Chapter 102
Chapter 102
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 102
Chapter Title: A Miscalculation
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As Neung Un-bi stepped forward with confidence, the eyes of Wang Cheon and Ju Seung filled with boundless respect.
They seemed moved by the fact that this man was their lord.
And they weren't the only ones.
Un Hak, who had tried to de-escalate the situation, now wore an expression of someone lost in profound admiration.
The sight of a warrior refusing to bow to a powerful opponent is always deeply moving.
Furthermore, one might assume a fight was about to break out, but that would be a misunderstanding.
Did they really think he had stepped forward without any calculation?
He had neither the confidence nor the skill to fight the King of the Green Forest and win.
Fight evil with his life on the line?
Only a fool would spout such nonsense. What good is a great cause if you end up dead?
Facing a behemoth like Jong Ri-gang with his current skill level wasn't courage; it was recklessness.
That didn't mean he intended to abandon his cause.
A great cause isn't something that can only be achieved through fighting, is it?
A battle of wits is still a battle, you see.
Today, he would achieve his cause not with his body, but with his words.
“If you have something to say, say it. As you can see, I haven't finished my meal.”
Neung Un-bi glanced at the chaotic interior of the tavern.
Not a single table or chair was intact, so how could the food laid upon them be any better?
Moreover, with one wall smashed in by Jong Ri-gang, the entire tavern building looked like it could collapse at any moment.
And then there was Neung Un-bi’s tone.
Unlike the Taoist before him, he wasn't addressing Jong Ri-gang with deference but as an equal.
“Heh, hehehehe.”
“……”
When Jong Ri-gang suddenly burst into laughter, Neung Un-bi tilted his head.
“Why are you laughing?”
“Because I’m relieved.”
“……”
“That the man who did that to my sworn brother isn't some coward hiding behind a Taoist, a young girl, and his underlings.”
“You praise me too highly.”
“Praise? Hardly. Anyway, you know your crime, don't you?”
At Jong Ri-gang’s words, Neung Un-bi swept his gaze around the area.
Quite a crowd of onlookers had gathered.
Though they kept their distance for fear of being caught in the crossfire, who could simply walk past a tavern that had suddenly been torn in half?
Alright, shall we begin the fight in earnest?
With words, not fists.
I'm a man who once debated the likes of the Zhuge clan.
Forcing a cornered rat like you into a corner with words is nothing.
“A crime? What crime do you speak of?”
“What?”
As Neung Un-bi tilted his head in feigned confusion, Jong Ri-gang’s brow furrowed deeply.
“Bandits are criminals defined by law. I fail to see how subjugating such bandits could be a crime.”
“The law, you say? A man of the martial world speaks of the law?”
“……”
“I don't give a damn about the law or whatever! It wasn't enough for you to break my sworn brother’s limbs, you even plundered his fortress. I must hold you accountable for that crime!”
At Jong Ri-gang’s furious words, Neung Un-bi smiled triumphantly.
You’ve said your piece.
Now I’ll refute you point by point and shut that mouth of yours for good.
“My, my. How very unreasonable. Yes, the government does not interfere with the Murim. However, that only applies to disputes between martial artists. Isn’t this case different?”
“What did you say?”
“When I met your sworn brother, I was a guard for a merchant caravan.”
“What? A guard? The disciple of the Demonic Cult Leader was working as a mere guard?”
“Why? Is there a rule against it?”
“You bastard!”
“What does one’s status have to do with being a caravan guard? Besides, an agreement has already been made between the Orthodox Murim Alliance and the Demonic Cult regarding the establishment of our branches. This means no one can object to our activities in the Central Plains.”
“……”
“I did not seek out his fortress with the intent to subjugate it. I was simply fulfilling my duties as a guard under a proper contract when bandits appeared and threatened us. Therefore, this should not be seen as a dispute between martial artists, but as a bandit gang attacking a merchant caravan.”
As Neung Un-bi calmly explained the situation, Jong Ri-gang’s eye twitched slightly.
But he couldn't refute it.
He too had heard that Jeon Il-seok had been defeated while attacking a caravan.
A bandit's business was not always successful.
Sometimes they misjudged their targets and failed, sometimes losing their lives in the process.
The fault in such cases lay entirely with the bandits.
Unless someone came with the express purpose of subjugating their fortress, they wouldn't seek revenge even if they suffered losses.
Neung Un-bi was pointing this out, and in an instant, he had painted Jong Ri-gang as a petty criminal, blinded by a desire for revenge for his brother.
“I heard the King of the Green Forest’s name carries weight in the Central Plains… This is quite surprising. Even a bandit should be able to discern right from wrong.”
“……”
At Neung Un-bi’s blatant taunt, Jong Ri-gang gritted his teeth so hard they audibly ground together.
He seemed to be boiling with rage at the calm, reasoned arguments.
In truth, Neung Un-bi had spoken loudly on purpose, for everyone to hear.
The onlookers had already started whispering amongst themselves.
Jong Ri-gang wasn't some common thief who ruled over a local hill; he was a master whose name was known throughout the land.
Naturally, he had to care about his reputation.
If he were to punish Neung Un-bi now, his fame would surely be tarnished.
The King of the Green Forest, shielding his subordinate who had failed in his business, and persecuting martial artists who were not even twenty…
Jong Ri-gang, seemingly aware of the surrounding atmosphere, scowled and glared at Neung Un-bi.
“You cunning whelp… Your tongue is as wicked as befits the Demonic Cult.”
“They say you learn what you practice, don't they? And I haven't said a single untrue word. If you think I'm lying, you can question your sworn brother.”
As Neung Un-bi retorted without yielding an inch, Jong Ri-gang could only snort in frustration.
He was already caught in Neung Un-bi’s web of words.
