Chapter 363: Orthodox Sect Gathering. (4)

If you were to ask what the biggest framework maintaining the righteous factions, including the Murim Alliance, is.

Many would outwardly say righteousness (義) and chivalry (俠), but.

I state firmly, that’s bullshit.

Strictly speaking, it’s merely the wish of those who wish righteous people would be that way.

In reality, what ultimately maintained the righteous factions was their power and reputation.

And if you were to ask what the great power that allowed them to maintain such prestige was.

It would be the merchant guilds, connected to each other and established throughout the country, and.

The martial artists belonging to the righteous factions who hold the justification of protecting civilians.

As it is an era where the Demonic Gate has opened, the standing of martial artists increases daily.

Although it’s a time called the generation of peace, where countermeasures against monsters have somewhat settled.

Regardless, without martial artists possessing internal energy, it’s merely a danger to civilians.

Not only do they receive much sponsorship for the reason of protecting from such dangers,

And going further, they can act like the masters of a region.

Staying in a specific region, preventing the rampant spread of monsters,

Those are the organizations belonging to the righteous factions under treaty with the Alliance.

This referred to places called prestigious families or renowned houses.

Over the long passage of time, along with accumulated reputation,

And the martial arts created were polished until they were reborn as divine arts.

Looking at the position and reputation they hold now, they were enough to be called the victors.

Taking root in a region and taking responsibility for the Demonic Gate that occurs there.

The reason why the current prestigious families or sects could firmly establish their positions is also.

Because they take responsibility for the safety of the region they reside in.

And.

Even among those families and sects, there were places called the pillars of the righteous factions, possessing the widest influence.

In the Central Plains, it is said.

They are the so-called Four Great Families.

In Anhui, the Namgung Family.

In Liaoning, the Moyong Family.

In Hebei, the Peng Family.

In Sichuan, the Tang Clan.

These were places called prestigious families even before the Demonic Gate opened.

And flowing into the current era, they were the four pillars of the righteous factions and the families holding the greatest influence.

Of course.

For a very long time, the reason they could be called the pillars of the righteous factions wasn’t solely because the families possessed strong internal energy.

It was also because the martial artists from the family bloodlines produced by the families were all outstanding.

You can know this just by checking the records written in the history of the Central Plains.

The Sword King title was passed down through generations from the Namgung Family and the Moyong Family.

Although it was temporarily lost to the Sword Master, that was merely an anomaly.

As for titles related to the saber (刀), it was no different, being the possession of the Peng Family.

Poison arts (毒功) were naturally the domain of the Tang Clan.

Even looking at the present, it’s the same.

The head of the Namgung Family was called the Sword King.

Although the Moyong Family was said to lack martial prowess, they had widely expanded their reach through their merchant guilds.

The head of the Peng Family inherited the title called down through generations and was called the Saber King.

And the master of the Tang Clan was, as always, the Poison King.

Even as times changed and years flowed by.

Their presence was never shallow, which is why they can still be called the Four Great Families even now.

But.

‘Such big shots are gathering in Henan?’

Hearing Peng Ah-hee’s words, I couldn’t help but frown.

Is she joking?

But it didn’t seem like she was lying.

Drip, drip.

Hearing a subtle sound, I turned my gaze.

And Moyong Hi-ah was biting her lips nervously.

Seeing that, it seemed they were indeed coming.

I looked at Moyong Hi-ah, then asked Peng Ah-hee again.

‘What do you mean? That the family heads are coming.’

‘A support unit from the Alliance just arrived.’

‘I know that…’

Just as I was about to finish speaking.

Only then did I realize why Peng Ah-hee said that.

The fact that a unit came from the Alliance means.

‘A messenger must have already been sent.’

It meant that upon confirming the situation, messengers were sent to each family.

I turned my head back.

The eyes of those already murmuring showed various emotions.

The greatest among them was relief.

It meant that their families or sects knew of their situation, so they would soon receive help.

‘…The fact that a unit arrived now means a messenger must have been sent at least the day before yesterday.’

It was either right after the black curtain disappeared.

