#187. Rewriting the Sichuan Blood Saga (7)
After the "Sanwang Jeon-tu," everything went smoothly. First, they requisitioned carts from Hwaeom Stronghold to carry the wounded. The stronghold was packed with sturdy carriages and wagons—likely spoils from attacking merchants instead of just collecting tolls.
"You dare attack innocent merchants?"
Bang Du-chil, fuming, gave the stronghold leaders a thorough beating. It was probably inevitable. The violence only stopped after they spat out, "From now on, we'll only take tolls."
On the road to Chengdu, they conscripted the stronghold's experts for escort duty and night watches. The bizarre procession of Murim Academy students, Murim Alliance members, and bandits dragged on for days until they finally reached Chengdu.
Bang Du-chil and his crew, who had escorted them all the way, now bid farewell. Whatever the case, I was grateful he'd rushed over without conditions at my summons.
"Where do you plan to head now?"
"Thinking of touring Sichuan first."
"At a time like this, I'd recommend Guizhou over Sichuan."
"Why's that?"
Because a massive war was about to erupt in Sichuan. But I couldn't say it outright.
"Sichuan's going to be chaotic for a while. Won't make for a peaceful trip."
"Hmm... Is that so?"
His expression suggested he actually wanted to stick around the noisy Sichuan. He must have picked up on the shifting tides.
As expected, Baek So-ryeong stepped in to sum it up.
"Dear, do as Jin Gongja says. When have you ever lost by listening to him?"
"Maybe you're right. I was planning to hit other strongholds on the way back anyway—speeding things up a bit isn't bad."
He spoke lightly, but it was easy to guess he'd visit every one of the Green Forest Seventy-Two Strongholds and wage his own "Sanwang Jeon-tu."
'The path to Bandit King has already begun?'
In his previous life, Bang Du-chil's conquest of Jiangnan had come much later. This was a dramatic shift.
"Jiangnan will be under your feet in no time, hyungnim."
Bang Du-chil's lips twitched into a smirk.
"You think so?"
But Jiangbei wouldn't be so easy. The real powerhouses of the Seventy-Two Strongholds were mostly concentrated up north.
Still, he'd unify things a few years faster than before. The thought hit me with fresh surprise.
We'd had some acquaintance in his previous life, but nothing like dropping everything for a single letter. I'd prevented his dantian injury, sure—but was that for his sake or mine? Hard to say.
Yet here he was, showing me boundless loyalty. That pure, profound trust weighed a little heavy on my heart.
"Just listen to your wife, hyungnim. Your path won't have many trials then."
"Ahem! Ahem!"
I offered the advice with genuine sincerity. The gruff Bang Du-chil flushed red and coughed awkwardly, while Baek So-ryeong covered her mouth with a soft "hoho" laugh.
It was a nostalgic sight—one I was thrilled to witness again.
"Take care of yourself too, dongsaeng. Rumors say things haven't been smooth lately... or will be."
"......"
Bang Du-chil's face grew deadly serious.
"Fellas like you and me? We pop up anywhere. Rejection's just par for the course. Hide it all you want—you won't blend in easy. A hawk in a flock of ducks? Stands out like a sore thumb."
Uncharacteristically philosophical words from him. Then his eyes gleamed as he grinned.
"So why bother becoming a duck? Dominate as the hawk. Or become the predator. Simple as that."
Had there been a time when even he wanted to blend into the flock? Must've been rough times. As that thought crossed my mind, he stared right through me.
"Don't curse your talons and sharp beak, dongsaeng. We all have our place."
"......"
He was saying this because he'd seen me mingling with the academy students these past few days. Even in his eyes, I didn't fit at the Murim Academy.
"Thank you, hyungnim."
I meant it from the heart. His advice carved deep into my chest.
Our sworn brotherhood had formed on a whim, but I'd never expected this rock-solid reliability and thoughtfulness from him as an older brother.
He clapped my shoulders with those massive hands.
"So come back to Heukryong Stronghold anytime. You've got two to lead now—Hwaeom included."
"Ah......"
So that's what the duck talk was building to? Damn it...
The sense of solidity and depth evaporated in a puff.
"Listen up—after I conquer all of Jiangnan, we'll head to Jiangbei together! Twin dragons, you and me, ruling...!"
"Dear! Let's go!"
Sensing my darkening expression, Baek So-ryeong started dragging him off. Even as she pulled, Bang Du-chil wouldn't shut up.
"You'll rule Jiangbei, I'll rule Jiangnan! The two of us with the world at our feet! Mmph!"
She finally clamped his mouth shut.
How the hell do I change that cursed Heukryong Stronghold name? I pressed my throbbing temples hard.
#
The moment we arrived at the Murim Alliance Chengdu Branch, Suheo Elder and Sangwon Elder peeled off from the group first. After a private word with the branch chief, they rented branch carriages, loaded up the other elders, and bolted.
The disciples gawked, stunned—no goodbyes or anything.
The wounded were handed to the branch's medical hall, and the academy students got rooms—three or four crammed per.
Right now, inns or taverns didn't matter. Just needed to shake off the long journey's fatigue.
I was about to wash up and crash, but someone called for me.
"The branch chief?"
"Yes. Wants to see you right now."
"......"
The elders were the real leads on this expedition; next in line was Seung Ho Dangju. What business did a Murim Alliance branch chief have with an academy rep?
"Heukryong Stronghold's a misunderstanding..."
My guess? The massive snowball from Bang Du-chil's pipe dream and Baek So-ryeong's teasing—the Heukryong Stronghold. With everyone knowing I'd joined the Sanwang Jeon-tu, someone had to have snitched.
