Chapter 184: A Rising Name

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The several hundred alliance members gathered in the circular formation in the area each wore dazed expressions.

What?

Blank… looks.

Before Gung Roe’s abrupt declaration, every single one showed signs of their mental processes being paralyzed.

Everyone knew well.

The nature of the person called Alliance Master.

Though prejudice and reputation of being hot-tempered always followed because of his rough appearance, in truth he was a person who judged and decided every matter carefully.

If he had been the type of leader who solved various problems by putting brute force first rather than thinking coolly, Green Forest Alliance would probably have closed its doors long ago.

The standoff with the Sword Seal Sect that occurred last year was precisely a case that proved such conduct.

At that time, the two places had friction over territorial expansion in the Jinyu area, a major city.

Sword Seal Sect Leader So Cheon-ak was an incarnation of greed, intoxicated by hegemony.

Not satisfied with having Dangchang and Yiyang firmly in his grip, he had advanced to Jinyu, adjacent to the noted scenic area Hong Lake, to try to secure the commercial district.

Because of this, they had clashed over the boundary line with the Green Forest Alliance, which had prepared a temporary base in the nearby mountain area. After arguing for months, Gung Roe ultimately withdrew after carefully calculating the disadvantages.

Due to So Cheon-ak’s exceedingly stubborn attitude, plus the fact that if it escalated into a major fight they could not yet handle his full force, he had conceded for the Alliance’s safety.

Moreover, at the time Gung Roe had unexpectedly suffered major internal injuries while repeatedly conducting secret training to supplement deficiencies in his personal martial arts, so he had to avoid an all-out war.

That wasn’t something that would heal in a short period.

If So Cheon-ak caught wind of that fact, he would obviously actively start a major fight, so it was a cold-blooded decision made for the Alliance’s safety considering even such aspects.

Therefore, everyone couldn’t understand the current situation.

It was so sudden as to make one wonder if this was truly a carefully thought-out declaration.

To tell them out of nowhere to serve Cheol Ryu-heun like an ancestor, and moreover to beat them until they shit blood if they dared to violate it…

‘Why? No, why?’

As Bu Do-nam, Dal Tak and everyone else were bewildered by those words that made one doubt their ears.

“And!”

Gung Roe made them focus on himself with a short shout, then made another surprising declaration.

“From today, the Qidiao Escort Agency under the Qidiao Sword Family is granted the highest-priority customer grade and may use all the transport routes of Mount Apo managed by this Alliance for free!”

“…!”

A silent shock once again swept through the area.

At that moment, Cheol Ryu-heun with his hands behind his back walked out of the building.

Gung Roe immediately bowed at the waist and said.

“Oh dear! Ancestral Master! There are many stones on the ground here, isn’t it uncomfortable to step on? Shall I have the subordinates immediately lay down cloth to make it cushiony?”

At that, Cheol Ryu-heun standing beside him indifferently waved one hand.

“That’s enough. I’ll be leaving soon.”

It was extremely natural speaking-down.

Like a superior.

But there was no light of dissatisfaction on Gung Roe’s face.

Rather, he only showed an even more devoted attitude toward Cheol Ryu-heun.

“Ah, then how about having a meal before you go? There happens to be good liquor too!”

Everyone who witnessed that scene felt dizzy in their heads.

‘That’s not simple goodwill!’

That’s right.

It was like the posture of one who had sworn loyalty and obedience.

Master and slave.

Indeed, that was exactly the image.

Bu Do-nam momentarily recalled the conversation from yesterday.

-Execute it.

-Pardon?

-I mean immediately dispatch people to make sure the rumor reaches Sword Seal Sect Leader’s ears. Then let’s wait for his visit. What Cheol Ryu-heun truly wants… If contrary to his spoken words he’s trying to pull some scheme against our Alliance, I will personally make White Peak Sword Sect submit with my own power.

Gung Roe had been holding onto a trace of wariness like that, yet for his attitude to completely change like this in merely half a shichen, not even a day.

‘Ha, what kind of trick did he use…’

This was truly a first.

Seeing Gung Roe, the unorthodox powerhouse who occupied a seat among the illustriously named Six Extremes of Hubei, bow his head and bend his waist to someone else.

Meanwhile.

