Chapter 166
Chapter 166
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 166
Chapter Title: The First Step
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Disharmony always grates on people's nerves.
Like a drop of ink on a pristine white sheet of paper, or something jutting out from an otherwise perfectly aligned row.
Such things cannot be ignored, no matter how hard one tries. One’s eyes are inevitably drawn to them.
The members of the Demonic Cult who had arrived in Zhengzhou were just like that.
The ones who had taken the first step.
Throughout history, the Orthodox and Demonic factions had clashed countless times, but no one from the Demonic Cult had ever reached the heart of the Orthodox faction.
Not even the great Heavenly Demon Emperor, Dam Un-cheon, had managed to come to the Orthodox Murim Alliance. Only Neung Un-bi.
To have sailed a boat and leisurely docked in Zhengzhou…
And a massive crowd, not wanting to miss the historic scene, had gathered and filled the area near the pier.
Of course, they couldn't come all the way to the pier where the boat was docking. Warriors dispatched by the Orthodox Murim Alliance had already formed a line, waiting.
“Haha, it seems you are quite the honored guest.”
“You think so?”
“Indeed! Seeing that the Alliance Leader sent even them out, it must be so.”
Neung Un-bi smiled faintly at Jin San’s admiration.
“They are called the First Corps. Have you heard of them?”
“My knowledge is limited…”
Though he said that, he already knew.
Every time the master of the Orthodox Murim Alliance changed, its subordinate martial units changed their names countless times, but the First Corps had always remained the same.
Thirty years ago, now, and even before then.
Yes, the memories were coming back to him.
Weren’t the First Corps once an incredibly irksome existence to him?
“The First Corps has existed since the Orthodox Murim Alliance was first established.”
“They’ve been around that long?”
“Yes, they have. The First Corps, as the name implies, was the name given after the Orthodox Murim Alliance created its very first group worthy of being called a martial unit.”
Jin San’s words and expression were brimming with pride.
And for good reason.
It wasn't for nothing that the four words ‘Eternal Righteousness’ were engraved on the chests of the First Corps warriors. The members belonging to it were outstanding individuals, so much so that they could be said to represent the Orthodox Murim Alliance, no, the entire Orthodox martial world.
As Neung Un-bi recalled, most of the figures who had left their mark on the history of the Orthodox martial world had passed through the First Corps.
The Sword Saint of Mount Hua was one, and so was Jin San beside him.
Only those with the qualities to become the best could join the First Corps.
Of course… that meaning might have faded quite a bit by now. There had been corruption in the First Corps’ selection criteria since thirty years ago.
In any case, Jin San’s words that the Alliance Leader had paid considerable attention, seeing as he even sent out the First Corps, were likely true.
However, it probably wasn’t out of consideration for him.
Neung Un-bi looked around.
A sea of people had formed, all having come to witness the disharmony upon hearing the news that the Demonic Cult was coming to the Orthodox Murim Alliance. And among them, there were surely those who hated the Demonic Cult to their very bones.
That was why the Alliance Leader had sent the First Corps.
To prevent any unfortunate incidents by using his most trustworthy men.
*Creak, thud!*
As the boat reached the pier, Wang Cheon threw a rope, and a warrior who was waiting on the dock tied it securely to a wooden post.
“Disembark!”
Perhaps conscious of their surroundings, Ju Seung shouted in a particularly resonant voice, and the warriors of the Crescent Moon Division disembarked onto the pier in a line, their expressions stiff.
As they formed two lines on either side, waiting for him, Neung Un-bi let out a small laugh.
Right, there were times when such formalities were necessary.
No matter what might happen later, for now, wasn't he representing the Demonic Cult?
There was nothing to be gained by showing any disarray.
“Ahem, you all go first. I will disembark separately at the end.”
“…Yes.”
At Jin San’s words, Neung Un-bi nodded with an awkward smile.
Indeed, how could even Jin San accompany him in this atmosphere?
It was Jin San's consideration for Neung Un-bi's public image.
“Wang Cheon.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Let’s go.”
“Yes!”
As Neung Un-bi walked ahead, Wang Cheon followed behind him.
Today, even Hyang-i did not act rashly. Looking for all the world like a maid, she followed with demure, short steps as she disembarked.
Passing through the two rows of the Crescent Moon Division, he arrived where the First Corps stood guard. A middle-aged warrior with a resolute impression spoke to him in a disciplined manner.
“May I have your identity?”
It was a mere formality. He would have already known his identity, and even if he didn't, he could have easily guessed from the situation unfolding before him.
But Neung Un-bi also knew it was procedure, and the warrior was simply following that procedure.
“I am Neung Un-bi.”
Neung Un-bi’s brief introduction with a slight nod of his head seemed quite arrogant, but at the same time, it befitted his station.
“I am Kang Jeong-gil, in charge of the First Corps. On behalf of the Orthodox Murim Alliance, I welcome Young Master Neung’s visit.”
“Thank you for the welcome.”
Neung Un-bi gave another slight nod at the stiff greeting from the First Corps Commander, Kang Jeong-gil.
“The Orthodox Murim Alliance is about five *li* from the pier.”
“…”
“We have prepared horses and a carriage, in case any unfortunate incidents occur on the way.”
“Is that so? The escort of the First Corps, which represents the Orthodox Murim Alliance, is reassuring enough, but I am grateful for your thoughtfulness.”
“…”
At Neung Un-bi’s polite words, Kang Jeong-gil smiled faintly. Neung Un-bi must know that the current situation was standard procedure, yet he was being considerate of their feelings.
“Third Young Master, you are indeed as they say.”
“As they say?”
“The rumors are already widespread, are they not? A man of the Demonic Cult who overflows with more righteousness than the Orthodox faction.”
“Is that the rumor?”
