The Zhongyang Gang leader’s head hit the ground with a dull thud. The body briefly maintained its balance, but soon, along with Jeong Yeon-shin’s sword strike, it lost its balance and collapsed.
The branch leader’s lips slightly parted. A line of blood was etched on her cheek, the blood spattering from the Zhongyang Gang leader’s severed neck.
Without giving a glance to the body, she gently stroked the cheek where the bloodstain remained, a trace of her husband's presence.
“Husband...”
With a somewhat detached expression, she murmured. It seemed like she had given up, especially after encountering Jeong Yeon-shin, her face remaining unchanged.
She was no naive country woman, and certainly not someone who would be oblivious to the state of things. A person of her standing, as a branch leader, would always be aware of Ipwang’s movements.
This meant she was well aware of his status, martial prowess, and demeanor.
“Young lord, shall I be killed as well?”
She asked.
Jeong Yeon-shin did not respond immediately.
She was not like the Jianghu warriors he had killed so far. There was much to uncover about her.
What had driven the branch leader to assist in the plundering? What kind of internal struggle had led her to act so close to the Jianghu factions, particularly the Murim Alliance and the Wudang Sect?
And she had also hosted the masters of Simmooryeon—what was their agenda for appearing in line with the Murim Alliance's faction competition?
“Let’s hear it.”
The size of Ho Gwang-seong was comparable to that of a small nation.
As the branch leader, she held an esteemed position, having authority over eight of the region’s Jeohan—men of great influence.
Killing her rashly would be a burden for anyone. She might have connections to the Imperial family, and such actions could have serious consequences.
Jeong Yeon-shin wanted to first solve the questions at hand.
“Lead the way.”
He motioned for her to go first, leading his group into the inner quarters with the branch leader in the lead.
***
“The news of your presence has spread across the vast land of Ho-gwang.”
The Governor gently lifted his teacup, pulling his lips away. Perhaps the blood of a prestigious family runs in his veins.
His fingers, unusually slender and smooth for someone of his visible age, brushed the top of the cup.
“When a new grand leader rises within the Shin Geom Dan, a letter will arrive promptly to all seventeen of us here in Ho-gwang. With your status and position, it’s best to behave accordingly.”
Despite losing his companion, there was no visible change in his demeanor. Will he become a monster as formidable as any martial artist when he enters the official ranks?
Zhibu (知府). Zhibu Daein.
Before the Song Dynasty, this title was known as Taishu (太守). It is a position of the fourth rank in the official hierarchy.
Higher by three ranks than well-known positions like the Inspector or the Censor.
In the eyes of the people, the Zhibu Daein is a power figure beyond compare, commanding officers, intelligence agents, and allies, justifying the use of the title Daein.
Thus, the words spoken by the Zhibu Daein before him were proof of the powerful influence of Ipwang Fortress's black-clad warriors.
“Does it bother you?”
Jeong Yeon-shin quietly inquired.
The disciples of the Hwasan Sect standing behind them inhaled sharply. It was difficult to even imagine such speech in the civilian world, yet the Governor’s expression remained calm.
Is he accepting the full authority of the new Grand Leader of Shin Geom Dan? Or does he merely have a deeper strategy?
“Bother me? Personal remarks are strange indeed. Any properly-minded official would recognize the necessity of your group,” the Zhibu Daein replied, taking another sip from his cup. After clearing his throat with the tea, he spoke again, his expression emotionless.
“The reckless deeds of martial artists are hard for the officers to stop. It’s only natural. What productivity do the people of the martial world contribute? While officers labor to help the common folk and till the fields, martial artists sharpen their skills in killing. They have no other purpose and do not benefit the state. They should be strong to make up for that. That’s what I believe.”
His eyes fixed on Jeong Yeon-shin.
“That’s why Ipwang Fortress is necessary. Compared to the central plains, your number is few, but the symbol of the world’s greatest martial sect protecting the people gives us the necessary support.”
“Plunder and massacre aren’t protection.”
The boy responded in a quiet tone.
Yet, the words came from the black-clad expert of Ipwang Fortress, carrying an unspoken weight.
