Chapter 74: Chapter 74
In the present age, there was no alliance as colossal as the Martial Alliance.
The Alliance Leader, Bukli Cheon, was called one of the Three Masters under Heaven, having risen to the zenith as a martial artist of the Righteous Path, and beneath him, solid pillars known as the Nine Great Sects and One Clan and the Five Great Clans supported the foundation.
As the alliance expanded on such a scale, talents who wished to unfold their aspirations gathered one after another from all over the country, and naturally, it became the place where the most outstanding individuals gathered alongside the imperial palace.
In such a Martial Alliance, a general assembly was held for the first time in three years.
It was a gathering where not only the Alliance Leader, the Chief Strategist, and representatives of the Nine Great Sects and One Clan and the Five Great Clans attended, but also everyone possessing speaking rights of the division head rank or above, including hall masters.
In that important seat, a low-ranking member who had joined the Alliance merely a few months ago attended.
It was Cheon Woo-jin of the Black Tortoise Squad.
“His crimes are truly grave! Not only should that fellow’s dantian be destroyed and him cast into the dungeon, but it is also only proper to hand down disciplinary action to his direct superior, the Black Tortoise Squad Leader, and the supervisor of this selection examination!”
“Ahem, Daoist Cheong-hyeon, calm down. In the first place, the supervisor of the selection examination was the Benevolence Division Head, but hasn’t he long since been dismissed? How can we hold an absent person accountable?”
Daoist Cheong-hyeon, an elder of the Qingcheng Sect, fumed with rage, and Abbess Jin-myeol of the Mount Emei Sect beside him calmed him down.
This venue was an assembly to discuss Cheon Woo-jin’s disposition and future matters related to the Zhuge Clan.
Those who had friendly ties with Zhuge Seong insisted that Cheon Woo-jin was the makings of a demonic head and should be captured and imprisoned immediately.
On the other hand, those who took a neutral stance were individuals who had disapproved of Zhuge Seong’s snakelike demeanor.
Though in the minority, there were also a few who openly showed goodwill toward Cheon Woo-jin. Most representatively, Alliance Leader Bukli Cheon was one of them.
“Strategist Sima.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
Sima Hwi, the Chief Strategist of the Martial Alliance, bowed his head.
When the Alliance Leader opened his mouth, the noisy atmosphere quieted into focused attention.
“If it is the formation set up in the Zhuge Clan’s Family Head Hall, is it rightfully the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation?”
“Yes, I have already reconfirmed it with the scholars from the Zhuge Clan belonging to the Military Strategy Department.”
“I see. What is the purpose of the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation?”
When the Alliance Leader asked so, Daoist Cheong-hyeon’s expression twisted. It was because the intention behind the question was obvious.
Sima Hwi lightly tapped his thigh with his folded folding fan before speaking.
“It is a formation designed to wither the opponent to death. Although it is said to have seven Death Gates and one Life Gate, opening the Life Gate from within is an impossibility. In the end, the person trapped inside will wither away mentally or physically until dying.”
“I see.”
Alliance Leader Bukli Cheon nodded and looked at Daoist Cheong-hyeon.
Among those who insisted Cheon Woo-jin must be punished, the one with the loudest voice was none other than Daoist Cheong-hyeon. According to the Chief Strategist, he had deep ties not only with Zhuge Seong but also with Gu Yong-baek, the Family Head of the Gu Clan.
The youngest member who had just entered the Alliance had killed his close friend and caused his friend’s son to be locked in the dungeon. From Daoist Cheong-hyeon’s perspective, Cheon Woo-jin could not help but be a thorn in his side.
“Look here, Cheong-hyeon.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
“Elder Zhuge Seong attempted to murder a member of our Martial Alliance and ended up dying after suffering the rebound. Whose fault is this?”
“If you speak like that, it sounds as if it was entirely Zhuge Seong’s fault. However, the crime of disobeying Alliance orders and fleeing at will, the crime of using martial force in the process, and the crime of causing a disturbance in the Zhuge Clan without following proper procedures are unmistakably heavy.”
Daoist Cheong-hyeon’s stance was steadfast. Though his generation and martial prowess were below Alliance Leader Bukli Cheon, behind him stood the Qingcheng Sect.
Alliance Leader Bukli Cheon looked at Daoist Cheong-hyeon and asked once more.
