Chapter 101
Chapter 101
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 101
Chapter Title: The King of the Green Forest
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“Chieftain! Leave this to us!”
It was the intruder from moments ago.
The wounds he'd received from Un Hak still fresh, he stepped in front of the giant.
“Leave this to us.”
“…”
Others dressed similarly to the intruder stepped forward in agreement.
Just then, another figure emerged from behind the giant, who had been silently looking down at him.
*Smack!*
“What's a loser who couldn't even handle one young Taoist from Mount Hua got to say? And you call yourself one of the Gallants?”
“…”
“Get back, now!”
Though he had every right to be angry after being slapped so suddenly, the man called a Gallant returned to his place with a stiff expression.
But, a Gallant (豪客)?
It means a hero, or someone with a magnanimous spirit.
…In what way?
How could someone who barges in, smashes the inn's door, and swings his sword around be a hero?
But a moment ago, the intruder had definitely called the giant ‘Grand Chieftain.’
In the martial world, only two people use such a title.
The leader of the river pirates who rule the Yangtze River, and…
“The, the Green Forest?”
“Correct. That man is the King of the Green Forest. The warriors behind him are the Green Forest's elite, the Gallants.”
“…”
It had been more of a mutter to himself, but Un Hak, who had approached at some point, answered with a grim expression.
The King of the Green Forest, Jong Ri-gang.
The idol of bandits, who, without a single proper land deed, declared, "This mountain is mine, and that mountain is mine."
He was one of the leaders of the Unorthodox Faction, and one of the few absolute masters among the countless martial artists who had awakened to the Aura Blade.
*Haa*, damn it…
He had a feeling why they had shown up and started causing trouble out of the blue.
It had to be because of the Cheonghwa Mountain gang he'd cleaned out.
Hadn't their leader claimed to be the King of the Green Forest's brother?
His sworn younger brother had been beaten into a sickbed, so he was clearly furious.
“Third Young Master, please step back for now. I will handle this.”
“…”
Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, Un Hak stepped in front of Neung Un-bi.
He, too, had already guessed the reason for the King of the Green Forest's visit.
Perhaps he had anticipated this situation from the moment Neung Un-bi attacked the Cheonghwa Mountain gang.
For now… he had no choice but to leave it to him.
He was the one who caused the trouble, but Un Hak was the one in a difficult position, acting on the orders of the Orthodox Murim Alliance.
“Un Hak, a Taoist of Mount Hua, pays his respects to the great hero, King of the Green Forest, Jong Ri-gang.”
“…”
The first thing Un Hak did after stepping in front of Neung Un-bi was to offer an extremely polite greeting.
“Who the hell asked for your name? Cut the crap and get out of the way!”
“…”
It was a response that made Un Hak's politeness seem pointless.
As Jong Ri-gang radiated an aura that suggested he might strike a killing blow at any moment, the man who had slapped the Gallant stepped forward.
“Brother.”
“What!”
“Didn't you promise on the way here? That you would leave it to me.”
“Damn it all!”
“Brother!”
“Ugh, damn it…”
“Thank you.”
As Jong Ri-gang crossed his arms and whipped his head away, the man let out a sigh of relief and stepped before Un Hak.
“I am Tak Chu, the Grand Steward of the Green Forest's main fortress.”
“Ah, I thought your sharp eyes were no ordinary feature. You must be the Golden Dart?”
“Oh, for the Sword Dragon of Mount Hua to recognize a mere soldier like myself, it is an honor.”
“How could I not? Among the Eighteen Heroes of the Green Forest, the name of the great Tak, who is said to be skilled in both literary and martial arts, resounds across the four seas. I've heard your dart technique, said to be second to none, not even to the Tang Clan's, is truly unparalleled. I have long admired you.”
“Hahaha, your praise is pleasant to hear.”
Tak Chu replied with a bright expression to Un Hak's flattery, which was as gilded as a pile of gold dust.
It was only natural.
Un Hak had to prevent the Green Forest from clashing with Neung Un-bi, and Tak Chu had to stop Jong Ri-gang from personally stepping in and causing trouble.
Even if the Demonic Cult was unavoidable, there was no reason to become enemies with the Orthodox Faction. Therefore, they now had to act as representatives and capable negotiators for their two powers.
To find a reasonable solution to defuse this situation.
