CH 183

“Huh.”

A middle-aged man with a mustache slowly used light footwork. He smiled at the military march of the government soldiers.

Their numbers totaled 4,000 soldiers. Of these, 3,000 were infantry, and 1,000 were cavalry.

“I thought there would be more troops, but this was how it turned out.”

A man wearing a navy robe stood beside the middle-aged man and licked his lips as he said this. The middle-aged man shook his head.

“This much should do.”

“Well, if we combine it with our men, the numbers will be good enough.”

Warriors wearing blue robes were running after the two of them. They were warriors from the Guangxi branch of the Murim Alliance.

Even with these numbers alone, it was a large force approaching 2,000 people.

However, it could not be denied that they were still inferior in terms of absolute manpower compared to the 10,000-strong Blood Sect.

“Still, it is fortunate that each sect and clan around us gave this much support. I guess justice will be served.”

About 2,000 warriors from the Guangxi Province’s Murim Alliance had come from the sects and clans in the region.

Although they might fall short compared to warriors from the main base of the Murim Alliance, each person was confident in their sense of justice and did not fall behind.

“Sub Leader Kwak. How will they act?”

The man they called Sub Leader Kwas was Kwa Cheol, second-in-command for this Murim Alliance branch.

The man next to him was Woo Jikso, leader of the Corpse Liberation Unit.

“They will either retreat or fight.”

“I came all the way knowing this, but I also wish in my heart to withdraw.”

At Woo Jiksoo’s words, Kwak Cheol grinned.

“As a human, how could I not have such intentions? I do not wish for bloodshed, but this is a matter where the Murim is at stake.”

“That’s right. If they return, the entire Murim will plunge into chaos.”

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the current Murim was the world of the Justice Faction. Meanwhile, if the Blood Sect was revived, Murim would return to chaos.

Kwak Cheol looked at the mountains.

“It will be different from back then. No matter how many remnants of the Blood Sect try to gather their strength, it wouldn’t be the same as before. We are currently at our peak, even for us, the Murim Alliance and the Justice Faction.”

“Right.”

As they said, the political reach of the Murim Alliance had expanded over the past 20 years. Excluding the main base of the Murim Alliance, the branches alone had over 50,000 people. That number would only increase if they added members who could not use martial arts or if the Taoist sects became involved.

It far exceeded the power that the Blood Sect had gathered now.

“We need to pull out their roots now. Otherwise, they would unite the Evil Faction and expand.”

That was their main concern. A situation where the Evil Faction and the Blood Sect joined hands.

If that happened, they couldn’t guarantee the outcome even if they had the upper hand.

The Murim Alliance had no choice but to engage in a battle of speed before the Blood Sect could properly return.

Woo Jikso, head of the Corpse Liberation Troop, looked toward where the soldiers were.

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“Fortunately, two other military heads in the main alliance were still alive. If the tricks of the Blood Sect had worked, we would never have been able to gather.”

“If we take the government soldiers and move, this should work.”

Making the government soldiers move was actually an act of the Murim Alliance. It was a strategy to prevent the Blood Sect from getting time to gather soldiers.

The government and Murim Alliance had concluded this operation after several talks in the past. If the Blood Sect acted out of the norm, then the government would actively move.

“I am glad that everything is happening as we wished.”

“I don’t know how much was expected, but this much is presentable.”

The Guangxi Province branch had donated a great deal of money to leaders of each government department.

They were moving quickly, thanks to this. Of course, it was also justified.

“I feel sorry for the poor soldiers, though.”

“If the Blood Sect decides to wreak havoc, they wouldn’t be our problem. Even though they are called soldiers, they are also people. This is a nation where those who don’t fit in are punished.”

“That is true. However, since this is the Blood Sect, everyone who fights willingly will die.”

Woo Jikso said a surprising thing.

They weren’t marching for victory.

“Isn’t that why we wanted to die together? If we can eliminate the remnants of the Blood Sect by using our men and sacrifice, then I don’t mind burning up this body.”

This was their purpose.

If the soldiers died, the Corpse Liberation Troop would step up. Hearing Kwak Cheol’s words, Woo Jikso spoke in a determined voice.

“That goes for me, too, sub-leader!”

“If we are to fight, let us kill as many Blood Sect members as possible for the sake of our allies.”

“I hope the same. Hahaha!”

Clack!

The cavalry rode in the vanguard. All of them were wearing armor, save one who was wearing a blue silk robe.

