Chapter 13
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: All Die (3)
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"...That's what happened."
"I... I see."
Kang So-gong nodded with a bewildered look as he listened to the tale of how Ma Du-gwang had ended up living on one leg.
'Even so, most people would just say it as a joke and move on, right?'
He was a bit taken aback by his son and Ma Du-gwang actually following through on what could have been brushed off as banter for a full month, but he chose not to dwell on it.
'Moo-jin must have his reasons.'
He figured there must be some deeper intent behind it from this proud youngest son who had returned at the family's darkest hour to lend his strength.
"Father. How has your health been?"
"I'm doing well. I haven't fully regained my martial prowess yet, but all the ailments are gone."
"That's a relief."
"Haha. It's thanks to you. Now I can finally pull my weight like a proper human being."
To keep the mood from turning heavy, Kang So-gong cracked a light joke with a smile and patted Moo-jin's shoulder.
The old image of always looking down to stroke his son's head overlapped with the current reality where he had to raise his hand high just to reach, stirring a strange sensation.
"Father, these are my subordinates."
"Hooh..."
Kang So-gong's jaw dropped at the sight of thirty-two martial artists with sturdy, well-built frames and sharp, unwavering gazes that screamed perfection.
'When did he gather people like this...'
They evoked memories of the Diamond Escort Agency's invincible enforcers from its golden days, drawing involuntary admiration.
Moo-jin leaned in and whispered to Kang So-gong, who was too stunned to speak.
"Don't worry, Father. They work for free. Meaning, free labor."
"...?"
"Of course, food costs a bit, but that's covered by sparring bets."
Kang So-gong wasn't sure why pay came up so suddenly, but he nodded anyway.
"R-right. Impressive."
"Introduce yourselves. This is my father, the head of the Diamond Escort Agency."
Clas-!
The subordinates simultaneously clasped fist over palm in salute and bowed their heads.
"Greetings to the Agency Head!"
Just a month ago, these self-indulgent men now moved with the disciplined unity of soldiers trained together for over a decade.
It was the gradual change brought by standing beside Kang Moo-jin, a monster beyond ordinary masters.
"Pleased to meet you all. I'm Kang So-gong. I look forward to working with you."
Mindful that they were his son's men, Kang So-gong greeted them with extra courtesy before turning back to his reliable son.
"So, is your training done?"
"Yes, Father."
"Then let's talk inside for a bit."
"Understood."
Kang Moo-jin gestured for his subordinates to disperse, then said to Ma Du-gwang,
"Du-gwang. Take that food to Soo-yeon before it gets cold."
"...! Yes, Brother."
Thud- thud-
Kang So-gong's eyes widened like saucers as he watched Ma Du-gwang hop away desperately on one leg.
"Wha...!"
He barely swallowed the question that nearly escaped his lips.
Seizing the moment Moo-jin wasn't looking, Ma Du-gwang had slyly switched which leg he was using to hop.
"...? What's wrong, Father?"
"Moo-jin, that Ma fellow keeps switching which leg he's hopping on."
"...!"
That day, Moo-jin acupressure-sealed Ma Du-gwang's left leg to prevent any more switching.
"Moo-jin, I could say thanks a hundred times and it still wouldn't be enough. You've been through so much."
Kang So-gong gazed at Moo-jin with eyes brimming with affection and pride.
"No, Father. It was only natural."
"I have no idea what fateful encounter turned you into such a master... but I'm truly proud. You've suffered greatly."
Kang So-gong cautiously probed while watching his son's expression.
"Can you tell me what happened?"
"Of course, Father. It might be hard to believe, but..."
Moo-jin recounted everything: from getting caught in a bizarre formation and stepping into the Linked Qi Realm, another dimension, to learning martial arts and sorcery there just to survive and grow stronger.
After endless struggles for survival, he fused Shaolin's Diamond Art with the sorcery Immortal Forbidden Art to create the Immortal Diamond Qi Art.
He even detailed the final battle against the monsters of the Nine Mountains and Eight Seas to return to his original world.
"Hooh... incredible."
Kang So-gong stroked his chin beard with a sigh, mouth agape after hearing it all.
He'd imagined tough times, but not this level of peril and hardship.
"No regrets?"
"About what?"
"The power you gave up to return here."
"I can rebuild it, so no regrets. If anything, it's good. This time, I can establish it perfectly from the start without any mistakes."
"Excellent mindset."
For a martial artist, losing hard-earned power was more painful than anything.
Even in a situation that would break most, his son's steadfast expression filled Kang So-gong with irrepressible pride.
"So, what's your plan now? Looking for Moo-seon? Seems like you gathered them for that."
"Yes, exactly. But not right now. There's still one thing left unresolved."
"Hmm... You mean the Crimson Flame Gang?"
Like the seasoned agency head he was, Kang So-gong instantly grasped the hidden meaning.
"Yes. It's about time they made their move."
Thud- thud-
At that moment, the sound of one-legged hopping approached, accompanied by Ma Du-gwang's urgent shout.
"B-Brother! A messenger from the Crimson Flame Gang is here!"
Moo-jin's face lit up like a fisherman landing a prize catch.