'Damn them. I stuck my neck out to save their asses.'
Had I skipped it, we'd have taken heavy losses too. I'd done my damned best...
"Hurry, please."
Urged by the servant, I fixed him with a stare.
"Do I have to go?"
"Pardon?"
Like I'd asked the sky to be blue.
Yeah, fair enough. Skipping now would be weirder. But I hated it all the same.
No good memories with branch chiefs in my previous life. Arrogant, dictatorial, selfish pricks to a man.
As an academy student, I at least got summoned. Back in the Small Justice Squad? Less than dirt.
I'd climbed light-years higher than then, but the old inferiority lingered.
"Please. He's been waiting."
I dragged my feet to the branch chief's office. Someone was already there.
"Seung Ho Dangju-nim."
I tried to play it friendly, but he just gave a curt nod—no more.
Keeping distance because I'm supposedly Heukryong chief? Didn't peg him for that...
Natural reaction, sure. But it stung.
'Was gonna slip Parasitic Spirit Control to his crew too.'
As I moved to cup my hands toward the Chengdu branch chief, he shot up from his seat.
"Jin So-hyeop, must be exhausted—thank you for coming."
"......"
His opening line was downright bizarre.
'So-hyeop?'
A branch chief ranked like a branch lord in the Alliance. They ruled their turf and relayed the Alliance's will—a lofty post not climbed from common stock.
This guy's background? Jeomcheong elite, generations ahead in academy terms. Dang Hyeokje was the outlier. Normal branch chiefs didn't even see academy students as proper warriors...
"Tea? Yongjeong or Gunsan Eunchim...?"
Even giving me a choice?
What the hell?
"Gunsan Eunchim suits me."
"Ah, y-yes...! Of course."
What? That flash of regret?
Regret it that much, don't offer.
"Saved just enough for 'one cup.' Worth it."
He fawned like I was a debt collector.
'What's the play here?'
Minutes ago, I'd braced for grilling on my Bang ties—maybe accused of being a Heukryong plant...
"Fine tea aroma."
"Thrilled it suits you."
"So, why summon me?"
He was groveling first—no need for me to bow.
I straightened my slumped shoulders. Joints popped with satisfying cracks.
He smiled at me like royalty.
"Can't thank you enough for heading off what could've been a disaster for the Jeongdo Council."
"Just did what needed doing."
"Seeing sacrifice for others as natural... Jianghu's future shines bright."
At his level, half politician. His tongue slithered like it was oiled.
Never buttered up like this before—gave me chills.
Whatever, his attitude was fishy as hell.
'Myeonghyeon said nothing?'
Figured the grudge-holder would've badmouthed me to his junior from the start. But this guy's slithering like my tongue?
"This mess embarrassed the Chengdu branch too. Your aid means the world."
"......"
Now talking like I'm the boss.
I hardened my face and clammed up. He finally clocked it, cleared his throat, and got to the point.
"Heard you have good ties with Luolong's Bang Du-chil chief."
Hmm. Good ties? Understatement.
Subtle probe from the chief.
"Your sense of justice must've swayed even a mere bandit like him, right?"
"......What are you getting at?"
Too frustrating—I cut straight.
He worked his lips furiously.
"Mind if I ask how close you are to Bang Du-chil?"
My gaze flicked to Seung Ho Dangju. No need for transmission—he got the message and shook his head faintly.
'Seung Ho's one thing, but Myeonghyeon and the Jeomcheong students said zilch?'
From the vibe, the chief didn't know about the sworn brotherhood. Or that I was Heukryong chief.
These bastards... got some loyalty after all?
I was oddly touched.
"Sorry to pry personal-like. But the Chengdu branch's survival hangs on you."
So...
The branch chief wanted a favor—through me—to Bang Du-chil.
I swung one leg over the other knee. Long tension had my limbs aching. Stretched too.
His eyebrow twitched faintly.
Stiff body's no good for talk. I cleared my throat.
"Ahem. Bit hesitant as a Jeongdo junior, but... practically sworn brothers."
"Oho! Really?!"
Chief's eyes bulged. Even Gu Jeongryong blinked in shock.
"Word is Bang Du-chil put the Green Forest strongholds under his heel via Sanwang Jeon-tu. Think you could ask him for help?"
Now it clicked.
Jeongdo came to Sichuan, Blood Cult hit them hard. Once exposed, Alliance dispatches troops en masse—war with Blood Cult.
Why Bang? Scared the strongholds won't sit idle with Alliance forces swarming Sichuan.
Already precarious not knowing Blood Cult lurked nearby; fail to rein in bandits and heukdo, and his head rolls.
Jeomcheong's losses huge too—homecoming means discipline for sure.
'Jianghu peace my ass... slimy prick.'
His hypocrisy made my neck ache. I rolled it side to side.
He pleaded with a fawning look.
"......It's really important."
His neck on the line—hence "so-hyeop" to this kid junior.
His sleaziness aside, I'd planned to leash the Green Forest anyway. No point diving in—for future Nokrim Alliance's sake, better they lay low.
'But not for free.'
He's securing his ass under "Jianghu peace"—why play naive?
Can't show my hand, though.
'If it's for Jianghu peace, of course I'll help.'
Something like that to start. As academy rep and Jeongdo junior, I composed myself.
Then spat the line.
"How much did you prepare?"
Chief and Gu Jeongryong gaped blankly.
"......?!"
"......?!"
What, this silence?
I glanced between their faces.
'Huh? Something wrong? Oh.'
Inner thought slipped out loud.
"Haha, my bad. Slip of the tongue..."
One Heukryong chief act, and my IQ's dropping to Bang Du-chil's level?