Or right after receiving the messenger sent from this side.

The Divine Dragon Pavilion was attacked.

Not only was it not properly handed over,

But due to the attack, many disciples who were descendants of prestigious families and sects died.

The Divine Dragon Pavilion is strictly an institution managed by the Alliance.

It’s not called the Central Plains’ best sword training institution for nothing.

Since such a major incident occurred at a place like that,

Those involved in this matter will likely seek to hold the Murim Alliance responsible,

And the Alliance, knowing that better than anyone, as I mentioned before,

‘Must be thinking of holding an assembly.’

Righteous Faction Assembly.

A place where representatives from each organization gather to discuss how to handle this situation.

As it is a place to discuss the treatment of the Murim Alliance, called the center of the righteous factions, and important future matters,

Even putting aside the fact that my own kin were harmed and an incident occurred within the righteous factions,

Simply sitting in that seat is a great achievement.

Therefore.

‘Great figures will also move.’

They must know well how much it helps their position just by coming to this assembly.

However, the problem is.

‘It’s faster than expected.’

It was correct that Moyong Hi-ah and I had expected the assembly to be held, but.

The process is proceeding too quickly.

The difference in timing isn’t that large, but.

At least, I didn’t expect it to spread enough for everyone around here to know in the current situation.

‘Were they in a hurry?’

Was it an intention to quickly resolve the situation due to the magnitude of the incident?

Just as various thoughts were starting to arise.

‘Will you be alright?’

Peng Ah-hee speaks to me again.

‘What.’

‘Are you really okay?’

‘What are you talking about?’

‘Didn’t you hear? The family heads are all coming.’

‘What’s the problem with that?’

As I asked as if wondering why she was acting like this, Peng Ah-hee just wore an expression of disbelief.

Why is she really acting like this?

If things turned out like this, it wouldn’t be strange even if the main pillars of the Nine Great Sects and the Four Great Families came.

Not just the Four Great Families, but the heads of most families called renowned houses would visit here.

All the people at the top in the field of martial prowess are gathering.

If necessary, I might even see most of the martial artists called the Hundred Great Masters or Ten Great Masters of the Central Plains.

If there’s something slightly bothersome.

‘Will Father come too?’

No matter how much the Gu family acts like a loner,

Since it’s officially treated as a renowned house, a messenger must have gone.

‘He probably won’t come.’

As it concerns matters related to this side, I didn’t think Father would come.

It would have to be about Gu Huibi for him to step out of the mountains, but.

‘If it concerns me, would he bother to move?’

Not even a sliver of a chance did I think that would happen.

If it’s the father I know.

Still, there must be a reason, so he’ll likely send one related person.

My prediction is that it’s highly likely to be the First Sword Master, who was expected to receive the vacant Fourth Elder position this time.

‘Even if not now, I need to see Father.’

Including matters related to Mother.

No matter how I look at it, Father was the only one I could seek advice from on how I should proceed in the future.

Just like in my previous life.

When it comes to the martial arts I use, Father is the only martial artist who is ahead of everyone else and possesses enlightenment.

As my current state is unstable, Father is ultimately the only one who can give me guidance on what to do.

It means I have to visit him, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Imagining that already made my stomach feel queasy.

Just as I was wondering if I shouldn’t have eaten breakfast, worrying about my churning stomach.

‘What do you mean, what’s the problem… Are you really an idiot?’

Peng Ah-hee speaks to me again.

‘Why are you picking a fight?’

‘Don’t you see who’s around you?’

‘Hmm?’

At Peng Ah-hee’s words, I looked around.

Then, I saw women nervously rolling their eyes here and there.

Why are they reacting like that when their fathers are coming?

‘Why what’s around me.’

‘They’re all girls who are chasing after you because they like you.’

‘…’

At the heavy words, my mouth shut tight for a moment.

I flinched, but immediately put up a mental barrier.

‘Why did that suddenly come up?’

‘Look at this one? Not denying it? You must have known.’

Listening to what Peng Ah-hee was saying gave me a dizzying feeling.