Though they didn’t know the detailed inside story, Hae Su-yeon and Namgung Sang-rin wore expressions as if they roughly guessed.

“Hoho, it seems Sect Leader Cheol gave him something big again. Like a fortuitous encounter.”

“Yes, it seems so. It appears to be related to Shaolin Temple martial arts.”

“Something that would make even someone who was already expelled change his attitude so completely… I’m very curious.”

“We’ll find out later. Ha.”

Just as the two were whispering to each other, Cheol Ryu-heun’s gaze suddenly settled on one place.

Another high peak of Mount Apo.

Ungjang Peak.

It was the second-largest peak after Zhuo Ta Peak where the Green Forest Alliance main camp was located, and the place where the second Stronghold, Green Bear Stronghold, was situated.

“There. The place I mentioned earlier.”

When Cheol Ryu-heun indicated with a chin gesture, Gung Roe’s eyes sparkled.

“Oh… Is that so? I’m amazed. To think it was that peak…”

“Well, you just chose the location well from the start. As if it was destined to become yours.”

“It feels quite strange. But where exactly is the precise location…?”

“I put a map at the very back of the booklet I gave you earlier.”

“Ah!”

-There is a place arranged with an ancient fortuitous encounter here. Prepared only for those from Shaolin Temple. If you use it, the fighting strength of the Green Forest Alliance will be enhanced too.

Gung Roe recalled part of the secret history of Ungjang Peak that he had heard through their earlier conversation and expressed thanks again.

“Ancestral Master! From now on, I will not refuse even the labor of a dog or horse! So please make use of me to your heart’s content!”

At that, Cheol Ryu-heun responded nonchalantly.

“The title is excessive.”

“Pardon? However…”

“The surface isn’t important. What matters is the heart.”

Cheol Ryu-heun’s meaning was simple.

It was fine to address him however, as long as sincerity was contained in treating him as a superior.

Gung Roe also immediately understood that and smiled serenely.

“Understood! Sect Leader Cheol.”

At that moment, someone’s sharp shout burst out.

“Alliance Master!”

A loud cry that rang throughout the area.

Following that, one person strode up.

Around thirty years old, perhaps.

Though his face was darkly tanned, a man in black clothes whose features gave quite a handsome impression.

Yeon Geol.

Twenty-nine years old this year, he was the youngest stronghold master heading Green Tiger Camp, the tenth Stronghold of Green Forest Alliance, and a first-rate swordsman known by the alias Crouching Tiger Sword Knight.

His body was extraordinary to begin with.

His shoulders were broadly spread like mountain peaks, his chest muscles were thick like dozens of bundled ropes, and his hands looked sturdy enough to pierce through iron plates.

Originally, Crouching Tiger Sword Knight Yeon Geol was a male monk from Emei Sect among the Nine Great Sects, and had been a promising rising swordsman within the sect.

However, he had violated a major precept in the past and was excommunicated, and after that wandered various places until being scouted by Gung Roe to become a member of Green Forest Alliance.

Befitting a sword talent from Emei Sect, his personal martial prowess was outstanding enough to be among the top within Green Forest Alliance.

Currently, the number of alliance members stronger than him didn’t exceed ten.

On that face of his… A light of dissatisfaction was rising.

The cause was Cheol Ryu-heun.

No.

To be precise, it was dissatisfaction at the Alliance Master constantly showing a subservient attitude to him.

Since he was someone whose usual respect and veneration for Gung Roe was exceptional, it was a completely natural reaction.

“Alliance Master! Why are you doing this? The Alliance Master’s conduct is directly connected to this Alliance’s prestige! I can understand showing appropriate courtesy, but right now it’s too excessive…”

“Well, there’s good reason for it.”

Cheol Ryu-heun’s voice cut into those words.

“…!”

While Yeon Geol flinched, Cheol Ryu-heun slightly turned his head.

“You have quite a loyal subordinate.”

At that, Gung Roe grinned and spoke quietly.

“Yes. That fellow is this Alliance’s pride. In terms of an ordinary martial sect, he’s essentially the equivalent of a direct disciple.”

Immediately after, Cheol Ryu-heun’s gaze turned forward again.

“Don’t worry about his dignity.”

