Chapter 44
It's no exaggeration to say that the Murim Alliance governs all regions of the world, but naturally, there are disparities.
The Central Plains, a political hub; the Gangnam Region, rich in resources; and various provinces where Great Sects are established.
These are regions particularly favored by the Murim Alliance, receiving more attention than others.
However, there are places that receive considerably less attention from the Murim Alliance... and Hunan Province, which has just been mentioned, is one such example.
In truth, Hunan Province is not without geographical advantages.
It was a crucial intermediary point for trade with the Southern Tribes.
However, with its numerous mountains, sparse population, and no Great Sect willing to take responsibility for its development, the Murim Alliance found it awkward to intervene, choosing instead to merely observe.
Yet, to hear that someone is developing the Mountain Paths of Hunan Province...
If Mountain Paths are opened and transportation develops, trade with the Southern Tribes could strengthen, leading to overall commercial growth.
But there's a troubling aspect...
And of all people, the ones doing this are bandits.
While the possibility is slim, if these bandits were to gain strength and consolidate their power through this endeavor, a troublesome force could emerge.
However, if an Extermination Squad were sent to deal with them, the Mountain Path development would halt.
Moreover, if the bandits were eliminated, disputes would erupt all over Hunan as various Sects would claim the right to manage the now-empty Mountain Paths.
“Hmph... this is quite a dilemma.”
No matter how I think about it, this matter is far too significant to be classified as mere Mid-low Tier Information.
The ignorant Beggar's Sect probably felt reassured that the bandits weren't engaging in any particularly threatening activities and thus categorized it as Mid-low Tier Information, but in reality, this issue involves complex problems.
“Hmm... indeed, no matter how I consider it, this matter doesn't seem like something the Dark Hall should decide on its own.”
Strategist Ma gathered the documents to report this to his superiors.
Just then.
Creak—.
“Strategist Ma.”
“Oh. Dragon Slaying Squad Leader. What brings you here?”
The door opened, and a handsome man with a gentle demeanor entered.
His name was Dokgoyeong.
He was the second son of the renowned Dokgo Noble Family, one of the world's most prestigious Rising Stars, and held the position of Dragon Slaying Squad Leader within the Murim Alliance.
His exceptional Martial Arts prowess allowed him to secure a key position in the Murim Alliance at a young age, and his gentle and bright personality made him well-liked by many within the Alliance.
“The Chief Strategist asked me to bring the newly updated Murim Public Enemy List, so I came.”
“Hmph... you could have sent a subordinate, yet you came yourself?”
“It's not a difficult task, so why would I trouble someone else? I also wanted to see Strategist Ma's face after a long time, so I came personally.”
*How considerate he is.*
Strategist Ma was also one of those who held Dokgoyeong in high regard.
He appreciated Dokgoyeong's thoughtful nature and the fact that, despite being a young master from a prestigious Noble Family, he was not arrogant or conceited.
He was about to hand over the Murim Public Enemy List with a pleasant feeling when...
“Here, the Murim Public Enemy List is right... ah...”
“...Why the hesitation?”
Strategist Ma realized he hadn't yet decided what to do about the Green Forest in Hunan and its presumed leader, the Bandit King, and withdrew his hand.
Seeing this, Dokgoyeong asked with a puzzled expression, and Strategist Ma candidly replied.
“The truth is... there's something that's been bothering me, so I wanted to discuss it before finalizing the Murim Public Enemy List.”
“Is something bothering you...?”
“Well... there's a bandit in Hunan Province who's consolidating power.”
“A bandit consolidating power...? Then an Extermination Squad must be formed immediately!”
“Ah, no, that's not quite it...”
As Dokgoyeong spoke with indignation, Strategist Ma took out the information from the Beggar's Sect and showed it to him.
“Bandits... are developing Mountain Paths and not engaging in hostile acts towards merchants...”
“That's the part that troubles me... Perhaps leaving them be might be more beneficial in the long run.”
As Strategist Ma meticulously calculated in his mind, a slightly subdued voice came from Dokgoyeong.
“Strategist Ma...”
“Hm?”
“Forgive my presumption in saying this, but is our Murim Alliance not merely an organization created for profit?”
“What...?”
And that calm, subdued voice struck directly at Strategist Ma's weakness.
“Our Murim Alliance was established solely to uphold Righteousness and Chivalry throughout the world. These bandit groups are beings who go against our Righteousness and Chivalry.”
“I-is that so...”
“I believe it is right to eliminate them, not for practical calculations, but purely for the sake of Righteousness and Chivalry.”
Something resolute and firm seemed to shine in Dokgoyeong's eyes as he spoke.
And that firmness made Strategist Ma, who had been calculating only practical gains like a merchant, feel a sense of shame.
“Haha... yes, Squad Leader Dokgo, your words are a hundred times correct. I almost made a grave mistake. However...”
Strategist Ma pointed to the very last sentence in the Beggar's Sect's report and said.
“The satisfaction of merchants has increased due to the developed Mountain Paths.”
“Regardless, isn't the fact that the lives of the Common People have become peaceful also within the realm of Righteousness and Chivalry?”
“Strategist! It's difficult to consider the actions of a Rogue group as Righteousness and Chivalry...”
“I know. I understand your feelings well. However, what I mean is that this matter is difficult for us to decide on our own here. We should report it to our superiors and send someone first who is very experienced in such affairs.”
“Someone experienced in such affairs...?”