"Speak of the tiger, and he appears. Perfect timing."
A black-clad man in glossy raven leather robes stood before the Diamond Escort Agency's main gate.
His chest bore the character for "red" (紅) embroidered in crimson thread, instantly screaming "Evil faction scum!" to anyone who saw it.
Swish-
Noticing the massive shadow looming over him, the black-clad man looked up.
There stood a bear of a man—no, a human—tall enough to touch the plaque overhead.
"Are you Kang Moo-jin, third young master of the Diamond Escort Agency?"
"That's me. Who are you?"
"I am Sa-mok, patrol messenger of the Crimson Flame Gang."
Sa-mok took three steps back. Now he no longer had to crane his neck to look at Moo-jin.
"Here to fight?" Moo-jin taunted, implying one man was laughably insufficient.
He wasn't expecting the man to actually bite, just testing his temperament through the reaction.
"No. I have no intention of fighting the Golden Ghost Indestructible."
"Then why are you here?"
"To convey the Crimson Flame Gang's will."
Sa-mok unleashed his aura, making his robes flap dramatically, and declared,
"Golden Ghost Indestructible. Seizing the Silver Push Sect under our gang's protection and looting their wealth is a grave sin."
"However, taking your recent exploits into account, our gang offers broad mercy. This is special clemency, so kneel on both knees and accept it humbly."
"Then bring the full tribute the Silver Push Sect originally owed our gang and offer it to our gang leader."
Emphasizing each point with pauses for breath, Sa-mok delivered the Crimson Flame Gang's demands and glared at Moo-jin tensely.
He knew full well how dangerous Moo-jin was, having personally hauled the wrecked patrol agent I-mok back from him.
"This is our gang's will. I'd advise against pointless bravado and accept it."
"Got it."
Sa-mok's expression brightened slightly at Moo-jin's reply.
"So you'll pay the tribute? How about tomorrow?"
"What are you babbling about? I said I heard what you and your Crimson Flame Gang have to say."
"What do you...?"
"Now hear my will. Get lost."
Moo-jin arrogantly tilted his chin up and looked down at Sa-mok.
"Tell your boss the same. Scram."
"...So you truly want blood."
Sa-mok glared coldly at Moo-jin.
"You'll regret this. Prepare yourselves. Our gang's will shall soon descend upon you and your agency."
"Don't worry. I'll come sort it out personally before then."
Sa-mok scoffed at that.
"If you value your life."
Sa-mok reined in his aura and turned to leave, having delivered his message and ready to return to the Crimson Flame Gang.
"One question."
"What?"
"How many patrol messengers are there?"
"Five."
"Don't tell me: I-mok, Yi-mok, Sam-mok, Sa-mok, O-mok?"
Sa-mok's eyes bulged as he warily backed away.
"...How did you know? I didn't realize the Diamond Escort Agency's intelligence was this good."
"..."
Moo-jin stared at him, mouth agape.
They say extreme shock leaves you speechless. He genuinely couldn't think of what to say.
Is he an idiot?
Moo-jin shook his head and waved him off.
"Go."
"That's what I was doing."
With that, the patrol messenger Sa-mok departed the Diamond Escort Agency. Ma Du-gwang, who had watched the exchange from behind, hopped over on one leg.
"...Brother."
He leaned in carefully and whispered,
"Did you secretly build an intelligence network without me knowing?"
"..."
A crack appeared in Moo-jin's stern expression.
...There are too many idiots.
The sun set alongside the Crimson Flame Gang's patrol messenger. The moon rose in its place, illuminating the world, with stars flanking it like attendants.
"You've all worked hard this past month."
Moo-jin addressed his thirty-two subordinates.
"Some of you may know, but a Crimson Flame Gang patrol messenger showed up today. These nobodies strut around Shanxi Province calling themselves one of the three great evil factions."
The subordinates' faces hardened at his words.
The infamous title alone tensed them up.
Kang Moo-jin could toss it out casually like naming a stray dog, but to Taiyuan locals, it symbolized terror.
"Afraid...?"
Moo-jin trailed off mid-question.
Seeing their unyielding gazes, he realized asking was foolish.
"I'm heading out to crush the Crimson Flame Gang. Better I smash their stronghold than let them soil ours. So..."
"..."
The subordinates silently awaited his next words, eyes fixed on him.
"I'll take ten of you along. Any volunteers?"
No sooner had he finished than Do-ryang and Eun Do-hyeon shot their hands up, followed one by one by the rest.
'Hm. I only planned for ten.'
Moo-jin scratched the back of his head as all thirty-two raised their hands without hesitation.
"First come, first served."
He beckoned the ten quickest to step forward.
"You lot get a new martial art after this is over."
"...Ah!"
The unselected subordinates' faces fell with regret. Some bit their lips in frustration.
"Don't worry. There'll be more chances."
Moo-jin lightly soothed them, then turned left to the chosen ten.
"You guys too—no need to fret. You'll probably never get a turn."
A feral grin tugged at Moo-jin's lips as he cracked his knuckles.
Anticipation of the impending fight made his blood boil.
"It might not even be enough for me alone."