‘No, why is that topic coming up now…’

‘What I mean is, will it be okay when the family heads appear in this situation?’

‘…What?’

‘Seeing as their precious daughters are all chasing after you because they like you… Will you really be okay?’

‘…’

What can I say.

It felt like I heard something quite realistic and scary.

Hearing those words, I looked at my companions.

Tang Soyeol’s father, the master of the Tang Clan.

Poison King (毒王) Tang Muk is known to have the gentlest disposition among the heads of the Tang Clan passed down through generations, but.

He cherishes his daughter just like the Moyong Family Head.

Recalling how far he went for Poison Girl in his previous life.

‘…Hmm.’

I felt my survival instinct surge without realizing it.

Before Poison Girl reached complete immunity to all poisons and received her proper title, the Poison King was the martial artist called the emperor of poison and hidden blades.

In such a situation, if he were to see Tang Soyeol’s condition.

‘…I’ll have to be careful when eating from now on.’

I felt a chill run down my spine.

It was even more so because my body hadn’t developed resistance to poison, unlike in my previous life.

…Should I train occasionally starting now?

Meanwhile, not only the Poison King but also the Moyong Family Head was a problem.

To be precise, that side would be the bigger problem.

As I shifted my gaze towards Moyong Hi-ah, our eyes naturally met.

Then Moyong Hi-ah avoided my eyes.

Hey, you shouldn’t be the one to avoid eye contact…!

‘What about the White Heaven Sword Master side?’

Putting the Poison King aside, the mess Moyong Hi-ah created was the real problem.

What did she say again.

Did she say I was planning to break off the engagement with Namgung Bi-ah and get engaged to her?

She said that thanks to that, the Moyong Family Head increased the negotiations and support with the Gu family.

Oh…

That’s really…

‘This can’t be resolved!’

There are already several Moyong Family merchant guilds established in the Shanxi region.

Because of that, the distance has become active.

If the reason the Gu family could suddenly trade while most families wanted to trade with the Moyong Family was that,

‘I’m screwed.’

No matter how I looked at it, it meant it was hopeless to resolve it carelessly.

Because I have no intention of breaking off the engagement.

‘No, this isn’t my fault.’

No matter how I looked at it, it was right to blame Moyong Hi-ah, who caused this without even consulting me, but.

Seeing Moyong Hi-ah watching my reaction, I couldn’t say those words.

‘What was she thinking…’

I wondered what Moyong Hi-ah was thinking, but.

If you think about it, it felt like it was ultimately my fault.

It was even more so when I recalled that she’s the type of person who wouldn’t say things she couldn’t resolve in the first place.

‘…What should I do.’

I wondered if the heads of a family would really do something to me because of their daughters, but.

‘…No. The problem is that they really might?’

It was just problematic in many ways.

As always, when an incident occurs, it tends to happen one after another.

I always think this, but is it just my imagination that my life difficulty seems exceptionally high?

‘I don’t know.’

I wondered if the assembly would be held, but seeing the reactions around me, it seems there was some prior notice.

People from the Alliance are coming and going, and there seem to be people who don’t know the information, but.

Those are the descendants of families or sects considered relatively lower in rank.

‘Ranking divisions even amidst this? I’m so sick of it.’

Even though such an incident occurred, the Murim Alliance seems unable to get its act together.

I don’t know why the ones called the center of the righteous factions always handle things like this.

If I could, I’d want to overturn everything.

‘Oh, right.’

‘What now?’

‘For your information, my father probably dislikes you too.’

‘…’

At Peng Ah-hee’s words, I frowned deeply.

What kind of bullshit is that now?

‘…Do you like me? Sorry, but that’s a bit…’

‘Do you want to die…? Why am I the one getting rejected in the middle of this.’

Her sharp tone even contained a hint of killing intent.

I just asked, but her reaction is quite intense.

‘It’s annoying even when a handsome man does it… You look like a praying mantis…’

Peng Ah-hee, who was about to retort, perhaps truly shocked, had to shut her mouth due to the chilling sensation she suddenly felt from her surroundings.