“Yes. There are more than a few who have been put to shame by the Third Young Master’s actions. Thanks to you, many have had a time of self-reflection, so it is something to be thankful for.”
“You are too kind… Being of the Demonic Cult does not mean we violate the duties a person must uphold. I merely acted according to the teachings of the Demonic Cult, but I am grateful you see it in such a high regard.”
At Neung Un-bi's humility, Kang Jeong-gil's expression gradually softened, and soon a pleased smile appeared on his lips.
“Haha! I have learned a great deal. To think that upholding human duty is no different between the Orthodox and Demonic… those are truly fine words. It is said that the Way is everywhere, and it all depends on one's mindset. Is that not so?”
“That… was from the Zhuangzi’s chapter on Knowledge Rambling North, wasn't it?”
“Hah!”
At the answer he had muttered to himself, Kang Jeong-gil started in surprise, his eyes wide.
“Third… Third Young Master, you know of the Knowledge Rambling North?”
“Ah… I just had an interest and read it once.”
“Oh! Is that so? No wonder your thoughts are so different! For one who has set his will in the Demonic path to have studied the philosophy of Daoism!”
“…”
Seeing Kang Jeong-gil’s over-the-top reaction, Neung Un-bi thought he had said something he shouldn't have.
How on earth would he know Daoist philosophy?
Even when he lived as Cheok Wol-rin, Daoism didn't suit him, so he never bothered to study it.
He had only read a single book since becoming Neung Un-bi.
To quell the demonic energy that raged within him…
But as it happened, that one book was a summary—a collection of the core tenets of Daoist thought, one might say.
That was why he had tried to act knowledgeable…
“That is correct. In response to Dongguozi’s question, Zhuangzi said as much. The Way is everywhere. Therefore, always keep your mind pure. Then there will be no artifice, and things will flow according to nature… This is purity and non-action.”
“…”
“Fine words, are they not? All discord arises from wicked desires and greed, so if one sheds them…”
I really shouldn't have said anything.
Where did that disciplined demeanor from before go? How can your attitude change so drastically just because a topic of interest came up?
Kang Jeong-gil looked as excited as if he were a different person.
But looking closely… this fellow, the way he speaks, it doesn't seem like he just learned about the Way casually.
“Excuse me, Commander Kang.”
“The duty of man is based on the natural order… yes?”
“Are you perhaps a Daoist?”
“Ah! Yes, I am. I am a disciple of Qingcheng. I use the Daoist name Jahyeon.”
“…”
So he was from there. No wonder he started rambling on about the Way…
“Commander Kang, I am from the Demonic Cult.”
“What does that matter? As I said, the Way is everywhere.”
“…”
Ah, this open-minded Daoist bastard is also clueless.
No matter if you're the commander of the First Corps, this isn't the place to be chatting about the Way. Everyone is watching!
Even the First Corps warriors next to you look uncomfortable!
“Heh heh, what a rare experience this is. To think I would get to discuss the Demonic and the Dao.”
“…Commander Kang.”
“Yes! Third Young Master!”
At the clueless Daoist’s response, which was not just high-spirited but downright bold, Neung Un-bi sighed deeply and said.
“Aren’t we leaving?”
“Pardon?”
“I am a guest from the Demonic Cult, so the Alliance Leader might be waiting to have a word with me.”
“…Ah! A word! That’s right. The Alliance Leader is indeed waiting for you in the reception hall, Young Master Neung.”
Only then did Kang Jeong-gil exclaim, realizing the situation.
Only after hearing Neung Un-bi’s words did he finally remember.
The fact that the Alliance Leader was waiting to meet Neung Un-bi…
“Ahem, my apologies. I tend to lose my senses whenever the topic of the Way comes up.”
“…”
Clearing his throat and wiping the smile from his face, Kang Jeong-gil put on a much more serious expression.
Too late to be serious, you bastard.
“Hahaha! You haven't changed a bit.”
Having waited long enough, even Jin San had disembarked and come over.
“Ah! Elder Jin. My greetings are late.”
“Or did you not think of it at all?”
As Jin San made a mischievous face, Kang Jeong-gil scratched his head and laughed.
“How could that be? I was eagerly awaiting your arrival, having heard that you would be coming with Young Master Neung.”
“Eagerly? I don't know who it was whose mouth was split wide in a grin while discussing the Demonic and the Dao.”
“Split wide? You exaggerate, sir.”
“Am I wrong?”
“I just… smiled.”
“I’m sure…”
“I said I just smiled!”
“You just wait. When I go to Qingcheng, I’m going to tell your master everything. That you were so infatuated with a disciple of the Demonic Cult that you couldn't think straight.”
“…Look who's talking. I heard everything, too. Weren't you the one who played the part of the Demonic Cult's spokesperson at Samun Gorge? A fine thing for a great elder of Zhongnan to be doing.”
“What? A thing? A thiiing!? I let you off easy and now this brat! Am I your friend!”
“Hmph! I only spoke the truth!”
“…Oh? Are you trying to have a life-and-death battle with me today?”
“Are you sure you’ll be alright? You’re old, do you still have the strength? You might break a bone.”
“…”
Jin San and Kang Jeong-gil glared at each other as if they were about to tear one another apart.
Of course, it was probably half in jest. Seeing how they acted, it seemed they often played like this.
After all, though they belonged to different places, weren't they senior and junior of the First Corps?
A bond said to be tighter than any other organization…
That was why they could tear into each other like that, regardless of age or station.
But… are we really not going?
“Commander Kang.”
“Yes?”
“You said the Alliance Leader is waiting.”
“Ah!”
Kang Jeong-gil let out another exclamation.
Hah, to think such an absent-minded fellow is the commander. The standards for the First Corps must have dropped quite a bit.