Chapter 424

The name of the regular combat unit from the Martial Alliance that arrived at Jin Gajang was “Dukhyupdae,” which meant they would act as straight as bamboo, just like a spear.

Only a backup combat team from the latter sub-division tagged along, but the main unit would always be the Dukhyupdae warriors.

So, the unruly Hwa Ryong Jo was just an addition.

Arriving on the first day, they greeted Jin Gaju, tossed their luggage haphazardly, and rushed straight to the tavern for a drinking spree.

At the stage of the latter sub-division, they were a bit juvenile, to say the least.

In truth, they were just utterly naïve.

How could young warriors who spent their time training within the sect walls grow up anyway?

They were just oversized kids, really.

Furthermore, the older members of the Zhengpai had all gone through their own childish phases too.

So, wasn’t this the perfect time to venture out, intrigued by everything in the martial world? They could break free from the boring clan life and indulge in some fun.

Moreover, the latter sub-division should be allowed a bit of freedom.

Just like tired hounds settle down after a good romp, the latter sub-division needed to be let loose so they wouldn’t cause trouble.

Without regard for the surrounding circumstances, they’d rush in furious upon seeing something and brandish swords just because they felt like it; corrupt officials were easy targets and often ended up knocked out.

Thus, despite their obnoxious antics, as long as they enjoyed themselves, the thought was, “If not now, when?”

But suddenly, someone burst into Jin Gajang in a hurry, announcing that a fierce brawl broke out atop Jin Hae Ru with the Salwold Sect.

Thus, Jin Gaju and Dukhyupdae’s leader, Bi-hwa-bul Wol-ryang, took the lead and dashed off to Jin Hae Ru.

The absurdity of it all struck me.

They had come, they fought, and they claimed victory.

The mischievous Hwa Ryong Jo warriors puffed up with pride after defeating those wicked Salwold Sect thugs.

With overwhelming gratitude from the special guests, a grand victory feast was thrown.

When Jin Gaju and the Jin warriors, along with the Dukhyupdae, barged in, the atmosphere was already buzzing.

And of course, they got scolded.

“Do you even have a brain? Why would you recklessly start a fight? What would you do if someone got hurt? Do you think you’re just one person? If one of you gets hurt, you should be lucky it doesn’t escalate! Would you be here merrily drinking if someone got killed?”

At Wol-ryang’s reprimand, the latter sub-division sat with their heads hung low.

“What are you all, here for a holiday? What do you think, this is a vacation? You think I’m just going to let you off with a warning?”

However, the faces of the latter sub-division were sour.

Surely, after just one injury, a celebration like this was warranted?

In fact, the injured guy had just tripped over a dish of duck while chasing a thug from the Salwold Sect, and accidentally cut himself with his own blade. He insisted it wasn’t his fault, but witnesses were numerous enough that his claims were dismissed.

As Wol-ryang furrowed his brows, ready to erupt with anger, it was then that someone stepped forward.

“Great Master, it’s all my fault. The Hwa Ryong Jo warriors were just helping me. Those thugs were toying with my Uncle and it got out of hand, so I couldn’t help but act.”

A look of sweet sorrow graced Qing’s face that melted the hearts of even the hardest men.

But Wol-ryang didn’t budge.

His alias, Bi-hwa-bul, is enough to know he’s a serious disciple from the Shaolin clan.

Except for the one youngest disciple who is still working on his composure, he isn’t one to be swayed by temptation.

So, Qing’s beauty didn’t work on him!

With a stern face, Wol-ryang spoke up.

“Is that so? Then it can’t be helped…”

But Qing wasn’t just any innkeeper! Cheonhwa-geom is an esteemed swordmaster and a benefactor for Shaolin.

Plus, they had shared smiles when they crossed paths after the Martial World Tournament.

As a result, when Qing behaved toward Wol-ryang in a manner unlike a mere girl, he surely thought of her as a formidable ally.

“Hmm, Salwold sect’s trouble with women is hardly surprising. So how is your Uncle doing? You don’t need to be overly concerned.”