The three men behind the Zhibu Daein placed their hands on their waistbands. These were the last remaining officers.
In an instant, they could unsheathe their swords and expel Jeong Yeon-shin. If a lower-tiered warrior yielded to a higher one, it would be the end.
But none could hide the trembling of their hands. Just a look from Jeong Yeon-shin had caused such a reaction.
“Stay still.”
The boy spoke briefly. Was it an order? Their hands instinctively fell away from their weapons.
The weight in the voice was like the Gwangryun-gi technique, heavy and unyielding. A bitter smile curled at the edges of the Zhibu Daein’s lips.
“You’re a monster of strength, aren’t you? How is it that you possess such power at your age?”
“Shut it. Is food that scarce? What was the reason for raiding that innocent village?”
He cut straight to the point. The Zhibu Daein’s smile vanished instantly.
“I said I recognize the necessity of Ipwang Fortress. What I mean is that I realize the need for the strength to oppress the martial world.”
“Say what you will.”
“...But the officers are weak, and inviting imperial experts is difficult even for the main headquarters. That’s why Ipwang Fortress exists... Since you are busy with matters across the central plains, we, officials like me, can only wait our turn to be assigned the next mission. Compared to the world, the people of Ipwang Fortress are but a handful.”
“...”
“We cannot maintain a personal army with the governor’s salary. That’s why I’ve secretly welcomed martial artists into my forces. If I used tribute to feed and clothe the martial artists of the rivers and lakes, I would be guilty of treason, so I treated it as offering the lives of some of my own people as tribute. By sacrificing one, I can protect ten. While I wait for the arrival of Ipwang Fortress’s sword, I’ll personally deal with the rogues myself, feeding them with the same tribute.”
“Isn’t that treason too?”
“I cannot deceive the Dochalwon during the tribute settlement. Funny enough, it’s easier to cover up if an entire village disappears. The various lowlifes calling themselves martial artists have been disturbing the peace. You’ve seen enough atrocities along the Yangyang path, haven’t you? With famine spreading, martial artists aren’t holding back on their violence. These lawless, unregistered rogues running amok, unable to tell heaven from earth...”
For the first time, the Zhibu Daein showed clear emotion.
Her hand, clenched into a fist, revealed veins bulging across her knuckles. Jeong Yeon-shin quietly observed, his lips parting slightly.
“Did the Murim Alliance and the Wudang Sect turn a blind eye to your actions?”
At that moment, the disciples of the Hwasan Sect held their breath. It was a crucial moment.
The reckless young master Ma Gwang-ik could, depending on the Zhibu Daein’s answer, cause upheaval among the righteous alliances and their sect leaders.
The Zhibu Daein answered willingly.
“I doubt the Wudang Sect knows. Those immortals rarely leave the mountains. Together with Shaolin, they receive more imperial support than any other sect, so occasionally they descend to deal with rogue factions.”
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“The Murim Alliance?”
“They did indeed turn a blind eye. The head of the Wuyang district, bordering the provinces of Shanxi and Hanzhong, is the headquarters. ‘We won’t interfere with your actions, Zhibu Daein, but please focus on the material exchange between Hanzhong and Wuyang,’ they said.”
“That’s the message they sent to you, and not a verbal one, I assume.”
Heon Won-chang spoke with a sharp gaze.
Out of courtesy to the Grand Leader, they had spoken formally for a moment, but their tone had shifted back. The boy didn’t seem to mind.
“Let me see the letter.”
Jeong Yeon-shin demanded. Without a word, the Zhibu Daein retrieved the sealed document from the table.
The young leader, receiving the letter in place of Ma Gwang-ik, untied the string.
Soon, a piece of green silk paper was unfolded before the eyes of the experts from Ipwang Fortress.
Heon Won-chang swore under his breath.
“The seal of the Zhuge Clan... Those damn bastards.”
“The family isn’t a righteous sect. Besides, every sect except the old factions are just hypocrites holding power,” Ma Gwang-ik said lightly.
Namgung Hwa-shin, with his deep-set eyes, said nothing. He appeared to be deep in thought.
