are scarce, so save the Crimson Dream Great Law for the critical moment.'
About an hour later.
The silent Wudang disciple ahead spoke politely.
"This is the place."
Han Ibi and the squad looked over simultaneously.
Two massive boulders leaned oddly against each other.
In the crevice between them sat an iron door, inexplicably embedded—who knew how.
Han Ibi said.
"Whoa! Impressive craftsmanship. How'd they even fit that in there?"
The squad leader said.
"Open it."
"Yes."
The Wudang disciple pulled a keyring from his waist and deftly unlocked the slanted iron door in the rock.
Creeeak.
With an unpleasant groan, the door swung open.
The disciple entered first.
The squad followed, dragging Han Ibi inside.
"Oh! A cave!"
Han Ibi's voice echoed loudly.
Poor, dim glowstones barely lit the interior.
The squad leader asked the disciple.
"Hmm... This Wudang's prison, right?"
The disciple replied.
"Something like that. It's where offending Wudang disciples do wall-facing meditation."
Han Ibi chimed in.
"Yikes, harsh. Why seal a meditation chamber with iron bars like this?"
The disciple snapped, indignant.
"After an unfortunate incident fifty years ago, the iron door was added. Don't speak without knowing the circumstances!"
Han Ibi replied indifferently.
"Sure, sure. Whatever."
Then the squad leader asked.
"Is the prison empty?"
The disciple hesitated briefly, then subtly raised one eyebrow.
"Yes. It's empty."
The leader said.
"Perfect for locking him up overnight, as Sect Leader Tak said."
Han Ibi quipped.
"Ah! I'm deeply touched by this warm hospitality."
Inwardly, he mused.
'Oho! Wall-facing meditation chamber. Classic wuxia fortuitous encounter cliché! Maybe I'll find some lost manual left by an ascended Wudang predecessor!'
Forgetting his plight, Han Ibi excitedly scanned the surroundings.
The disciple said.
"No need to go deeper."
The leader nodded in agreement, then warned Han Ibi.
"Don't get any ideas. It won't end well."
"Where else am I gonna go if not here?"
"Hmph. We'll see if you spout that nonsense in the Murim Alliance prison."
He stepped closer, whispering.
"You'll miss this place for life."
Han Ibi grimaced dramatically.
"Eek! Scary!"
Then the squad roughly released their grip on Han Ibi.
The leader smirked.
"Heh heh. See you tomorrow. The darkness will lull you to sleep."
"Yeah, sure."
As the squad and young disciple turned to leave, Han Ibi yelled.
"Wait!"
They looked back.
Han Ibi said.
"Untie this before you go, yeah?"
But they ignored him breezily...
Han Ibi shouted irritably.
"What the hell! How am I supposed to eat like this? Or use the toilet!"
The squad sauntered away.
Han Ibi called out.
"Anyway, lock up tight out there!"
Once the squad vanished, profound silence fell.
A stillness like death.
Only the trickle of underground water reached his ears.
Han Ibi muttered.
"Alright! Arms are inconvenient, but let's get started!"
He began diligently inspecting the walls of the Wudang meditation chamber.
"Hmm. Gotta be something here..."
Then a very familiar sound pierced his ears.
(To be continued next time)