“I’m fine, Great Master. I took care of them myself. Hehe…”

Gyeon Pohee replied with a carefree laugh.

Was she just a naïve person? No.

Did she know Qing? Yes.

Through logical reasoning, Gyeon Pohee showed her politeness while advocating for her Uncle.

“He only acted to protect the honor of the girl, but those thugs responded with hostility.”

“That’s just how Salwold Sect rolls.”

“The warriors of the Hwa Ryong Jo only drew their blades to save the girl, so if you have any reprimands, direct them at me instead.”

Wol-ryang’s anger slowly diffused.

Seeing the beautiful woman, who radiated a charm like a siren, who wouldn’t find it hard to resist?

If family was harmed, who could blame him for stepping in?

It’s customary in Zhengpai to help out a family member in danger. In that sense, he couldn’t just chastise these naïve warriors; they deserved a nod of praise for their actions.

“No. If Cheonhwa-geom says this, then it’s commendable of you all to rush to the aid of your kin without hesitation in the martial world. I’ll let your late-night duty slide.”

At that, the latter sub-division brightened up.

Indeed, Cheonhwa-geom! Cheonhwa-geom is the best!

We wish Cheonhwa-geom was our captain!

Jin Jagang, who was standing a bit back, let out a long sigh.

He had already experienced Cheonhwa-geom’s “I couldn’t help it” excuses once before. Last time, he couldn’t control himself and blasted Salwold Sect thugs; this time, he had smashed the head of their leader with a leg of duck.

He hadn’t seemed this calm and sociable before, but it turned out when his rage took over, he could be someone else entirely.

“Well, enough about the fighting. What are you all doing now? If the enemy were to regroup and make a comeback, wouldn’t you be battling in this drunken mess?”

“Ugh.”

Slowly perked heads fell like willow branches again.

Once pointed out, it made sense.

Here they were, thrilled over a win and indulging, but wasn’t there no guarantee the enemy wouldn’t return just because they had won once?

Call them foolish, but this was simply the result of their lack of experience.

Wol-ryang’s eyes turned fierce again.

They came to support, and this was the humiliation in front of Jin Gaju!

“You blockheads! In situations like this, you should be the first to report what happened and discuss what comes next! You’re just lounging around like it’s all over! Do you really think it ends after one victory? If you all swarm in together, will you win? These stupid kids; I’ll have to keep you on night duty!”

Their shoulders drooped under Wol-ryang’s scorn.

Qing hesitated for a moment, thinking perhaps the sacrifice of an unpleasant character for the greater happiness of everyone was needed.

“Uh… I apologize, but even as a backup combat team, we still adhere to some form of structure; following orders is just natural, right? It’s just that we couldn’t act recklessly…”

“Huh? Wait, what? Where’s Jo Hak-che?”

No one would dare lie about this situation.

His fellows honestly confessed that Jo Hak-che had vanished with not one, but two women, just to enjoy himself; it was a pure blend of selfishness and lack of respect for the Zhengpai elders.

“What in the blazes?”

The very leader of the unit had prioritized his own fun over cleaning up his mess.

“Well, the leader asked me to discipline him, so Chang-bin, your new duty is to keep him in check. I’ll stick to him like glue to make sure he behaves.”

Of course, a natural wave of anger swept towards Jo Hak-che.

At that moment, gratitude flooded the latter sub-division as they etched Cheonhwa-geom’s three characters deep within their hearts.

Indeed, Cheonhwa-geom! We always believed in you!

From today onwards, I pledge to follow Cheonhwa-geom as my senior; any insult to her is an insult to me.

You young lady Seomun shines like no other; the phrase “Six Harmonies of Martial Arts” doesn’t even exist. It’s pure sunlight, Seomun light, no, just pure light, light, light!

If anyone were to gaze upon this situation, they would inevitably state that it all started with Qing, and how could Qing not take responsibility for creating this mess?

But Qing didn’t share that sentiment.

It’s the foolish dead guy who flirted with a cute girl who pays the price; was it wrong for that girl to be cute, or was it wrong that he happened to meander into the restroom at that moment?

