Chapter 186
Chapter 186
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 186
Chapter Title: A Well-Laid Trap
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CRACK!
“What is the meaning of this!”
The table shattered as a furious roar echoed.
Warriors from the Military Affairs Division had arrived in a group since dawn to deliver their report.
The Orthodox Murim Alliance Leader, Yi Ok-sang, glared at them, his wide eyes flashing fiercely.
“I have reported that Neung Un-bi of the Demonic Cult is fleeing with those who conspired to overthrow the Orthodox Murim Alliance, and that Elder Namgung Hak has formed a Heavenly Net to pursue them.”
“How could this…”
Hearing the confirmation once more, Yi Ok-sang's face contorted, and he finally collapsed into his seat.
Neung Un-bi? Why him? He should be at Shaolin.
“Just who did Young Master Neung help!”
“It is an organization called the Restringers, centered around its leader, Yun An-ro.”
At the report from Strategist Jegal Cheong-in, Yi Ok-sang merely scowled without saying a word.
The Restringers (解絃). It means to loosen the old strings of an instrument and restring it anew, a term often used by those who seek reform.
“However, contrary to the meaning of their name, they engage in assassination, agitation, and conspiracy…”
“…”
Jegal Cheong-in detailed the various crimes and evil deeds committed by the group known as the Restringers.
The amount of evidence was staggering. The numerous documents brought by the warriors of the Military Affairs Division were all said to be from investigations into their wicked acts.
“Last night, we received intelligence that they were holding a secret meeting at the foot of a nameless mountain near Jeongju.”
Jegal Cheong-in continued speaking without even a pause for breath, as if he had prepared it all in advance.
“The situation was urgent, so Elder Namgung Hak mobilized the warriors under his command to form a 'Class-Three' Heavenly Net, moving to capture the leaders of the Restringers in one fell swoop.”
“Hmm…”
The Orthodox Murim Alliance's Heavenly Net is divided into Class-One, Class-Two, and Class-Three, depending on the scale of mobilization.
Class-One, issued by the Alliance Leader's command and with the consent of the Council of Elders, is a general mobilization order targeting the entire Central Plains. The Nine Sects, the Five Great Families, their subordinate clans, and all the minor orthodox factions in every region participate.
Class-Two is issued solely by the authority of the Alliance Leader and is a Heavenly Net limited to the scale of a single province.
Finally, Class-Three is enacted by an Elder's direct authority when a situation is urgent or when immediate action is deemed necessary.
And the one currently deployed near the Orthodox Murim Alliance was a Class-Three Heavenly Net.
“Elder Namgung Hak, as the head, along with Elders Paeng So-jin and Hwangbo Ung, surrounded the Restringers with their warriors, but Neung Un-bi, who was present at the scene, murdered Elder Hwang Byeong-chan who was trying to stop them…”
“W-What!”
Yi Ok-sang, who had been listening silently with a contorted face, shot to his feet with a shout.
“What is the meaning of this? Young Master Neung murdered Elder Hwang Byeong-chan!”
“There was a message from Elder Namgung Hak.”
As Jegal Cheong-in spoke calmly and held out a letter, Yi Ok-sang's pupils trembled as he took it.
What in the world is going on?
Why would Neung Un-bi murder Hwang Byeong-chan?
Unable to hide his bewilderment, Yi Ok-sang's gaze returned to Jegal Cheong-in.
His face was not just calm, but held a faint smile…
Damn it, so that's how it is.
This is a well-orchestrated plan.
A similar situation came to mind.
Thirty years ago. When Yi Ok-sang was a young warrior, a Heavenly Net was cast to capture a certain individual.
The people were different, but somehow, it felt as if the same thing was happening all over again.
Even if a Class-Three Heavenly Net could be activated by an Elder's direct authority, he, the Alliance Leader, should have been notified.
Even if he was asleep.
Furthermore, most of those leading the Heavenly Net alongside Namgung Hak were figures who stood in opposition to him.
Those who had opposed the reforms he had championed since becoming the Alliance Leader, either openly or from the shadows.
To deal with them, he had to remain calm.
He didn't know why Neung Un-bi had murdered Hwang Byeong-chan and fled with the Restringers and this Yun An-ro.
But it was clear that Jegal Cheong-in had come to him at the crack of dawn to entrap him. He didn't know the full extent of the plan, but he absolutely could not let himself be swayed.
Yi Ok-sang calmed his inner turmoil and spoke placidly.
“Hmm, to think such a thing happened last night. Elder Namgung has acted with great initiative. However, now that I have been briefed, I cannot simply stand by. As a disciple of the Demonic Cult is involved, we must quickly gather the Alliance's leaders and begin discussions.”
“…”
“Strategist, summon the Commander of the Vanguard Division at once.”