And there were more than a few onlookers.
If he misspoke out of anger, the rumor would spread across the land in an instant.
But he couldn't back down either.
He had brought his elites and even his enforcers, only to turn back? What would people say?
If he was going to be criticized regardless of which path he chose?
Then naturally, he would press forward.
“Fine. I hope your martial arts are as impressive as that mouth of yours.”
“……”
Deciding that further conversation would only be to his detriment, Jong Ri-gang took a step toward Neung Un-bi.
*Thud!*
It was a light step, yet it felt as if space itself was being pushed back, and the vibration in the ground was clearly perceptible.
Of course, he had anticipated this outcome.
What else could a man who only had strength rely on?
However! This situation was also part of his plan!
Neung Un-bi raised his hand without the slightest hint of intimidation.
“Hooold on!”
“…?”
Jong Ri-gang stopped in his tracks, his brow furrowed deeply.
“What now!”
“I am well aware that a warrior must prove himself with his body, not his words. The phrase ‘no need for questions or answers’ exists for a reason, does it not?”
“……”
“Still, now is not the right time, wouldn't you agree?”
“What?”
Neung Un-bi looked around, turning his head from side to side.
“This is the middle of a town, is it not? There are many eyes watching. Surely, a man of your stature, the King of the Green Forest, isn't planning to cause a disturbance here?”
“…Hmph.”
Now that he mentioned it, it was true.
If he used his power in his current mood, it wouldn't end with just one tavern collapsing.
And weren't there men in official robes among the onlookers?
“It matters not to me, but I am certain the King of the Green Forest has a warrant out for his arrest.”
“……”
“Even with the principle of non-interference, the officials might still cause trouble for the King of the Green Forest. Though I am of the Demonic Cult, how could I stand by and watch a fellow walker of the martial path fall into difficulty?”
“……”
“Let us withdraw for today and set a date to meet again. When I hear word from you, I will surely respond.”
At Neung Un-bi’s suggestion, Jong Ri-gang’s face changed through a spectrum of colors.
So what?
You may be a chieftain, but you're still a bandit. You're going to cause a scene in front of government officials?
Seeing Jong Ri-gang frozen, seemingly caught in a dilemma, Neung Un-bi flashed a victorious smile.
Did you think I stepped forward without confidence?
So just go.
You lost today. To my Tongue Sword Art.
With this, he had upheld his cause of not bowing to evil.
He hadn't used his fists, but he hadn't kneeled or lowered his eyes either.
Neung Un-bi, feeling proud of himself, turned to go back to his table.
“…You Demonic Cult brat.”
“…?”
Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine.
What was that?
He slowly turned his head to see Jong Ri-gang, his eyes gleaming with a demonic light.
W-wait a minute… what's with you? I explained it so you could understand, didn't I?
Are you seriously going to fight me now? The officials will be here any second!
“You really see me as a pawn, don't you?”
“……”
“Do you think this is the first day or two that this Jong Ri-gang has had a government warrant on his head? And people's opinions? Do you think I give a damn about things like that?”
The eyes glaring at Neung Un-bi seemed to spark with blue flames, and a chilling aura rose from his body like a heat haze.
*Crack, cra-crack.*
“…!”
Though he hadn't moved, the formless wave of energy emanating from Jong Ri-gang began to shatter everything around him.
Pebbles, splinters of wood…
The radius of destruction was widening.
He had seen such a phenomenon only once before in recent memory.
It was what the Cult Leader had shown him before beating him up to prove his worth as a disciple…
Oh, for fuck's sake.
Only then did Neung Un-bi realize.
This world had real villains who didn't care one bit about reputation or rumors.
And his own words, meant to corner that villain, had done nothing but light a fire under the tail of an already enraged wild boar.
Thanks to that, his opponent was now plastering his entire body with a protective aura from the very start.
His hands and feet were completely blue, looking utterly terrifying.
“Let anyone try to interfere.”
“……”
“Be it the Demonic Cult, the Orthodox Faction, or even those government bastards, I'll tear apart and kill anyone who stands in my way.”
Jong Ri-gang’s aura grew fiercer and fiercer.
Neung Un-bi’s eyes darted frantically from side to side.
A crowd of officials had gathered nearby.
But… they were controlling the crowd, trying to evacuate people to a safe place in case they got caught up in the fight.
You crazy bastards!
Don't you see him? He's a bandit chief! A first-class wanted fugitive!
And you call yourselves officials!
In his desperation, Neung Un-bi turned his head to look at his companions.
Hyang-i…
“Third Young Master, I pray for your fortune in battle. Though I was ordered to protect you, how could I ignore your spirit as you face this alone?”
“…Huh?”
You were supposed to protect me? Are those the right words to say to someone who needs protecting?
Look at him, look at him! That King of the Green Forest, his eyes have gone completely mad.
But Hyang-i was already retreating to a safe distance.
Damn it, in times like these, my loyal guards…
“My lord! I am deeply moved. To think you have grown so strong. I will watch with both eyes wide open.”
“Huh?”
Ju Seung and Wang Cheon gave Neung Un-bi a thumbs-up in support before retreating out of the tavern with the Lunar Eclipse Squad.
Hey! And you call yourselves guards?
I'm about to die here! You always said you'd protect me even at the cost of your lives!
This is bad. If it comes to this, maybe Un Hak…
“Infinite Life Buddha.”
“……”
Un Hak bowed his head along with his Taoist title and retreated far away.
The respect in his eyes…
Get lost! You useless Taoist bastard!
I shouldn't have stepped forward.
I should have just asked you all to be my shields.
*Fwoosh!*
In his dazed eyes, he saw the demonic face of Jong Ri-gang rushing toward him.
Ah, shit… I'm really screwed.