This middle-aged man had a fine beard and looked like a government official. He was named Lee Sok, in charge of the local government’s Power Handler, a department that ensured power wasn’t being misused. Another person wore tiger-patterned armor and was named Ja Meng-kwang, a commander in charge of five thousand troops.

“Is it alright if the order doesn’t come in person?”

In response to Ja Meng-kwang’s question, Lee Seok responded calmly.

“What could I do? Since it is an order from the higher-ups, we must follow it. One person asking about it wouldn’t do any good.”

Lee Seok knew how dangerous this mission was. A war could happen from this, and this wasn’t where a civil servant with no training should be.

“There must be a case where the leader is allowed to retreat in case of emergency. That way, you can withdraw at any time.”

“Thank you.”

Lee Seok smiled at the words of Ja Meng-kwang.

Such consideration was appreciated, but his mission wasn’t to survive. Before he had come here, he had been told by his superiors.

‘If you do this mission well, I will receive advancement in both the court and the Justice Faction. If that happens, I will ensure your family is cared for.’

His superior was desperate for this advancement. Even if someone had connections, attaining a position there without strong merit was difficult.

However, if this incident created a reason to control Murim through force, that would be considered merit.

‘You only want other people to do the right things.’

To be honest, he didn’t want to be a sacrifice. His superior, however, had called for him specifically. If he had refused, his future would have been bleak.

‘You are 55 now. Shouldn’t your son have also gradually risen to a government office? Didn’t he fail this time too?’

His son, who was over 30, was weak. It would be impossible for a man who has read books all his life to act anyway. He was also worried that his son would end up using all his fortune without being able to do something.

‘… right. This old body has to die.’

Once he died, everything would be resolved.

The path for his son would be open, and his family would be able to thrive for generations. His superior would also advance to a better position.

‘Die. Let’s die.’

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The Blood Sect marched in unison like the sound of a beating drum. The ground below us seemed to shake with each step.

Around 10,000 members of the sect followed me, making my heart pound.

-You have a bird’s heart.

I didn’t mean it like that.

The Blood Demon Sword definitely talked a lot. He was sometimes even worse than Short sword.

-Get used to it, Wonhwi. From now, you will be leading all these people.

Only Iron Sword was comforting. As he said, I wasn’t a normal person anymore.

I held on to the pride of the sect and numerous lives. The fate of all these people would change depending on what I say.

-There are many people in front too.

As Short Sword said, there were many people before us. There seemed to be around six or seven thousand warriors of the Murim Alliance, each more well-trained than our side and an army of the government.

“Woah! There are a lot. It is my first time seeing so many people gathered since we visited the Murim Alliance.”

Sima Young was shocked, and I agreed. How many would perish if both sides collided?

The plains here would be stained in blood.

‘Hmm.’

I glanced back, and the response was quite mild.

Young members of the sect looked nervous, while the older ones seemed eager to fight. Perhaps this was because of the shame of the past.

What kind of faces were the Murim Alliance and government soldiers making?

I took something out of my pocket and held it.

-How useful.

Isn’t it?

I only bought this because Sima Young saw it on the street and said it was interesting. I didn’t expect to use it like this.

It was a mask with the image of a Yaksha or a demon. Considering I was one of the more famous people in the Murim Alliance and the Murim, I didn’t want to reveal my true identity now.

-Shouldn’t we move? They’re very close.

The distance between the Murim Alliance and the government soldiers to us was around 150 steps.

The government soldiers were taking formation, and their warriors were ready to attack with their weapons drawn.

“Captain Noh and sub-captain Ki.”

“Yes!”

Noh Seong-gu, my captain of the guards, and Ki Jo-yang responded and stepped forward as I called them. They moved to my right and left while raising the Blood banners, facing the Guangxi Murim Alliance and the government armies.

-You really wish to talk?

‘I have to.’

Even if they tried to play tricks, the sect had the upper hand now. We were also far superior in terms of military power to the Murim Alliance, and the government soldiers were ordinary people.

If we fought like this, they would surely die. I am curious about their intentions, so I wanted to talk.

Thud!

Both sides were already moving. They must be thinking that asking for a talk now was a bit odd.

Soon after, both sides raised yellow flags in response.

“They accepted.”

It was a sign that they accepted our offer.

Ki Jo-yang fell back, and Noh Seong-gu moved towards the center spot between both forces.

Exactly in between us.

From their side, an official wearing a blue uniform and a general with tiger-patterned armor came forward astride their horses. Two people from the Murim Alliance also came forward.

I also moved forward.

Tak.