Yi Ok-sang's order was given, but Jegal Cheong-in simply stood there, watching him.
Yi Ok-sang looked puzzled for a moment.
“Alliance Leader.”
“…?”
At Jegal Cheong-in's call, one of Yi Ok-sang's eyes twitched.
Alliance Leader?
And the faint smile that touched his lips now reached his eyes.
Jegal Cheong-in was sneering at Yi Ok-sang, his eyes narrowed.
“My report is not yet finished.”
“…What?”
“As you said, Alliance Leader, the Vanguard Division should have been deployed. But, unfortunately, Commander Kang Jeong-gil of the Vanguard Division has already been arrested.”
“A-Arrested? Kang Jeong-gil? What is the meaning of this! Why was he arrested!?”
A sudden shout erupted, but Jegal Cheong-in's expression remained unchanged.
“It's unfortunate timing, but it was revealed that he committed numerous acts of corruption during the Vanguard Division's review process, you see.”
“What?”
“The evidence against him is overwhelming. He really helped himself to quite a lot.”
Jegal Cheong-in said, glancing at the documents behind him.
“By my authority as the Strategist, I have stripped the Vanguard Division Commander of his position and placed him in custody.”
“…”
Damn it.
Have those bastards moved so quickly?
Corruption? That's absurd.
They've cut off his arms and legs.
“You, Cheong-in! Custody? You know better than anyone that Commander Kang is not that kind of person!”
“I know. But what can be done when the physical evidence is so abundant?”
“…I will see him. Where is he? Where is he being held?”
As Yi Ok-sang quickly moved as if to go find Kang Jeong-gil immediately, the warriors behind Jegal Cheong-in blocked his path.
“What… is the meaning of this?”
“Alliance Leader.”
“…”
“Unfortunately, you too, Alliance Leader, are to be placed in custody.”
“What? You're going to arrest and detain me?”
As Yi Ok-sang glared and asked through clenched teeth, Jegal Cheong-in nodded nonchalantly and replied.
“Yes.”
“…On what grounds?”
“My, were you not listening to my report?”
“What?”
“I already told you, did I not?”
“…”
“That Neung Un-bi murdered Elder Hwang Byeong-chan and is fleeing with the Restringers.”
“…?”
“On the day Neung Un-bi came to the Orthodox Murim Alliance, did you not have a private meeting with him?”
“W-What? But that was—!”
“Yes. I too do not believe you had any other intentions, Alliance Leader. However, the situation speaks for itself, does it not?”
“What situation speaks for itself!”
The enraged roar of Yi Ok-sang thundered through the grand hall.
“A disciple of the Demonic Cult colluding with those who seek to overthrow the Orthodox Murim Alliance. And the Alliance Leader who had a secret, private conversation with that disciple.”
“F-For such a reason…”
“As soon as the case of the Restringers' escape was registered, all the Elders invoked a vote of no confidence against the Alliance Leader.”
“…”
“That is why you were not informed. Overnight, we sent messages to the heads of the Nine Sects and Five Great Families regarding this matter and have received their replies.”
“Wh… What does that mean?”
“Ah! Of course, the sects involved in Neung Un-bi's actions were excluded. Zhongnan, Mount Hua, and Shaolin.”
“…”
“Given the gravity of the situation, we have requested cooperation from the entire Murim, and a seclusion order has been issued for the sects I mentioned. The sanctions have already begun.”
It felt as if the sky was falling.
Just one night. They managed to do all this in such a short time?
It would be absolutely impossible without prior preparation.
Grind.
He ground his teeth instinctively.
From when was this planned?
From the time I met Neung Un-bi? Or even before that?
He couldn't even begin to guess. He had never imagined those bastards would have laid such an elaborate trap.
To think they would even use the Demonic Cult…
However, he could not hesitate here.
If they had gone this far, it meant they had finished all their preparations. He had to escape this place quickly and plan for the future with those who shared his ideals.
“You bastards… Do you dare think you will be safe after pulling a stunt like this?”
Fueled by Yi Ok-sang's rage, his sword unsheathed itself and hovered above his head.
As the murderous aura he emitted pressed down on the grand hall, the warriors blocking his path tensed up and swallowed hard.
Even Jegal Cheong-in, who had been so calm, couldn't withstand Yi Ok-sang's presence and broke into a cold sweat.
“A-Alliance Leader.”
“Silence! Do not speak my title with that filthy mouth.”
“Umm… Alliance Leader, I implore you not to let your anger cloud your judgment.”
“I told you to be silent! Must I truly take your head right here and now!”
“Alliance Leader, think carefully.”
“You bastard!”
Unable to withstand the wave of energy that erupted with Yi Ok-sang's shout, the furnishings in the grand hall exploded, and the floor cracked apart.
Some of the warriors, unable to endure the immense pressure, began to cough up blood.