“Then, what punishment do you deem appropriate to hand down?”
“As I said, his dantian must be destroyed and he must be locked in the dungeon. He is of the caliber to become a demonic head. He possesses such a disposition, and has the martial might to back it up. Everyone must know this. How is that fellow’s martial might within common sense? What could be more terrifying than not knowing where such an out-of-scale being might strike next?”
Daoist Cheong-hyeon deliberately looked toward the representatives of the Five Great Clans instead of the representatives of the Nine Great Sects and One Clan beside him.
Fundamentally, the Nine Great Sects and One Clan had deep roots. In the Righteous Path, ancient tradition became strength in itself.
For that reason, they rarely clung to petty interests.
Even without particularly seeking such things, the standing of the Nine Great Sects and One Clan had no cause to waver, so they freely revered chivalry and righteousness to their hearts’ content.
However, the Five Great Clans were different. Though martial artists, they also possessed the aspects of merchants. Compared to the Nine Great Sects and One Clan, their traditions were shorter. Therefore, they filled the lacking aspects with financial might and political authority.
They were extremely vigilant against those who challenged their authority and blocked them. In the first place, they had created the pretext of the Five Great Clans to raise their solidarity among themselves, and were individuals who never permitted intrusions from other families or figures.
To such people, an existence like Cheon Woo-jin could not help but be uncomfortable. In truth, far beyond merely challenging their authority, Cheon Woo-jin had slain a figure holding practical power in the Five Great Clans.
Receiving Daoist Cheong-hyeon’s glance, a middle-aged man opened his mouth.
“Daoist Cheong-hyeon’s words are entirely correct. Although it is fortunate that the matter resolved well as a result, if we turn a blind eye to the wrongs committed in that process, how can the prestige of the Alliance stand upright?”
It was a deep, resonant voice matching his massive frame.
Beside him, a middle-aged woman whose skin was exceptionally pale and whose pupils sparkled in dark azure nodded her head.
“Our Namgung Clan also agrees with Elder Peng’s opinion. While it is true that Elder Zhuge Seong’s actions were shameless, if we do not punish someone who violated the Alliance laws, the martial artists of the Martial Alliance themselves will not take the laws seriously going forward.”
A cold strength was held within her voice. It was not chilled like ice, but rather cool like iron.
Bukli Cheon pressed firmly against his temples. The Sword Maiden of the Namgung Clan was the younger sister of the Sword King. While the Sword King had reached middle age without cooling his hot blood and wandered outside, she made decisions on all major and minor affairs of the clan.
In other words, the Sword Maiden’s words were the will of Namgung.
Judging by the atmosphere, the Sichuan Tang Clan and the Murong Clan seemed to share a similar stance.
Having gained the support of the Five Great Clans, Daoist Cheong-hyeon’s vigor surged as he pointed his finger at Cheon Woo-jin and spoke.
“If you have a mouth, try to make an excuse! Right now, you might have the illusion that your martial prowess touches the heavens, but in this gathering, there is no one who was not called a genius in their youth just like you. Tsk, how can your attitude and gaze be so arrogant!”
Cheon Woo-jin stared at him silently. At that sight, Daoist Cheong-hyeon flared with even greater anger and demanded an answer.
Soon, Cheon Woo-jin spoke in a dry tone.
“Since it is all true, what excuse is there to make?”
“W-What!”
That plain answer made Daoist Cheong-hyeon’s flushed face turn even redder. Even the elders of the Five Great Clans criticized Cheon Woo-jin, and hearing this, some from the Nine Great Sects and One Clan raised their voices, telling them to stop.
Thanks to that, the strategists, division heads, and hall masters belonging to the Martial Alliance had no opportunity to open their mouths.
Observing the situation, Chief Strategist Sima Hwi tapped the knee of the Disciplinary Hall Master beside him beneath the table.
‘If we leave it like this, the Martial Alliance will split in two. Setting aside whether that fellow was right or wrong, should such a thing happen because of a single low-ranking member?’
In any case, handing down disciplinary action to a member was the authority of the Disciplinary Hall. The Chief Strategist sent a look telling him to finish the matter quickly.
Seeing this, Chu Pung-gae groaned inwardly. It was because an exhausting affair seemed bound to happen just from imagining it.
