Chapter 179
179
An hour later, Jeokroe rubbed his bluish eyes and pouted.
'When Young Patriarch was young, he could dodge those fists without even looking.'
Was his master, who was like a monster, secretly eating some good Elixir? His fists were getting more and more vicious with each passing day.
Namgung Hwi, who was sneering at his subordinate's wronged and contorted face, crossed his legs and said,
"If So-hye's whereabouts are unknown, find out about her real brother's whereabouts. I heard he was investigated together at the Alliance?"
"Of course, I looked into it. But he also disappeared after the Murim Alliance's investigation. There's no information at all. There aren't even any sightings of him except for the period he was traveling with Dang Sojeo."
"He must be quite a character then."
"Yes. It seems he was reported to the Murim Alliance as an insignificant third-rate Martial Artist, but I think it was that man's skill that helped Dang Sojeo evade the Alliance's pursuit. Could he be someone from the Assassin Clan? They are very good at hiding their identities."
Namgung Hwi's expression became subtle at Jeokroe's speculation.
"Assassin Clan? If they are determined to hide, no one can find them. I hope your guess is wrong. Are you sure the man who was with her in Yueyang wasn't her brother?"
"Ah, about that. It doesn't seem like he had a deep relationship with Dang Sojeo. He became the son-in-law of the Geumryong Merchant Group."
"What? A guy who's about to get married was flirting with another Sojeo? What kind of guy is he?"
"I don't know."
Jeokroe, startled by the sharp voice, slowly backed away. Namgung Hwi took a deep breath as if suppressing his anger, then asked sullenly.
"What about the Changryong Sword Unit? Is the cleanup finished?"
"As you said, all the children who were influenced by the Patriarch have been sent out."
"What about the Maids?"
"I already changed them. When you return to Hapbi, they will all be gone."
"I like that you handle things thoroughly. But why can't you find one young Sojeo? Is it still because you don't recognize who the real master is?"
"Ah, you know that's not it! Why do you keep framing me! I've bet everything on you, Young Patriarch! I have nowhere to go if you abandon me!"
"Then do it right. Before I send you back."
Namgung Hwi, who snapped back, waved a document.
"And this. Why isn't there a contract?"
"Are you talking about the Gangdong Merchant Group? It's still in preparation. But is it okay to push this through? Isn't Fourth Elder's wife from the Hoam Merchant Group? The Elders' opinions aren't good these days. We should move cautiously on this matter..."
"What if the opinions aren't good? The moment they mess with the goods coming into the main family, the trust is over. Even Father would have taken immediate action."
"Yes, yes. I will proceed. I'll take the blame."
Jeokroe, who retorted grumpily, continued.
"The Shadowless Pavilion Lord is moving personally on the matter you ordered. But it seems difficult to get out because the Sado Alliance has taken control of Seoseo. It will take some time to report."
"Is there enough funding?"
"What you gave me should be enough. But do you really think the Sado Alliance has joined hands with the Demonic Sect? Even if the Black Faction live without thinking, they still know right from wrong. I don't think Chaehonggyo is stupid enough to associate with fanatics."
"Salhyung might be, but his subordinates probably don't know right from wrong."
Namgung Hwi shrugged and said indifferently.
"That thing the Murim Alliance calls Mahwal. The pirate leaders are using it like a stimulant. They don't even seem to know what they're putting in their mouths. It must be something they got through the Sado Alliance."
"Yes? Why are you telling me this now? Did you report it to the Murim Alliance?"
"I didn't. Why would I do the Non-Secretariat's job?"
"Hey, you! Let's do things like that! It's about the Demonic Sect, of all things!"
"It's because there's something fishy. Last time, Jegal Hyo-won..."
Namgung Hwi, who was about to explain, frowned and shut his mouth.
"Why did you stop talking?"
"Because it's not certain. Don't ask me anymore. I'll tell you when it's sorted out."
Namgung Hwi, who waved his hand and drew a line, fell into thought.
Recently, Jegal Hyo-gang's sister, Jegal Hyo-won, the Dragon Phoenix Unit Leader, had stayed at Namgung for a few days.
Namgung Hwi, who was of similar age, had personally entertained her because he couldn't neglect the hospitality, but the more he talked to her, the more strange things he noticed.
It was common for those with Jegal's blood to act suspiciously, but Jegal Hyo-won was different that day.
She subtly expressed her antipathy towards the Murim Alliance and the existing Orthodox Faction forces, and then probed Namgung Hwi with meaningful words.
'Has Young Patriarch ever dreamed of a new sky?'
