Chapter 65
Chapter 65
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 65
Chapter Title: An Unholy Alliance
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A dilapidated thatched hut.
The wooden planks that formed its walls, weathered by wind and rain, were riddled with holes where knots had fallen out.
Its only door, with a broken wooden hinge, failed to fully cover the entrance and creaked with every slight breeze.
Above the door, a sign so old it was a wonder it still clung to the frame hung askew.
Cheongjin Hermitage.
Contrary to its name, which meant ‘a place where the light remains ever clear,’ it was so decrepit it looked like a haven for lost souls.
But strangely, despite its remote location in the mountains, the surroundings were utterly silent, devoid of even the chirping of night insects.
It was dark and desolate.
As if death itself resided here.
Rustle, rustle, rustle.
Was it because of the profound silence?
The sudden sound of someone parting the grass as they walked echoed as loudly as thunder.
A man in a wide-brimmed hat emerged from the forest and strode into the hermitage's front yard without hesitation.
He then gathered pine branches and piled the scattered debris from the hermitage on top.
Flick, crackle, whoosh.
The man lit a fire, perhaps intending to warm himself against the chill that had settled in during the night.
The damp wood soon caught, blazing brightly and illuminating the area.
As the man silently stared into the flames, he suddenly fixed his gaze on a single spot.
He sensed a presence. More than one.
But as if he already knew who it was, he merely stoked the bonfire, making the flames grow larger.
“Damn it, I told you meetings like this are a bad idea.”
“…”
The person who emerged into the firelight grumbled, his face etched with irritation.
But the other man seemed unfazed.
“Do you think I would have called you if it weren't important?”
“…Damn it.”
It was a long-standing custom between them that their companions would wait at a distance.
The man who irritably removed his wide-brimmed hat was none other than the Gate Master of the Heavenly Pillar Gate, Bae Hyo-gang.
“So, what's so important that you had to contact me through the secret line?”
“Sit down first.”
“Sit? Like hell…”
Though still annoyed, he was already seated.
As Bae Hyo-gang sat, the man who had arrived first also took off his hat and placed it beside him.
The Gate Master of Dancheon Gate, Jong Se-in.
The two titans of the Orthodox and Demonic factions, who ruled over northern Gansu, were meeting in secret.
A meeting that could cause an uproar if discovered, yet there was no trace of awkwardness between them.
Jong Se-in raised his hand, and a warrior waiting in the forest beyond the clearing ran over and handed him a bottle of wine.
This, too, seemed like a familiar act born of long experience.
“I called this meeting, so I prepared this.”
“Cheonilju. The perfect wine for a night like this.”
Bae Hyo-gang, who was thirsty from rushing here after receiving the message, accepted the cup with a not-unpleased expression.
Gurgle.
The sound of the cup being filled in silence mingled with the crackling of the bonfire.
Though they belonged to the Orthodox and Demonic factions, the way they looked at each other was like old friends who could set everything aside and meet.
Of course, it was a relationship born of necessity, a fact both of them knew well.
“But what's going on? Weren't we supposed to avoid meetings like this for a while?”
“We were. But circumstances have changed, haven't they?”
“Circumstances?”
“Even if things went wrong, you still have to pay the price. Exactly half the amount, based on the number of people.”
As Jong Se-in spoke, draining his cup, Bae Hyo-gang's face contorted in anger.
“Price? Don't be ridiculous! Do you not know our situation right now?”
“…”
“This whole thing could fall apart at any moment!”
“That's not my responsibility, is it?”
“What?”
“I did my part. You're the one who messed up, so why should I have to be understanding?”
“You... you bastard…”
“What? Am I wrong?”
Jong Se-in's cold gaze made Bae Hyo-gang's beard tremble.
But how could he argue with that?
“Hah... Damn it all.”
“…”
“Fine. I admit it. But not yet. Our finances are in a bad state…”
“I believe I said I have no reason to be understanding.”
“You son of a bitch! Then what do you want me to do? All the displaced people we were supposed to sell as slaves have escaped!”