‘If I step forward now, the Beggars’ Sect and I will take the full blame for all that anger. Let’s wait a little first…’
However, the Chief Strategist judged that if they delayed any further, bad blood might form among the fellows of the Righteous Path.
Thus, he spoke.
“Did you not say that the Disciplinary Hall concluded the investigation and produced a result? Before the commotion grows larger, Hall Master Chu Pung-gae, let us announce it quickly.”
“Good grief.”
Gazes gathered on Chu Pung-gae all at once.
The looks were divided precisely in half.
‘If you intend to gloss it over out of consideration for the Alliance Leader, do not even open your mouth. From that day forth, it will be the end with the Beggars’ Sect.’
‘If you hand down an excessive penalty to appease the Five Great Clans, our Mount Emei Sect will have no choice but to revise our evaluation of the Beggars’ Sect.’
The two types of opinions represented by Daoist Cheong-hyeon and Abbess Jin-myeol implicitly poured down on him.
Rising from his seat, Chu Pung-gae let out a sigh and struggled to look away from those gazes.
“Just as the Chief Strategist said, our Disciplinary Hall has concluded all investigations and reached an internal decision.”
“That is truly a good thing. Is there a vacant spot in the dungeon?”
Daoist Cheong-hyeon sneered.
Chu Pung-gae was also an elder of the Beggars’ Sect, but because he had ascended to that position at a relatively young age, he was at a disadvantage in generational seniority compared to the elders of the other Nine Great Sects and One Clan and the Five Great Clans.
Chu Pung-gae inwardly wished for a corruption scandal to burst forth from the Qingcheng Sect someday as he continued speaking.
“Daoist Cheong-hyeon’s words are correct. That fellow has committed several crimes. Furthermore, going to the Zhuge Clan and committing acts of violence while the factual investigation was not yet concluded is his greatest crime. Although no one died, a full forty people were reportedly injured.”
At his words, everyone clicked their tongues inwardly. Regardless of right and wrong, just what kind of rising star could charge into one of the Five Great Clans alone and inflict that much damage?
Amid that atmosphere, the Disciplinary Hall Master’s words continued.
“Rightfully, his dantian should be destroyed and he should be locked in the dungeon never to see the light again. Weighing the Alliance laws, that would be the proper course.”
Alliance Leader Bukli Cheon gazed at the Disciplinary Hall Master.
Feeling the side of his head burning hot, the Disciplinary Hall Master hurriedly added his words.
“However, Elder Zhuge Seong’s corruption has been unmistakably revealed. He obstructed an official mission of the Martial Alliance using the Unorthodox Path and the Shadowless Divine Thief. In that process, he framed the innocent Black Tortoise Squad Leader and Vice Squad Leader. Cheon Woo-jin is the youngest member of that very Black Tortoise Squad. We cannot fail to consider such special circumstances.”
When the Disciplinary Hall Master spoke ambiguously, Chief Strategist Sima Hwi beside him asked.
“Hall Master, do your words mean that Cheon Woo-jin’s actions can be viewed as an extension of the treasure map recovery mission?”
“That is correct. In the first place, the mission handed down to the Black Tortoise Squad was the recovery of the Three Eccentrics’ treasure map, and punishing those who obstructed a mission is permitted even within Alliance law. Broadly speaking, Member Cheon merely suffered interference from Elder Zhuge Seong while carrying out the mission, resolved it, and completed the mission to the very end. Although his response was somewhat excessive, that can be attributed to Elder Zhuge Seong activating the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation.”
Daoist Cheong-hyeon’s expression gradually crumpled. For some reason, the Disciplinary Hall Master’s words were drifting in an increasingly strange direction.
“In any case, the opinions of both sides are also justified. The Disciplinary Hall has taken this into account and decided to penalize Member Cheon Woo-jin’s crimes.”
The Disciplinary Hall Master moistened his dry lips with saliva before speaking.
“The Disciplinary Hall, having been delegated the punitive authority of the Alliance Leader, sentences Cheon Woo-jin, who violated Alliance law and acted independently, to a four-month mission suspension…”
“Madness! Chu Pung-gae, are you playing games with us right now!”
“This is an official venue. Daoist Cheong-hyeon should refrain from excessive remarks, and if you have a dissenting opinion, through the Qingcheng Sect later…”
“Opinion or whatever, aren’t you openly siding with that bastard! If you act in this manner, our Qingcheng Sect will halve the contributions we have been sending to the Martial Alliance!”