I used the Wind Shadow Steps to arrive quickly. Seeing this, the Murim Alliance became wary.

I did this deliberately.

-The mask seems to work.

I was thinking the same thing. They couldn’t take their eyes off my mask.

A middle-aged man with a mustache who seemed to be their leader said.

“I am not in a position to greet you politely, so I will skip all of that. I am Kwak Cheol, a sub-leader in the Murim Alliance branch in Guangxi province.”

“Leader of the Corpse Liberation Troop.”

Still, they didn’t show hostility and openly revealed their identity. A government official who looks to be in his mid-fifties with a fine beard and wearing a blue robe also dismounted from his horse and said,

“I am Lee Seok, in charge of the Power Handler Department.”

The Power Handler Department?

They sent someone from such an influential department?

I thought they would have sent someone in the position of army leader, but to move even a department head.

‘They must have thought about this a lot.’

Why would they move someone who was not in contact with Murim?

If they moved this kind of influential person, something must be happening to make them wish to pressure the Blood Sect before our return.

That seemed like a good reason.

I bowed politely.

“I am Captain Jin, who came as a substitute for the Blood Demon.”

“What?”

“The Blood Demon?”

Woo Jiksoo and Kwak Cheol’s expressions changed at the mention of the Blood Demon. After the great war, it was commonly thought that all who had inherited the Blood Demon’s blood had been killed. Kwak Cheol tried to stay calm and said,

“If the cursed one is alive, why didn’t he come out?”

He asked openly as I was deliberately hiding my identity. I then replied.

“If you think of it that way, then at least the head of the local alliance branch should have been the one to come out.”

He frowned as I replied to him politely. He then said in a strained voice.

“You seem to be looking down at us. Anyone in the Blood Demon’s sect could have red hair and eyes. Who among them could hide such a person?”

I then said,

“It is your choice whether or not to believe. Beyond that, the Blood Demon wonders why normal soldiers are marching alongside the Murim Alliance.”

Woo Jiksoo sneered at my words and answered,

“The evil Blood Sect is trying to revive itself. Do you think we would just let that happen?”

“Evil Blood Sect?”

“Tell your leader to surrender right now. If not, we will consider this an act of aggression to the government and the Murim Alliance.”

They were coming forward strongly, perhaps wishing to push down our current morale.

Part of the provocation seemed to be using this government official on the front lines.

-Touch us, and we’ll make you regret it. Is that what this is?

That’s right.

That is what they’re saying.

The person who called himself Lee Seok also spoke up as he understood the situation.

“Since you are acting as the leader of these people, I will deliver the order I was given to you. Are you the ones who plunged the world into chaos 20 years ago?”

He insinuated that we had plunged the world into chaos and deceived the masses. A term that referred to cults that acted on their own principles.

Kwak Cheol added.

“Now you see. How do we leave these people alone? They need to be punished for violating the laws of the nation….”

“Who are the ones that you are calling people who plunged the world into chaos?”

When I said this, Woo Jiksoo raised his voice.

“The Blood Sect is a group of hypocrites!”

I smirked at this reaction. Kwak Cheol places his hand on his sword as if he has noticed it.

In reply, Noh Seong-gu touched his own sword and warned him.

“If you do not take your hand off that sword, we will not stay silent.”

“This!”

Kwak Cheol tried to pull out his sword as I spoke.

“I haven’t even answered the question that the government official had asked me. Yet the representative of the Murim Alliance here seemed to be impatient to fight. Is this how you will act?”

Kwak Cheol’s face crumbled at my words as Lee Seok looked at me.

They must have thought that the Blood Sect was a barbaric people who were in love with carnage. However, I was still being polite.

He smiled at this and said,

“You are right. I didn’t even get an answer from you.”

He said this clearly,

“Sir!”

Kwak Cheol was about to say his complaint, but Lee Seok raised his hand and indicated that he should not interfere.

I politely nodded and replied.

“My answer is no.”

“But is that not the truth? What sophistry are you using?”

“If you speak of those who plunged the world into chaos, you are referring to a cult. However, we are now a group of warriors who seek enlightenment through martial arts, not unlike Taoism.”

“A group of warriors?”

As he looked on in puzzlement, I continued,

“If there is someone who misleads the people from the laws set by the government and Murim, they should be punished. The world says this, but I don’t know why we are being treated as such.”

At those words, Woo Jiksoo raised his voice in anger.

“What nonsense do you speak! Your own principles speak about painting the world with blood.”

“Ah! You were talking about such things!”