It was because the women, whose faces had been creased as if tired just moments ago, were now emitting sharp energy.

Namgung Bi-ah, who was yawning as if sleepy, looked at Peng Ah-hee and said.

‘…Praying mantis?’

‘…No, no, that…’

She didn’t say much,

But Namgung Bi-ah’s voice was full of discomfort.

Sensing that, Peng Ah-hee flinched.

No further words came from Namgung Bi-ah’s mouth.

She just stared at Peng Ah-hee with cold, chilling eyes.

Sensing that, Peng Ah-hee spoke with an embarrassed expression.

‘…I’m sorry.’

‘Mm.’

Only after hearing Peng Ah-hee speak did Namgung Bi-ah, as well as.

Tang Soyeol and Moyong Hi-ah turn their gazes away.

Seeing that, I clicked my tongue inwardly.

‘…These guys.’

I’m the one who should receive the apology.

Why are they the ones receiving it and feeling okay?

I haven’t even received an apology yet.

‘So… why is Family Head Peng…’

Why would that person dislike me… Ah, yes, there is a reason.

Even if I’d lived forgetting it, I am clearly in a broken engagement with Peng Ah-hee.

It was an engagement that was ruined because I talked too much.

‘It would be stranger if Family Head Peng did like me.’

It wouldn’t be strange even if he disliked me, but Peng Ah-hee brought up a different topic as if that wasn’t the case.

‘It’s not specifically because of the broken engagement.’

‘You say that?’

‘Mm.’

Then what is it? Is there something else besides that?

Peng Ah-hee strokes her signature bob haircut and speaks.

‘My father. He’s a bit jealous.’

‘Jealousy?’

‘Mm.’

Peng Ah-hee, saying that.

‘Jealousy.’

Somehow wore a bitter expression.

---

After finishing the brief conversation, I headed towards a somewhat secluded forest.

I confirmed that the kids weren’t skipping meals.

I also confirmed that Tang Soyeol and Namgung Bi-ah’s conditions were gradually improving.

It was fortunate.

‘If necessary, I was prepared to extract even their inner cores.’

There are several fortuitous encounters I know of that I haven’t visited yet.

I wondered if I should bring something beneficial for the body from there,

But fortunately, it seemed there were no problems as the treatment went well.

The only thing slightly concerning was that Tang Soyeol would have a scar on her thigh.

It bothered me unnecessarily.

Tang Soyeol smiled brightly, saying she was fine, but I couldn’t feel completely at ease.

‘The assembly… even roughly estimated, it’s months away.’

Considering the distances involved for everyone to travel, it would likely be held just before summer.

So, about two months from now?

The biggest problem here is.

That I cannot rashly return until people from the families arrive for safety reasons.

If they were attacked again after being sent back,

From the Murim Alliance’s perspective, it would be another incident occurring.

That means I’ll be stuck here for several months.

‘Tsk.’

When I asked Gu Jeolyub, he said they had already received word from the Alliance.

He said they couldn’t deliver it because I kept hiding and wandering around.

It wasn’t particularly important information.

In summary, messengers were sent to the families regarding the incident that occurred,

And it was planned to hold a righteous faction assembly according to the Alliance Leader’s opinion.

More accurately, it would proceed after the currently bedridden Clear Sea Sword Master regains consciousness.

‘Not only the Alliance, but Kunlun will also be in trouble.’

Regardless of the circumstances.

Although the Divine Dragon Pavilion is owned by the Alliance, the current manager was Kunlun,

Simply failing to prevent the attack would lead to discussions about the Kunlun Sect.

In fact, the Clear Sea Sword Master was even defeated.

‘…Tsk.’

In a world overflowing with people who love to gossip, that’s certainly how it would be.

‘…It seems to be going better than planned, yet it’s unsatisfactory.’

Even though various incidents occurred and I learned things I didn’t know.

It was definitely going better than the plans I had set.

Even deciding that I had to reach the Hwagyeong realm before turning twenty, I was able to reach it several years earlier than expected,

And my plan to escape the Divine Dragon Pavilion within this year.