“By the way, what brings the King of the Green Forest to this humble Shaanxi? And not just Hero Tak, but twenty of the Green Forest's elite Gallants as well.”
Un Hak feigned ignorance, glancing at the menacing warriors standing behind Jong Ri-gang.
“What brings us? Why, it's because of the disturbance caused by the one accompanying you.”
“Hmm, you must be referring to the incident at Cheonghwa Mountain.”
“Indeed. I don't know if the Sword Dragon is aware, but Jeon Il-seok of Cheonghwa Mountain is my youngest brother.”
“Oh dear, my knowledge is shallow. I was not aware of that.”
His accompanying look of confusion was a deliberate act.
Who would be pleased to hear he had done it knowingly?
A sword fight would break out immediately.
But as if he had already expected such a reaction, Tak Chu nodded with a hint of a smile.
“That's understandable. How could the renowned Sword Dragon remember everyone who lives hidden away in the deep mountains and valleys?”
“…”
Un Hak seemed slightly flustered by the barbed words, but he soon forced a smile and spoke.
“My apologies. I will be sure to commit his name to memory from now on.”
It was his way of saying, ‘It was an accident, so please understand.’
“I appreciate that. However, memory is one thing… but we must discuss this unfortunate incident.”
“…”
“Sword Dragon, I must ask you to hand over the man named Neung Un-bi.”
As Tak Chu got straight to the point, Un Hak's expression turned troubled.
“I understand how you must feel, Hero Tak. However, that is something I cannot do.”
“Cannot do?”
“That is correct. Although he has caused considerable trouble for the Green Forest, Young Master Neung is a guest of the Orthodox Faction.”
“And?”
“How can a host carelessly hand over his guest?”
“Haha, that puts me in a difficult position.”
Tak Chu glanced at Jong Ri-gang before continuing.
“As I said, the former fortress master is the King of the Green Forest's sworn brother. You are not unaware of how the King, who has lived his life by loyalty alone, might react, are you?”
“It is a regrettable matter, but I trust you do not intend to make an enemy of the Orthodox Faction.”
“…”
“If you tell me what compensation you require, I will propose it to the Alliance. Please, I ask for your generous forgiveness and that you return…”
As Un Hak once again asked for understanding, Tak Chu furrowed his brow.
How could he not understand Un Hak's position?
They, too, did not want friction with the Demonic Cult.
Besides, that was actually a good outcome.
The injured man couldn't be helped, but since they offered sufficient compensation, he could demand payment for the goods stolen from the fortress, plus reparations for the injured and for emotional distress.
The problem was… whether his sworn older brother, the King of the Green Forest, would agree.
“Ha! What is this bullshit I'm hearing?”
As expected…
Jong Ri-gang, who had left the negotiations to him and had only been listening, glared and interjected.
“B-Brother. We're still talking…”
“Tak Chu!”
“Brother…”
“Do you think I came all this way just to get some compensation?”
“But if this goes wrong…”
“Goes wrong how? Are you afraid we'll have to fight the Orthodox Faction? Or the Demonic Cult?”
“…”
“Do I look like I give a damn about that right now? My youngest brother's limbs were shattered, and his fortress was looted!”
At Jong Ri-gang's words, Tak Chu fell silent, unable to say anything more.
“Tak Chu. I know your skills and I know your heart, but there's a time and place for negotiation.”
“…”
“Some brat shows up and wreaks havoc in my, the King of the Green Forest's, territory. If I back down for a few coins, what will people think of me?”
“…”
“Stand back, Tak Chu. Sometimes, things can't be solved with words.”
Tak Chu couldn't say more and retreated.
Entrusting him with the initial negotiation had probably been the extent of Jong Ri-gang's patience.
They had asked for him to be handed over, and Un Hak had refused.
The negotiation had failed. He could no longer stop this with his own power.
In the end, they would have to fight…
“Hey, Mount Hua brat.”
“Great Hero.”
“Heh, a Taoist who considers a band of bandits less than the dirt under his feet calls their leader 'Great Hero'?”
“…”
“Out of respect for the Sword Saint of Mount Hua, I'll let you off. But that's as far as it goes.”
Un Hak swallowed dryly under Jong Ri-gang's cold gaze.
His speech was no different from a common ruffian's and his actions were exceedingly rash, but how could one not know of his strength?
The Three Calamities of Murim.
Not the Great Three Calamities of flood, fire, and wind, nor the Minor Three Calamities of war, famine, and disease.