Jeong Yeon-shin, without a word, gestured with his chin. The letter, resealed in Heon Won-chang’s hand, was passed to the new Grand Leader.
The boy took the document and tucked it inside his robes. The bird he received from the eunuch, Myung-yeo, fluttered within his chest.
A blade that would strike at the heart of the Murim Alliance now rested in the hands of Ma Gwang-ik. It was the first step toward a monumental achievement.
Jeong Yeon-shin, with a dispassionate face, spoke once again.
“Last one. Talk about the Simmuryun. Are they targeting the Murim Alliance?”
“The forces of Simmuryun are on the move.”
***
Jeong Yeon-shin kept the words spoken by the Zhibu Daein tucked away in the corner of his mind.
For now, his focus was on the upcoming confrontation with the Murim Alliance. It was hard to predict what variables might arise in the faction war.
He decided to pour all his mental energy into dealing with the Murim Alliance.
Any potential ambushes needed to be considered, but the first priority was to enhance the power of the Gwanghwa Geomryu during the ongoing faction war.
‘It would be difficult to wield a sword in front of the so-called invincible leader. I’ll have to rethink my swordsmanship.’
He released the commoners trapped in the annex of Jangwon.
After hearing their consistent testimonies about the terrible things done to them while alive, and with the Zhibu Daein's approval, he had the remaining officers executed.
The number of commoners massacred while resisting was even higher. Jeong Yeon-shin's group had previously come across a pile of corpses in a village they had passed.
What remained were only the most esteemed officials from Wuyang District.
He had her kneel in the middle of the training ground. Jeong Yeon-shin stood like an executioner about to sever the head of a traitor.
“Whatever my cause may be.”
The Zhibu Daein spoke, her voice calm and deliberate.
“There’s no doubt you’ve committed a crime that’s worthy of rebellion. Since the Grand Leader of Ipwang Fortress has personally come, it’s only fitting to offer this neck. The order of the world is maintained this way.”
She spoke in an archaic manner. It seemed clear that she was indeed of noble blood.
Jeong Yeon-shin was unmoved by her detached demeanor. With hands that appeared strong and resolute, he gripped his sword tightly.
“Is this acceptable?”
Yu Hyun, standing to one side, asked the question that was on everyone’s mind.
It made sense. Someone of the Zhibu Daein’s status would have countless connections within the Forbidden City.
No matter how noble the Grand Leader of Ipwang Fortress was, this was not a situation to be handled recklessly.
The eunuch who had acknowledged Jeong Yeon-shin and offered the immortal objects probably had no plans to deal with such a high-ranking official. At best, they might have been thinking of someone like Jeong Yeon-shin’s old subordinate, Jeong Chil-pum.
‘Doesn’t matter.’
The boy’s mind flashed to the face of the Crown Prince. Along with it came his words:
— “Call it the death penalty if you must.”
No matter how influential the Zhibu Daein was in the Forbidden City, someone connected to her might try to intervene, but at least for now, Jeong Yeon-shin felt he could block any attempts.
Considering the eunuch Myung-yeo's ties to the Dongchang, it would only become more likely.
“Keep slaying the wicked. I believe you won’t break so easily. Those who avenge the helpless are the true warriors. If you are the Grand Leader of Ipwang Fortress, you will surely console the souls of hundreds, even thousands.”
The Zhibu Daein spoke again. Was there some kind of lingering bitterness toward the rogues of the martial world?
Seeing the intense gleam in her eyes again, it seemed far from any sense of nobility. It appeared more like another side to the tragedies brought about by these troubled times.
“Fine. You first.”
Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t hesitate. If there were those who deserved to die, they would die.
On his path to the fruit of the Heavenly Tree, there were obstacles—annoyances that caught his eye, like the leader of the Baeggeomjong who had led the destruction of Jeong Ga-jang's family, or the countless masters who would test him at the upcoming Murim Alliance gathering...
“As the Grand Leader of Ma Gwang-ik,”
The boy slowly parted his lips.
“After this journey, you are the most wicked.”
As the words left his mouth, a flash of sword light appeared from his fingertips.