If an incident like this had occurred, it was as good as nonexistent.

‘The matter concerning Jang Seon-yeon still bothers me, though.’

There’s no trace visible, and I can’t ask the World Tree either.

It’s definitely going better than planned, but.

The intertwined events within it are quite unpleasant.

My mind was more complex than at ease.

Perhaps, it became more complex right after meeting the Heavenly Demon.

‘At the current speed, it’s impossible.’

Reaching the Hwagyeong realm at an age when my body hadn’t fully grown.

It’s true that for a brief moment, I felt arrogant about it.

That if I continued like this, it would be enough.

That at the current speed, it would be sufficient.

That perhaps I could even take the place of the Divine Sword.

But.

‘That was a foolish thought.’

Facing the Heavenly Demon, I realized it once again.

It’s ridiculously slow. Ridiculously slow to reach the goal I aim for.

Take the place of the Divine Sword? With this state, how?

‘I must be faster.’

Noya told me.

That I should forget impatience.

That I should believe in myself.

After reaching Hwagyeong and understanding the meaning of those words not with my head but truly with my heart,

Separately from that.

‘How can I do that, Noya?’

It wasn’t easily translated into action.

Because the situation wasn’t helping me achieve that.

‘This is frustrating.’

No matter how much I thought about it, ‘slowly and steadily’ was impossible.

It’s a situation where if there’s no shortcut, I have to create one and go.

Crackle.

Just as I was breathing as if exhausted.

I felt a presence behind me.

I shifted my gaze towards the presence.

‘Have you finally decided to talk with me?’

The voice, neither high nor low, with its calm tone, was impressive.

The person who appeared was none other than Bi Ui-jin, known as the Twin Dragons.

And within me, rather than the Twin Dragons, he was the youth called the Overlord.

Should I call him a youth?

Inside, he’s probably an old man.

Bi Ui-jin waves at me and approaches.

I already knew he would come, so it wasn’t particularly surprising.

More accurately, it was closer to me having summoned him.

‘You could have just approached, why were you hiding and watching?’

Since yesterday, I knew Bi Ui-jin had been intentionally lingering around me.

Recalling his identity, he was probably intentionally revealing his presence as if to let me notice.

Thinking of the reason.

‘…It probably means to come find me when I feel like talking.’

I thought it might be his own form of consideration.

As he said, I definitely had things to talk about with Bi Ui-jin.

He must have seen me transform into a demon, and also seen my martial arts change due to demonic energy.

‘You seemed quite busy, Young Master, so I was just waiting.’

‘…Thank you for your consideration.’

‘That’s enough. I wasn’t waiting just to receive such greetings. So, can I take it that you’re now willing to talk with me?’

‘Yes. Before that.’

I pondered for a long time about how to proceed.

What explanation I should give, what Bi Ui-jin expects from me.

And whether I could answer what he was curious about, I thought about it myself, but.

For now, I thought this was the fastest method.

As I spoke, I moved my hands and formed a fist-and-palm salute.

As I suddenly performed the fist-and-palm salute, Bi Ui-jin’s eyes widened.

‘Young Master. Why the fist-and-palm salute between us…’

‘…How could I not?’

Bi Ui-jin’s smiling face, as he forced out the words, hardened.

It felt like he sensed what I was about to say.

Hoo-woo-

The sudden chill made my back stiffen involuntarily.

Still, I didn’t stop speaking.

‘I apologize for the late recognition.’

Hearing my words, Bi Ui-jin slowly ran his hand over his forehead and swept up his hair.

In that fleeting moment.

The expression Bi Ui-jin had been wearing was already gone.

His appearance as a young man without a single wrinkle remained the same, but.

The expression he wore now was clearly someone else’s face.

More precisely, it was the expression that the person named Bi-ju, not Bi Ui-jin, would have worn.

Glancing at that expression.

I uttered my final words.

‘Your unworthy junior greets the esteemed Overlord.’

The moment I spoke.

Goo-woo-!

An immense presence began to erupt from the Overlord.