Jong Ri-gang was one of those called a great disaster to the martial world by his mere existence.
Someone who should not be provoked carelessly.
Un Hak, who had heard that name until his ears bled, wanted to defuse this situation somehow.
“Great Hero, for the compensation you desire, I will somehow…”
“No, no. Compensation? I don't need that crap. There's only one thing I want.”
“…”
“Hand over Neung Un-bi, that son of a bitch.”
“I cannot! If something happens to him, do you truly not know what the consequences will be, King of the Green Forest?”
“…”
At Un Hak's repeated protests, a murderous intent began to flicker in Jong Ri-gang's eyes.
At the same time, a chill filled the air as if winter had arrived early. It was due to Jong Ri-gang's energy, which had begun to consume the surroundings.
“The Demonic Cult will raise hell, I'm sure. The Orthodox Faction will probably try to pin the blame on me too.”
“…”
“But do you think I'm afraid of that crap? The only reason I've held back this long is because of my sworn brother Tak Chu's earnest plea. So step aside. This is as far as my goodwill for the name of Mount Hua extends.”
*Crack, thud, thwack!*
As Jong Ri-gang took a step, the remaining floorboards of the inn shattered and flew into the air.
Un Hak's face twisted further under the pressure of the aura that surged forward with his steps.
I have to stop him… I have to stop him somehow…
If it comes to this, then in the end…
Believing he had to change Jong Ri-gang's mind no matter what, Un Hak's eyes grew cold.
The essence of Mount Hua, taught by his master, the Sword Saint of Mount Hua—the Purple Mist.
He had not yet mastered it, and using it carelessly could put himself in danger, but it was the only way to stop the King of the Green Forest now.
Though he was still only at the stage of Will-Ki, if he used the Purple Mist, even a warrior of the Aura Blade…
*Whoooosh.*
Prepared for a battle, Un Hak began to awaken the power nestled deep within his body.
*Tap.*
“…?”
But at that moment, Neung Un-bi placed a hand on his shoulder.
“That's enough. Step back.”
“…Y-Young Master Neung?”
“He said he only needs me.”
“You must not!”
“It's fine. You've tried hard enough.”
“But that man is…”
“I know. He looks strong, just at a glance. Just his aura alone makes my body tingle.”
“…”
With a faint smile, Neung Un-bi pulled Un Hak back and stepped forward.
A smile in this situation?
There was no way he couldn't feel the power Jong Ri-gang was emitting…
“Third Young Master.”
“My Lord!”
As Neung Un-bi passed Un Hak, Hyang-i blocked his path, while Ju Seung and Wang Cheon shook their heads.
It was natural, having witnessed Jong Ri-gang's martial prowess firsthand.
They were trying to stop him.
Wang Cheon and Ju Seung were trying to protect him, even at the cost of their lives, while Hyang-i intended to fight in his place.
What was the mission she had received from the Cult Leader?
To protect Neung Un-bi.
He didn't know her exact skill level yet, but if it was her, she might be able to handle even the King of the Green Forest.
But he couldn't hide.
He had caused this mess, and he had done it knowing the man was the King of the Green Forest's sworn brother.
Because they were bandits who harmed people.
The opponent is strong?
That's no reason to bend my principles.
That is his ‘great cause.’
So that he won't be ashamed on the day he meets ‘him’ again.
Perhaps the Cult Leader would be the same.
Would a man who considers himself the strongest under the heavens stand by and watch his disciple's shameful act?
With his personality, he'd surely beat him like a dog on a hot day, and then some.
The reason he hadn't stopped Un Hak at first was out of consideration for his position, just as Jong Ri-gang had done for his sworn brother.
“Third Young Master, the opponent is too strong.”
As Hyang-i desperately tried to stop him, Neung Un-bi looked at Jong Ri-gang and spoke.
“Hyang-i. Wang Cheon, and Ju Seung.”
“…”
“Do you want me to be the kind of pathetic man who uses his subordinates as shields?”
“…”
“I know. I know he's strong. But sometimes, you have to fight even when you know the odds. Right now, I am your leader, so I must take responsibility for my actions.”
Neung Un-bi glanced at Ju Seung and Wang Cheon, then patted Hyang-i's shoulder and stepped forward.
And he straightened his back and spoke proudly to Jong Ri-gang.
“I am Neung Un-bi.”