“If that isn’t plunging the world into chaos…”

“It seems like our words are being misunderstood because a goal wasn’t mentioned.”

“What?”

“A desire to paint the world with blood is only a word said within the sect. It is an exaggerated expression used to boost morale and is often misunderstood. Please let me clarify.”

“To say that now…”

“How could a person who has mastered martial arts and is holding a sword so carelessly say such things against other people? Isn’t it common sense to keep ideology apart from the character?”

Woo Jiksoo’s face turned red. He was ready to attack me.

Regardless, I stayed polite and spoke to Lee Seok.

“Our sect has not yet forgotten our promise to the Murim Alliance or the government. As long as the Blood Demon reigns in the sect, there would not be anything that would entangle our people with illegal affairs.”

Lee Seok’s eyes changed as he heard my words.

If he was in a high position, he should understand the meaning of my words. Kwak Cheol then decided to intervene.

“You seem to have forgotten the 4th rule.”

“The 4th?”

“The fact that if you wanted to rally enough followers that could be threatening to the government, then you would need prior permission.”

Kwak Cheol’s mouth curled up. He clearly had wanted to use this.

This was the most infamous of the 5 rules. If even a single warrior who had crossed the wall could be a dangerous threat, then how should one decide to act against an army?

“Sir. More than 10,000 evil warriors have gathered here. That man says he isn’t being a hypocrite, but how can you trust him? Since this is the case, order their leader and ask them to surrender. He should submit to interrogation and disband the sect.”

‘… as I thought.’

He was trying to make the government clash with us. This was why he was doing such constant provocation.

But there was something he didn’t know.

Shhh!

I reached my hand out, and Noh Seong-gu took something out. When he unwrapped it, it was an official document wrapped in silk.

I smiled and said.

“What about this? I thought that it might have been an issue, so we already received official permission.”

“What?”

Kwak Cheol looked dumbfounded.

It was an official decree stating that this Blood Sect meeting was approved.

Woo Jiksoo shouted while pointing to the document,

“That is a fake! They are making a false statem-”

Lee Seok opened his mouth.

“That isn’t fake.”

“What?”

“That is the seal of the provincial governor.”

“What?”

Kwak Cheol and Woo Jiksoo were startled.

The reason was simple.

The provincial governor ruled over Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, and Southern Shaanxi.

Simply put, they were much higher-level officials than simple department heads.

“H-How did you get that?”

What do you mean?

I had simply visited the man while carrying an immense amount of wealth and bribed the hell out of him. It felt bad to withdraw money for that purpose, but I was lucky enough to receive permission before coming here.

At that moment, Lee Seok laughed.

“HAHAHAHAHA!”

Everyone went still as they saw him react like this. He continued to laugh and then looked at me.

“I owe you.”

‘Owe?’

“Sir. What do you mean by that? That document could be forged…”

Lee Seok turned to Kwak Cheol.

“Why would a provisional governor recklessly offer a letter like this? This matter is beyond my control. Let us head back.”

“Yes, sir.”

The military general moved alongside him as Lee Seok smiled.

“I thought that the Blood Sect would be, as rumored, an evil and bandit-like group. However, it seems that I have misunderstood. I will love to meet again if there is a chance.”

With those friendly words, he mounted his horse and returned to his men.

Kwak Cheol and Woo Jiksoo looked dumbfounded at this. The soldiers were also withdrawing at a hasty pace.

I then spoke sarcastically to the members of the Murim Alliance.

“You tried to use the government for something, but it has failed. What do we do now?”

Clench!

The sound of Woo Jiksoo gritting his teeth was audible as he pulled out his sword. At that moment, I immediately began to use the Blood Heaven Sura Arts.

Goooo!

A red haze rose from my body, and they became stiff.

“T-that hair…”

“His eyes?”

They couldn’t hide their shock at seeing my red eyes and hair.

“Why? Didn’t you want to see the Blood Demon? Murim Alliance sub-leader?”

Shhh!

Thud! Thud! Thud!

As I raised my hands, the Blood Sect marched forward with a thudding sound.

My 10,000 sect members moved, and the Muriam Alliance troops, which were lesser in number, took a step back.

Kwak Cheol bit his lip.

“Do not misunderstand this to be our branch’s full strength.”

I looked at him.

“It’s the same for us, though?”

“What?”

At the branch office in Guangxi, about 8 kilometers away.

Ten people appeared near the main gate. A woman with blood-red hair spoke to the nine people behind her.

“This is the blood ceremony.”

The Three Venerable Dignitaries and Six Blood Stars.