Chapter 159
Chapter 159
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 159
Chapter Title: Zhongli Formless Art
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"A leaky bowl at home will leak in the field too, but you couldn't hold back and stirred up all sorts of trouble again before coming back."
It was Maeng Gap-son.
Han Ibi greeted him happily, feeling unexpectedly glad to see him.
"Ah! Instructor Maeng!"
Maeng Gap-son waved his hand dismissively.
"Cut it out. It's been ages since training ended. Calling me instructor will freeze me to death..."
"Well, once an instructor, always an instructor."
At that moment, Maeng Gap-son's gaze shifted.
It landed on Gil Jang-han, the head of the Murim Alliance Inspection Team's Hubei branch.
Gil Jang-han bowed politely in greeting.
"It's been a long time, Great Hero Maeng."
Maeng Gap-son responded in kind.
"Indeed. Truly a long time. The messenger pigeon reached the Alliance Leader safely."
Watching this, Han Ibi spoke up.
"Wait, Instructor Maeng, do you actually know what he looks like, or are you just saying that?"
Maeng Gap-son replied.
"By Murim Alliance regulations, the identities of Inspection Team members are kept secret not only during service but for ten years after retirement. Naturally, I've never seen him. Though we have met a few times..."
"Then how do you know it's been a long time?"
Maeng Gap-son thought for a moment before answering.
"You can tell at a glance. There's a certain vibe, you know."
"Ah... haha. Sure..."
Then Maeng Gap-son pointed toward the interior of Cheonsu Hall.
"No point standing around out here. Let's go inside. The Alliance Leader is waiting after receiving your message."
Han Ibi grinned.
"No way. Does the Alliance Leader ever have time to not be stamping seals busily?"
Ignoring Han Ibi's joke entirely, Maeng Gap-son led the two inside Cheonsu Hall.
They walked along a long garden toward the main building.
Still...
The Murim Alliance grounds were bustling with people as always.
What were all these folks doing gathered here anyway?
Han Ibi grumbled.
"The Murim Alliance is always so noisy."
Maeng Gap-son answered.
"Probably because of the Alliance Leader's style—he doesn't put on airs and hates discrimination."
"Ah, yeah. Makes sense. People don't usually go to places that annoy or scare them."
Like an unreasonable company boss.
In any case, amid such idle chatter, the three soon arrived at the Alliance Leader's office.
Maeng Gap-son announced their presence.
"Alliance Leader. The Hubei branch chief of the Inspection Team is here for his report."
A voice replied immediately from within.
"Come in."
"Yes."
Maeng Gap-son opened the door and ushered the two inside.
Zing.
The first thing felt was Zhuge Yuhyeon's piercing gaze, sharp enough to bore through steel.
'Whoa. What's with this uncle staring with his eyes wide open?'
Gil Jang-han bowed formally.
"The Hubei branch chief of the Inspection Team greets the Alliance Leader."
Zhuge Yuhyeon nodded, and Han Ibi followed with his greeting.
"I greet the Alliance Leader."
At that moment, an inexplicable glint flashed in Zhuge Yuhyeon's eyes.
"Suspicious from the start..."
Han Ibi looked up.
"Huh? I came to clear my name—I haven't done anything wrong today. I'm not from the Demonic Cult..."
Zhuge Yuhyeon waved his hand, cutting him off.
"No, not that. It's something else."
'Hmm? What's this weird feeling?'
Han Ibi tilted his head.
In any event, the report began.
Gil Jang-han recounted everything he had seen and heard to the Alliance Leader.
However...
Han Ibi noticed Gil Jang-han glancing at him furtively.
And he realized.
Telling the great Murim Alliance Inspection Team that they'd been smashed by a novice youth was extremely awkward...
So the story slowed, with him checking Han Ibi's reaction.
That's when Han Ibi jumped in.
"I nearly lost my chance to explain myself. Whew. If the Inspection Team hadn't believed me, how could I be standing here alive?"
...Bullshit, but whatever.
At that instant, Zhuge Yuhyeon glanced at Gil Jang-han's splinted arm.
"Was that arm injured fighting Sect Leader Tak?"
Gil Jang-han's eyes darted like billiard balls over the purple cloth.
Han Ibi judged it the perfect moment to press.
"Yes. If not for... ah, Branch Chief's sacrifice, my neck would've been snapped instead."
Zhuge Yuhyeon nodded at the words.
"Stop by the Murim Alliance medical office before you go. I'll let them know."
Gil Jang-han shot Han Ibi a subtle grateful look.
Han Ibi responded with the tiniest nod.
Gil Jang-han said.
"Thank you for your kindness, Alliance Leader. Understood."
"Good. Now then..."
The Alliance Leader rubbed his hands together slightly and continued.
"...you can step out now."
Han Ibi replied quickly.
"Yes. Of course. You elders have much to discuss..."
Zhuge Yuhyeon cut him off.
"No."
Han Ibi looked puzzled at the Alliance Leader.
Zhuge Yuhyeon clarified.
"Not you. The Hubei branch chief."
Huh? Not me?
Gil Jang-han caught on immediately and reacted.
"Understood."
Inspection Team members were sharp as blades.
Gil Jang-han turned and exited the office as ordered.
That was when.
Han Ibi spotted someone quietly appearing behind Zhuge Yuhyeon.
A familiar face.
Prince Ye Seong.
Somewhat surprised, Han Ibi still bowed in greeting.
Prince Ye Seong responded.
"The aura emanating from your whole body is no joke. You've been through a lot lately."