At the time, he pretended not to understand and changed the subject, but the more he thought about it, the more it bothered him. It was as if she wanted to win Namgung Hwi over to a third force.
'It seems to be related to the Demonic Sect's items circulating... I need to find out for sure. It would be a headache if a spy has infiltrated even the Five Great Families.'
If the Demonic Sect is expanding its power under the surface, he shouldn't touch it rashly. He had to gather evidence step by step and eradicate the roots all at once.
Namgung Hwi, frowning, beckoned Jeokroe.
"Jeokroe. Find out if any of the Elders are acting suspiciously."
"Suspiciously? Please tell me specifically. What's bothering you?"
"There are a few things. Like if they've become a financier for a suspicious organization and their spending has increased, or if they're interacting with the Black Faction forces, or if they're eating something strange and suddenly getting stronger. Things that old men with evil intentions often do."
"Young Patriarch... Please be careful with your words. The Elders will be furious and collapse if they hear you. Until when?"
"Within fifteen days."
"What? Are you telling me to go around Hapbi and Cheonjusan in fifteen days? No, it's easy for you to just order me, but I'm the one who has to move."
Jeokroe shouted, but Namgung Hwi didn't even blink an eye.
"You have to go because the Shadowless Pavilion Lord isn't here. Then a month. Leave right now."
"Yes? Young Patriarch, it's Haesi now...! Haa, I'm going. I'm going. This is my fate. I chose the wrong master."
Jeokroe, who muttered, prepared to leave. Namgung Hwi rubbed his forehead as he watched Jeokroe's back as he grumbled and left the room.
'I might have to go to the Murim Alliance.'
There are limits to the information from the Beggar Clan and the Lowborn Sect, which you can buy with money. The Shadowless Pavilion, which Namgung operates, is also good, but it only judges the authenticity of information and is not as fast as information Martial Sects.
He needed the secret information handled by the Murim Alliance Non-Secretariat.
'It's a problem even if I go in. To get the authority to approach the Non-Secretariat, it wouldn't be enough to be just a branch leader or unit leader.'
He sighed and frowned as he picked up the report Jeokroe had brought.
The other side of the Central Plains Martial Arts World, which had been soaked in a peaceful situation and lost its sense of crisis, was full of ominous signs.
It stank everywhere.
There was no way the leaders of each Martial Sect wouldn't know the flow that Namgung Hwi could read. However, the fact that no one was moving meant that they couldn't find a proper justification.
"Not good..."
Namgung Hwi, who muttered, bit his lip.
The old-fashioned Orthodox Faction people tended to complicate things by being tied to justification.
It was the same with leaving Seoseo to become a den of Unorthodox.
If the Murim Alliance had taken action when the Sado Alliance set foot in Seoseo, taking advantage of Hwasan's closure, the Orthodox Faction Martial Artist who entered Seoseo would not have been isolated and unable to get out.
But he had no right to criticize the Murim Alliance's lukewarm attitude. Namgung was the same, just watching.
Namgung Hwi, who was fiddling with the report with a complicated face, brought the paper to the lamp.
His eyes sank darkly as he watched the slowly burning letters.
\ \ *
When I woke up with a start from a nap, my whole body was wet with cold sweat.
I don't remember well, but I think I had a bad dream. Was it the day I saw someone die?
...Or maybe it was the day I stabbed someone.
As I rubbed my face and got up, the blanket fell to the floor with a thud.
What blanket is this?
As I wondered and picked up the blanket, someone made a sound.
Reflexively putting my hand in my sleeve and turning my head, I saw Jin-sung standing quietly and looking at me. Relieved, I released the strength from my body.
"When did you come? You should have woken me up instead of waiting."
Jin-sung, who pretended not to see me awkwardly smiling and wiping my eyes, bowed his head.
"I apologize, Sojeo. I didn't dare to touch you because you seemed to be having a nightmare."
I smiled bitterly at his answer. It seemed I was unconsciously emitting killing intent.
I guess I looked like I would attack if touched.
"Please sit down. I heard you were busy today, have you finished your work?"
"Yes."
When I casually pulled out a chair and offered him a seat, Jin-sung, who nodded, sat down on the chair.
He sat upright and looked straight at me, then slowly opened his mouth.
"My master has called for Sojeo."
I, who was staring blankly at his gray eyes, was startled and grabbed the table. It sounded like I could see Yeon-ryang.
"Really? Can I see him? When? Today?"
When I asked back with a delighted expression, Jin-sung, who lowered his voice as if to calm me down, whispered softly.
"Tonight, he told you to quietly come to the Secret cave. I will come to pick you up when it's Jasi."
"Jasi... Yes, I understand!"
I smiled brightly and nodded.