Qing remained steadfast.

Thanks to that, the latter sub-division had their moments of joy.

One unfortunate figure, Jo Hak-che, would be left to wallow in misery.

This is the way of the world!

“You’ve had your fun; now everyone go inside. I’ll be watching to see when my dear Jo comes back.”

Wol-ryang ground his teeth together.

At that moment, Qing thought to herself.

At least Jo was my older brother, so I can’t feel guilty at all!

—-

The so-called Hwa Ryong Jo warriors had a rumor spread within a day.

Why? Because everyone wanted to talk about it, especially with lively witnesses and credible storytellers involved.

Guests of the special rooms weren’t just anyone; they were key players in their own fields.

Therefore, their testimonies alone held a lot of weight.

To challenge their claims would lead to a public relations disaster.

Thus, the shocking news broke.

The head of the Salwold Sect was dead!

And they say he was killed by a leg of duck!

It was the pride of Guangdong, the dish “White Cloud Mung Bean Jelly” that shattered his skull!

Wait, who smashed his head?

It was the Divine Goddess—ahem, the Civil Engineering Fairy—no, it’s Cheonhwa-geom!

Everyone knew by now that Cheonhwa-geom was actually the Civil Engineering Fairy, but they chose to ignore that little detail.

If Qing heard that people thought the Civil Engineering Fairy was Cheonhwa-geom, she’d be baffled by their reasoning.

People from Gwangju couldn’t help but feel more familiar with the Divine Goddess due to their interactions, so it made sense.

Just like Jo Hak-che’s misfortune brightening the whole Hwa Ryong Jo crew, the failure of the Salwold Sect became the joy of Gwangju’s people.

However, the one directly affected—the sole surviving member of the Salwold Sect (the other two didn’t make it)—was bound to catch some grief over it.

“We must inform Sado Sect and formally declare this heroic deed! I will shed tears reporting this dreadful occasion!”

“Heroic? Wait, that’s not true! Well, it’s not a good occurrence anyway! Are you really going to send such a fool out?”

“I’ll go!”

“No, let me!”

Everyone was in a scramble to announce this to Sado Sect.

Wang Woo had a sour look.

After all, they were discussing running away to tell the Zhengpai folks that they were under attack without really knowing when those guys would show up!

If the Zhengpai clan fell apart after bringing their backup in, they’d need to start looking for new jobs; but if it survived, they could strut in with the Sado Sect’s volunteers!

So suddenly, everyone was brimmed with righteous indignation wanting to report this egregious injustice.

“Choosoo, you go!”

“Of course, brother!”

“Brother! Why Choosoo?”

“Only a big shot will be noticed when he presents himself to the Sado Sect!”

“Do I need to ask?”

With that, the others zipped their lips.

Il-eum-bo Choosoo; everyone knew him to be the one who was a glaring informant, and his very nickname suggested his tendency to spill the tea.

He was the type that cried loud and flung dirt on his own past mistakes. Ignoring the incident altogether, he would rewrite the narrative.

“First off, while we deal with Grandfather’s funeral, the Zhengpai folks won’t dare make a move. Until then, gather all the kids. Pull in those left behind at Gwangju Seonbang and Gold Robbery Guild since they won’t have anywhere else to go anyway.”

Wang Woo’s eyes sparkled with opportunity.

Tragedy equals opportunity!

If he finessed past this crisis, the entire Salwold Sect would fall into his hands.

He could drag out the time under the pretense of conducting the last rites and then approach the Sado sect with a humble apology. They’d never turn their backs on him after all the efforts put into sending elite tactics and elixirs!

But first, he had to secure control over his internal factions.

Wang Woo plopped a crate in front of the remaining Salwold Sect higher-ups.

“Here you go; it’s an elixir sent from the Sado Sect. Originally meant for the juniors, but considering our current dire straits, we should consume this and raise our skill levels immediately.”

Elixir! The elixir sent from Sado Sect!

Just begging for one was something the strategists would never give up easily!

For a moment, everyone forgot the fires they had to put out and instead, stared greedily at the glimmering crate.

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