"Yes. Thanks to you..."
Han Ibi trailed off, pondering why this prince kept seeking him out.
Prince Ye Seong smiled faintly.
"You look even more robust... and seem to be getting handsomer by the day."
"Haha. Must be your imagination, Your Highness."
Then Prince Ye Seong's expression turned serious.
"Do you remember my words?"
"Pardon?"
Han Ibi widened his eyes, straining to recall.
And then...
"Ah! I remember. You said I must obtain the title of Little Dragon of the Five Peaks."
I was planning to anyway.
Prince Ye Seong said.
"Is that all?"
"Hmm, as far as I recall..."
"Fine. Doesn't matter. I said I'd explain why I'm watching you—if I deemed you qualified."
"Ah, right, you did. So... have I earned that qualification?"
"Hmm. For now, yes."
Then say so plainly, what's with the vague answer.
Han Ibi said.
"Then please tell me."
"Good. But Meng clan head should explain."
Maeng Gap-son cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"Ahem. Yes, Your Highness. Tak Bu-yong's ambitions aren't new..."
Zhuge Yuhyeon interjected.
"Hmph. Can't even call him sect leader anymore. His reckless deeds are out in the open now."
"Indeed. We'd been watching Tak Bu-yong's greed closely, but never imagined it'd tie so deeply into the current murim crises."
Han Ibi said.
"That bastard's beyond 'bad.' Still regrets not killing him."
"No. Can't do that. Violates official law and Alliance rules. Must act through proper channels and punish by law."
"R-right."
"Anyway, these events suggest someone orchestrating these bizarre incidents."
Han Ibi nodded thoughtfully.
'Could it be the Evil Spirit Lord...?'
"That 'someone' seems to wield influence over unorthodox sects, Demonic Cult, even righteous faction figures."
"Must be quite capable."
"Aiming for something big, but can't speculate rashly yet."
Man, so frustrating. Just spit it out.
"So, what's the conclusion?"
Zhuge Yuhyeon said.
"You're not uninvolved."
"Me?"
"Zhongli Clan."
"Our... family?"
"Yes. The one who founded the Zhongli Clan..."
Of course, Han Ibi knew the basics through syncing with Jong Ri-mae.
Zhongli Sanghyeon.
Just the founder who built the clan—talented and virtuous?
The novel Dream of the Ant Snake had more unrevealed details...
Like lacking talent in nurturing successors, leading to decline over generations...
Zhuge Yuhyeon continued.
"Not much is known about Clan Patriarch Zhongli."
Han Ibi feigned ignorance.
He shrugged.
"I just know him as a great man."
"Jong Ri-mae."
Zhuge Yuhyeon stared straight at him.
The intensity made Han Ibi swallow hard.
"Yes."
"What do you think happened to your clan?"
Polite way of asking why it fell.
Han Ibi shook his head with a deep sigh.
Should show some sadness for propriety.
"I don't know. They were all so kind and diligent..."
Except me.
Well, technically Jong Ri-mae...
"Heard this before?"
"What saying?"
"Zhongli Formless Art."
Ding.
Suddenly, Han Ibi's mind whirled.
Zhongli Formless Art... Zhongli Formless Art... Zhongli Formless Art!
How could he not know!
It was what the masked intruders desperately sought when he first fell into this murim world!
Seeing Han Ibi's reaction, Zhuge Yuhyeon's eyes gleamed.
"You know it?"
"Yes. The ones who invaded our clan mentioned it."
Then Maeng Gap-son spoke.
"Long ago, a rumor quietly circulated in the jianghu."
Han Ibi asked.
"What rumor?"
"He who masters Zhongli martial arts will master the jianghu, and he who gains the Harp Strategist's wisdom will gain the world."
"First time hearing it."
Zhuge Yuhyeon smiled.
"Of course. Ancient history."
"Still, flattering that Zhongli arts are praised. Feels good."
"But as Zhongli Clan declined, jianghu folk lost interest."
"Makes sense. But what's the Harp Strategist's wisdom?"
"Harp Strategist refers to Geum Sa-ik, an ancient strategist... Meaning one who masters his books can rule the world."
Prince Ye Seong interjected.
"Hmph! Grounds for execution. With the Son of Heaven watching the realm keenly..."
The mood sobered.
Realizing he'd gone too far, Prince Ye Seong added.
"Of course, discerning royals like me don't believe it."
A chill ran down Han Ibi's spine.
Not from the prince's words.
The book that grants the world—Geum Sa-ik's strategy manual.
He possessed it.
'No way. That book was such a big deal?'
Zhuge Yuhyeon said.
"In the Orthodox-Demonic Great War two hundred years ago, the Demonic Cult revealed their power for the first time. Through decades of meticulous preparation."
"Impressively patient group."
"No one could match Cult Leader Geon Hae-cheon's martial prowess then."
Familiar tale.
"Enter Zhongli Clan Patriarch Zhongli Sanghyeon. He joined disguised as a Kunlun Sect disciple."
"Huh? Kunlun Sect? Why?"
"Unknown. But with unfathomable arts, he overcame desperate odds, subdued Geon Hae-cheon, and ascended to Supreme Under Heaven."
Han Ibi feigned shock.
"Ah! So Zhongli Clan Patriarch was... the Supreme Under Heaven?"
From the novel, actually.
"But per his will, it was kept secret. Few witnesses... Remained unknown for a while."
Han Ibi said as if realizing.
"Ah! That unfathomable art was... the Zhongli Formless Art."
(Continued in the next chapter)