Daoist Cheong-hyeon repeatedly bellowed in fury. Among the current Nine Great Sects and One Clan, the one that sponsored the largest sum of money to the Martial Alliance was the Qingcheng Sect.
Naturally, having dispatched many martial artists to the Martial Alliance, the Qingcheng Sect’s standing was firm, and Daoist Cheong-hyeon was backed by that might.
However, when drunk on power, one’s judgment sometimes clouded.
Chu Pung-gae was a dog raised by the Dragon Head Sect Leader and the Alliance Leader. Usually, he was docile and wagged his tail well, but once his eyes rolled back, he turned into a mad dog, drooling saliva and opening his jaws wide.
There was a simplest and easiest way to make Chu Pung-gae’s eyes roll back. It was breaking Alliance law or committing corruption.
He understood that Cheong-hyeon was close with Zhuge Seong and Gu Yong-baek. But wasn’t this fit of convulsions too severe?
Chu Pung-gae caught a subtle scent. Every time Cheong-hyeon opened his mouth, some unknown foul stench brushed past the tip of his nose.
Chu Pung-gae’s eyes rolled back.
“Cheong-hyeon, you horse-nosed Daoist bastard.”
“W-What! This beggar bastard dares…!”
“Am I your close friend? Is this not an official venue? Have you forgotten that the Alliance Leader and Chief Strategist are also present in this gathering?”
“Y-You…!”
Cheong-hyeon glared at the Disciplinary Hall Master with a face so flushed it seemed on the verge of bursting.
However, Chu Pung-gae did not pay him any heed. In his mind, he was already thoroughly filled with the thought of ransacking the Qingcheng Sect as soon as this assembly ended.
“I shall state this clearly. If anyone barks nonsense before I finish speaking, I will strictly deal with whoever it is according to Alliance law.”
Each hall of the Martial Alliance was a place that shared the authority of the Alliance Leader. Naturally, if the Disciplinary Hall Master brandished the iron hammer of Alliance law, it was difficult for anyone beneath the Alliance Leader to defy him.
Amid the quieted atmosphere, the Disciplinary Hall Master continued speaking.
“Originally, it was a four-month mission suspension, but upon reconsideration, in light of the merit of capturing the Shadowless Divine Thief and carrying out the mission to the very end despite violent obstruction, I shall reduce it to one month.”
“W-What…!”
“I haven’t finished speaking, so shut your mouth. And to Zhuge Seong, we shall hold him accountable and impose punishment for the crime of mocking an official function of the Martial Alliance and even attempting to murder an Alliance member. However, Zhuge Seong is dead and gone. Therefore, the Zhuge Clan must bear that crime.”
For the Zhuge Clan, a pillar of the Righteous Path, to mock the Martial Alliance and even attempt murder to silence someone was an enormous sin.
The Martial Alliance recommended a three-year sealing of the gates to the Zhuge Clan.
Of course, it was an order disguised as a recommendation.
A clan’s sealing of its gates referred to halting even its associated businesses. For a clan of the caliber of the Zhuge Clan, the enterprises they ran were also tremendously vast. One could not even fathom how immense the loss over three years would be.
* * *
Afterward, the assembly ended, and the results spread rapidly throughout the entire Martial Alliance. Literally, the Martial Alliance was overturned. At the center of the recent controversies sweeping the Martial Alliance, there was always one person.
As always, he entered the dining hall with a calm attitude.
Simultaneously with his entrance, the dining hall grew chaotic.
The gazes of martial artists who were eating, and martial artists who had finished eating and were just about to step out, gathered upon Cheon Woo-jin.
Amid that chaotic atmosphere, there was someone who continually gulped down water, unable to quench his thirst no matter what.
‘Damn it…’
The White Dragon Squad Leader cursed inwardly.
The starting point of all these events was none other than himself.
If Zhuge Seong had survived intact and been escorted to the Martial Alliance, his own evil deeds would also have been exposed in short order. However, for some reason, Zhuge Seong died on the spot.
Even amidst the uproar throughout the Martial Alliance, his name was not being mentioned anywhere.
He had been excessively fortunate.
It was literally a situation where he felt ten years taken off his life.
In the midst of that.
Their eyes met.
The monster was approaching this way carrying a meal tray.
The White Dragon Squad Leader’s heart thumped as if it would burst.