Simultaneously, the Gan Jiang was drawn out like a ray of light and slashed vertically through the air in the left space, and the ground in that direction developed a long crack.

KWAKWANG- JJEOJEOJEOJEOJEOK, JJEOJEOJEOJEOJEOJEOK-!

It was a simple sword wind.

But then.

The ground on both sides of the long crack that had formed to the left was risen up in bumps and lumps.

As if various mountain ranges had been miniaturized and laid on the floor.

The length reached a full ten jang.

Seeing that, Yeon Geol’s body froze.

‘…!’

It was marvelous.

To emit such power with just one sword wind…

The ferocity and speed were at a simply incomprehensible level.

Others felt the same.

“Good heavens…”

“I couldn’t see anything…”

“Insane…”

Soon Cheol Ryu-heun sheathed the Gan Jiang and spoke indifferently.

“Don’t be ashamed or bothered about serving me as a superior. I plan to make the Sword Seal Sect Leader submit as well in seven days. Then Alliance Master Gung’s prestige will naturally rise too.”

Yeon Geol, who had been dazed, stammered as if murmuring.

“Severing… Finger Sword Venerable…?”

“Right. I’m going to handle him personally. So everyone come watch. Well, hear the details from the Alliance Master.”

“…!”

Expressions of shock.

Thus the plaza-like area surrounded by tall wooden fences sank into deep silence once more.

Cheol Ryu-heun paid no mind and strode forward, then lightly leaped onto Divine wind’s back.

“You two wait here for a few days.”

These words were addressed to Namgung Sang-rin and Hae Su-yeon beside him.

“Ah, yes. I will stand by with Miss Hae. Are you going to travel around the cities spreading rumors along the way?”

“I have to. To gather many spectators.”

When Cheol Ryu-heun responded briefly, Gung Roe standing far behind shouted in a thick voice.

“Sect Leader Cheol! From today onwards, we will also spread that rumor as widely as possible! Don’t worry about anything and have a safe trip!”

Cheol Ryu-heun gave an indifferent nod, then shook the reins – Divine wind emitted a white energy current, kicked off the ground with a BOOM, and crossed the void.

Simultaneously, exclamations burst out.

“WOOOOW…!”

Seeing the horse move as if flying like a bird and leap over the wooden fence on the other side, everyone couldn’t close their mouths.

Even Bu Do-nam, for whom this should be nothing new anymore.

‘Ha, I just can’t get used to it! That crazy horse.’

DUDUDUDUDU, DUDUDUDUDU…!

The great echo created by the horse hooves rapidly faded into the distance.

At that moment, Gung Roe clapped his hands to draw attention and laughed loudly.

“Hahaha! Now, now! Tonight let’s hold a feast to welcome the two Guest Retainer of White Peak Sword Sect! Eat and drink to your heart’s content!”

Hae Su-yeon flashed a smiling look and shrugged her shoulders cutely.

“Hoho, thank you, Alliance Master. Anyway, now that our Sect Leader Cheol has declared the showdown, the Sword Seal Sect Leader will get what’s coming to him. I guarantee it. Oh my. I’m excited.”

At that, numerous Green Forest Alliance members shouted as if bewitched.

“Ah! Miss! I just want to get what’s coming from you, Miss!”

“Me too, me too!”

“Just looking at your face makes me feel like I’m going to die!”

“Would you smack my butt hard!”

“I want the soles of my feet!”

“Then I want my whole body…!”

* * *

Two days later.

A series of rumors related to Cheol Ryu-heun shook various regions.

-Recently, Cheol Ryu-heun, the new Sect Leader of White Peak Sword Sect, traveled around the Hunan region and defeated dozens of renowned masters.

-Word is that even Blue Robe Sword Noble Do Yun, Broken Mountain Sword Manor Master who is included among the Five Supreme Martial Experts of Hunan Province, was miserably defeated by his hand.

-Cheol Ryu-heun, whose momentum has risen through these consecutive exploits, and So Cheon-ak, Severing Finger Sword Venerable and Sword Seal Sect Leader who is one of the Six Extremes of Hubei, are scheduled to clash at the great plain west of Wanju.

-Many people have recently been saying… Cheol Ryu-heun is someone who will seize the title of Number One Martial God of Hunan.