“And?”
“I need money to pay you!”
“That's your problem.”
Faced with Jong Se-in's unyielding and indifferent attitude, Bae Hyo-gang gritted his teeth so hard they audibly ground together.
“Don't even think about getting any funny ideas because you don't want to pay. If things go south, my hands will be tied.”
“...What did you say?”
“I'll just expose the relationship we've had all this time.”
“You bastard, what do you mean?”
“Did you really think I wouldn't have kept a ledger?”
“A ledger?”
“Yes, of all the dirty deeds you've done to make a name for your family.”
“…”
“There's quite a bit. Enough to send you and your family to ruin in an instant. I imagine your precious son's path to the Orthodox Murim Alliance will be cut short.”
“...You goddamn bastard.”
Bae Hyo-gang glared at Jong Se-in as if he wanted to devour him.
But with his weakness exposed, there was nothing he could do.
His family was the prestigious ruler of northern Gansu, having produced elders for the Orthodox Murim Alliance for generations.
Of course, that was before Bae Hyo-gang became the family head. Lacking the ability to continue his family's legacy, he had no choice but to find another way.
Bribery. Since he lacked power, he used wealth to maintain his family's standing.
But where did the enormous bribes he sent to the Orthodox Murim Alliance come from?
There was no way to amass such wealth through legitimate means.
Inevitably, he turned to illegal activities, and human trafficking was the most profitable among them.
But evading the eyes of the authorities was no easy task.
That was when he met Jong Se-in, who had been appointed as a branch chief. He was involved in every step of the Heavenly Pillar Gate's rise.
The Heavenly Pillar Gate began to subjugate displaced people who had drifted in from other lands and were struggling to settle, branding them as members of the Demonic Cult.
To sway public opinion, they secretly spread rumors.
That they devoured children, that they reveled in debauchery...
Since it was a matter within the martial world, the authorities didn't investigate properly, allowing the Heavenly Pillar Gate to accumulate immense merit.
But how would that make money?
They had to be sold.
To slave markets, to brothels.
Thanks to this, the Heavenly Pillar Gate was able to amass a huge fortune.
And the one who arranged the entire process was none other than Jong Se-in.
Of course, he was also the one who suppressed the warriors of his branch from protesting the sullying of the Demonic Cult's name.
He silenced them with money, claiming it was all for the development of the Demonic Cult.
That was how their secret alliance was formed.
Who would ever suspect?
On the surface, the Heavenly Pillar Gate was more righteous than anyone, and the Dancheon Gate had earned immense respect from the local people.
“Look. Please, cut me some slack. I'm in a really tight spot this time.”
“…”
“If those damn runaways go and talk somewhere, it won't just be my son's career on the line—it'll be a fatal blow to our family's reputation.”
Jong Se-in, who had been watching the pleading Bae Hyo-gang with disdain, finally nodded.
“Alright, fine. We've known each other for a while, so I'll grant you a short delay. Your situation does seem pitiful.”
“Thank you. I really mean it.”
Jong Se-in glanced at the relieved Bae Hyo-gang and let out a smirk.
“Well, fine. The reason I wanted to meet today was for something other than money, anyway.”
“Other?”
“The Cult Leader's disciple is here at the main branch.”
“...The Cult Leader's disciple?”
“Yes. A routine inspection.”
“…”
Bae Hyo-gang knew a little about the Demonic Cult's inspections.
But hadn't he been told they were just a formality? Something to be careful about only during that period...
“It used to be, but this disciple seems to be different.”
“What do you mean?”
“Somehow, he knows that you framed the displaced people.”
“W-What?”
“I managed to stop him, even feigning a suicide attempt, but he's a hot-blooded kid and seems very interested.”
“…”
“According to the Patrol Hall Master, he looked into the illegal businesses you're running during his inspection.”
“What? So you handed over all the information to that disciple?”
“Of course. The inspector is the Cult Leader's proxy. What power does a branch chief have to refuse?”
“Some of those have your stake in them too, don't they?”
“Did you really think I would leave any trace of that?”