“Alliance Leader! I told you to think carefully. The Namgung of Anhui and the Paeng of Hebei have already sent warriors to the Yi Family Manor in Shandong.”
“W-What?”
“Do you intend to get your entire family killed with a rash decision?”
“You… you… you vermin!”
Fwoosh!
Finally unable to contain his surging anger, Yi Ok-sang's figure shot towards Jegal Cheong-in.
“Stop him!”
The warriors blocked Jegal Cheong-in's path and swung their swords at Yi Ok-sang in unison.
But not one of them had the skill to withstand the power of one of the strongest swordsmen of the era.
Klaaaang!
His sword, flying faster than Yi Ok-sang himself, deflected the warriors' attacks in a single strike, and the wave of energy released with his step sent their bodies flying.
Thud! Thump!
The warriors were thrown back, slammed into the walls, and collapsed onto the floor.
Grasp!
And in an instant, Yi Ok-sang's hand was wrapped around Jegal Cheong-in's throat.
“Jegal Cheong-in! How dare you!”
“Guhk.”
Facing the murderous glint in his eyes, Jegal Cheong-in spat out blood but spoke to the very end.
“Alliance Leader… this is problematic.”
“…”
“What do you think will happen if there is bloodshed here, or if you escape, Alliance Leader? You wouldn't want to see your adorable newborn grandson die before he even takes his first steps, would you?”
At the threat, uttered in a strained voice, Yi Ok-sang froze where he stood, his pupils trembling violently.
These bastards… even my family…
Yi Ok-sang, glaring at Jegal Cheong-in with a distorted face, finally loosened his grip.
Thump.
“Cough, cough…”
“…”
Looking down at Jegal Cheong-in who was coughing raggedly, Yi Ok-sang finally let out a deep sigh and released his aura.
It's… too late.
One night. In just one night, the Yi Family Manor had fallen into their hands.
From now on, the fate of his family would be decided by his actions.
Yi Ok-sang… could not bring himself to turn his back on them.
Damn bastards.
Why did the heavens grant such wicked and cunning wisdom to these men?
“Jegal Cheong-in.”
“…”
“For now, I will follow your will. But only custody. Even if my family's safety is in your hands, I will absolutely not tolerate you laying a hand on my body.”
Yi Ok-sang threatened with a low growl, but his momentum seemed to have already been broken.
However, he must not be subdued by their hands.
“Hoo… You should do as much. We had no intention of doing anything to you, Alliance Leader.”
“…”
At Jegal Cheong-in's words, Yi Ok-sang gave a heavy nod.
They probably know it too.
That they cannot stop him with their own strength.
That is why they took the Yi Family Manor hostage.
“I will be watching. There must not be a single shred of doubt in the investigation.”
“Of course.”
Jegal Cheong-in smiled and nodded at Yi Ok-sang's words.
“As of this moment! Yi Ok-sang is stripped of his position as Alliance Leader and confined to his residence! What are you all doing! Escort the former Alliance Leader!”
“Yes, sir!”
At Jegal Cheong-in's command, the warriors staggered to their feet and surrounded Yi Ok-sang. Yi Ok-sang, who had been glaring at Jegal Cheong-in until the very end, finally lowered his head and left the grand hall with the warriors.
“Hehe, that fellow Min, he came up with a truly excellent scheme. To think he'd use Neung Un-bi to bring down the Alliance Leader.”
In truth, the Alliance Leader wasn't part of the original plan. The idea was to capture the Restringers and then use them to take down Yi Ok-sang—that thorn in their side—and the factions that sided with him.
But last night, when Neung Un-bi appeared out of nowhere, Jegal Min, who was at the scene, modified the plan.
The death of the double-crossing traitor, Hwang Byeong-chan, was truly opportune.
Weren't they planning to kill him anyway?
But Neung Un-bi killed him first, so how fortunate was that?
Thanks to that, they brought down the Alliance Leader.
Neung Un-bi helped the Restringers break through the Class-Three Heavenly Net and escape, but it's over now.
Given the circumstances, the position of Alliance Leader cannot be left vacant. According to precedent, he could now temporarily assume the duties of the Orthodox Murim Alliance Leader.
“Myeong-hun!”
“Yes, Stra… no, Acting Leader!”
“By the authority of the Acting Alliance Leader, I declare a Class-Two state of emergency and establish a Heavenly Net in the six provincial capitals on the outskirts of Henan!”
“…!”
“Following that, quickly convene the Council of Elders to gather their opinions and hasten preparations to declare a Class-One state of emergency! Relay the message at once!”
“Yes! Acting Alliance Leader!”
From the fortress of the Orthodox Murim Alliance, messenger pigeons took flight to all corners of the Central Plains.
Thirty years.
After all those long years, the net of the greedy was cast once more to maintain their power.