“…”
“Anyway, I'm here to warn you.”
“Warn me?”
“To prepare, because there's no telling what he'll do.”
“Hmm…”
“I'd bet he won't be able to control his righteous anger and will start poking around your businesses. If I'm right, it'll be his petty way of getting revenge.”
“Hmm... You mean he'll try to expose us and ruin our reputation?”
“Exactly. So be prepared. Don't be stupid and leave any traces. I don't care if you go down, but it'll be a headache if I get dragged into it too.”
“Hah, alright. I'll do that. And I'll be sure to compensate you for the delay later.”
“Of course you will. Do you think I'd let it slide if you shorted me even a single coin?”
“...You bastard.”
“I'll take that as a compliment.
Jong Se-in laughed at Bae Hyo-gang's curse and refilled his cup.
The cups clinked together, the clear sound ringing through the air.
“By the way, how are things over on your side these days?”
“The Orthodox Murim Alliance?”
“Yes.”
“Don't even ask. Some bastard became the Alliance Leader... and more than a few people have been kicked out after their corruption was exposed.”
“Sounds aggressive. You must be in a tight spot. Didn't you pour in a fortune?”
“Me? I did, but even if my corruption is discovered, a powerless Alliance Leader like him can't touch me.”
“What?”
“Did you really think I'd make a move without securing my position? The new Alliance Leader can't touch my family.”
“…”
“My backing is that strong. It's solid. Even if he's the Alliance Leader, if he messes with us, he'd better be prepared for the fallout to tear him to shreds.”
Whatever he was thinking, Bae Hyo-gang's face, illuminated by the bonfire, looked incredibly sinister.
“Solid backing... Did you form a connection with the Nine Sects?”
“The Nine Sects? You think I'd be this confident with just that?”
“Someone higher?”
“Before long, our Heavenly Pillar Gate will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Nine Sects. We can't be beneath those bastards.”
“Oh? Now I'm curious.”
“You'll find out naturally in due time. Once our family encompasses all of Gansu…”
“I see. When that time comes, will I have to beg you not to forget my help?”
“Heh, it's not like you plan to stay long anyway, right? I'm pretty sure you said you were going to switch sides.”
“Not yet. If I'm not perfectly prepared, the Demonic Cult will surely hunt me down.”
“If you do, come to our side. I'll treat you well.”
“Heh heh, and can you handle me?”
“Someone like you would be no trouble at all.”
“Forget it. As if I'd ever work under you. Don't be ridiculous.”
The cups were filled once more.
Whether from the heat of the bonfire, the faces of the two men were flushed red.
“Anyway, if you have a portrait of that disciple, give it to me. I need to copy it and distribute it to my men so we can give our ‘honored guest’ a proper welcome.”
“Ah, right. I almost forgot.”
“…?”
At Bae Hyo-gang's request, Jong Se-in rummaged through his robes as if remembering something he'd forgotten.
“There wasn't enough time to make a proper scroll.”
“As long as I can recognize the face, it's fine.”
What Jong Se-in handed him was a portrait made by backing a piece of cloth.
Bae Hyo-gang unfolded it and tilted his head in confusion.
“Huh?”
“What is it?”
“No, it's just... this face... I feel like I've seen it somewhere before.”
“You've seen him? The Cult Leader's disciple? That's ridiculous.”
“No, it's really familiar…”
In that moment, a figure flashed through Bae Hyo-gang's mind.
His eyes widening, Bae Hyo-gang brought the portrait closer to the bonfire to examine it carefully.
“Th-This bastard is...?!”
He could never forget.
He had only glanced at him and hadn't paid much attention, but...
“The Jade Clear Escort Agency!”
“Huh? Jade Clear... what?”
“Th-This bastard is the Cult Leader's disciple?”
“That's right. Why?”
“Th-This son of a bitch…”
“…?”
Bae Hyo-gang's face turned as red as the flames.
Then it all made sense.
The reason why this disciple knew they had framed the displaced people.
And the identity of the culprit who had attacked the prison.