“This is the Dark Hall. There are countless Martial Artists here who are masters of espionage. We'll send a Spy to investigate, and if these fellows prove to be truly wicked, we'll dispatch an Extermination Squad immediately... If not... then we can reserve judgment.”
“...”
With the Strategist in charge speaking thus, Dokgoyeong had no further grounds to argue. Seeing the disappointment dripping from his eyes, Strategist Ma patted his shoulder.
“Indeed, you are a friend overflowing with Righteousness and Chivalry, so it must be hard for you to tolerate such things. Haven't you made a name for yourself by eliminating various Unorthodox Faction groups since you first entered the martial world?”
“That is correct.”
“If those fellows in Hunan Province prove to be truly malicious, I will petition my superiors to ensure your Dragon Slaying Squad can lead the extermination. So, please set your mind at ease.”
“I would be grateful if you did.”
Dokgoyeong bowed deeply to Strategist Ma with those words, showing his respect.
Seeing this, Strategist Ma once again felt pleased, thinking of him as a polite Rising Star, but he failed to notice the Killing Intent brimming in Dokgoyeong's eyes.
A few days later, a peddler entered Hunan Province.
At first glance, he appeared no different from other Merchants, but in truth, his identity was that of a Murim Alliance Spy.
In the martial world, the most crucial thing for a Spy is to conceal their aura. Martial Artists naturally emit a stronger presence than ordinary people, so they must forcibly suppress it to avoid detection by other Martial Artists.
In that regard, Spies from the Murim Alliance could be considered experts.
The Spy, meticulously concealing his aura, headed towards the Pavilion said to be at the very entrance of the Mountain Path.
Most Merchants used this route to access the Mountain Path, so a long line formed for those seeking to obtain a toll pass.
One of his missions this time was to verify whether the merchants' satisfaction was truly as high as reported.
He pretended to be nonchalant as he observed the surrounding atmosphere.
“Friend, where are you headed this time?”
“Yunnan.”
“Ha, quite a long journey. How about a drink midway?”
“Sounds good.”
...The atmosphere wasn't bad.
It wasn't an atmosphere where people were clearly forced to use the path.
Of course, it was difficult to jump to conclusions based solely on this, but the merchants' complexions seemed noticeably better than usual to him.
*Is this the effect of this path...?*
As he pondered for a moment, the line shortened, and his turn arrived.
“Yes, next.”
“Ah, it's me.”
“Yes, please place your luggage here.”
Thud.
As he placed his pack down, a man with tired, slit eyes unfastened the luggage and inspected its contents.
They said this Mountain Path was run by bandits..., so is this fellow a bandit too?
However, the man before him was neatly dressed, and his manner of speech, though slight, contained politeness.
“Hmm... so you're an herbalist. For this, I'll only charge one silver tael.”
“One silver tael... here you go.”
This time, among the things he needed to ascertain was whether the bandits were extorting exorbitant tolls and exploiting merchants.
A silver tael for a toll...
It was certainly a high price. However, it wasn't entirely unacceptable. After all, these fellows had developed and monopolized this path.
“I'm new to this path; would it be possible for someone to guide me?”
“A guide? Well... there's not much to guide you on, but...”
A long line stretched behind him. Asking for guidance so suddenly at this moment might have been an unreasonable request, but the man began to explain without any sign of reluctance.
*I suppose... he's quite friendly?*
“Our Mountain Paths extend throughout Hunan Province, and while some parts are still undeveloped, everyone is working hard, so they'll be completed soon. As you walk the path, you'll find pavilions like those, where you can rest freely.”
“Hmm... I see. Thank you for the information. May I know your name?”
“My name...? It's Bangsam... why do you ask?”
“No matter. I'll be on my way then. Keep up the good work.”
The Spy's mind held the names of Murim Public Enemies and countless criminals. But Bangsam was not among them.
There were a toll that was expensive but understandable, and a guide who was reasonably friendly and had no major criminal record. And even the merchants' atmosphere seemed quite good.
Thinking that his first impression wasn't bad, he set off onto the Mountain Path.
And then...
“Oh...”
...he was a little surprised.
As a Martial Artist who had cultivated Martial Arts, whether a path was rough or smooth didn't usually feel significantly different to him. But what about this path now?
It was so well-maintained that even he felt it was comfortable. If it was this comfortable for him, it must feel incredibly easy for ordinary Merchants.
They've certainly paved the path well.
Thus, he spent the entire day traversing the path, evaluating various aspects. It was only around sunset that he found a pavilion.
A factor he also needed to assess was how the Pavilion, serving as a Rest Stop, was managed.
The Pavilion he arrived at was located in the middle of the Mountain Path, and several Merchants were comfortably drinking alcohol despite the setting sun.
“Welcome. Please show your toll pass.”
“Here it is.”
He was greeted by a rather handsome man. Perhaps it was because he was a man of exceptional beauty...? Seeing him, the Spy felt a sense of déjà vu.
As he stared, the man, sensing his gaze, asked with a puzzled expression.
“Why are you staring so intently?”
“Have you... perhaps, met me before?”
“This is our first meeting?”
“I thought so too... but I feel like I've seen you somewhere... Hmm, never mind. Just show me to a seat.”
“Yes, please sit over there.”
Following the man's guidance, the Spy went to his seat and observed what the Merchants were eating. They all seemed to be heartily enjoying several bottles of wine and wild boar meat.
Merchants who are in a hurry to reach their destination aren't traveling, but instead feasting like this...
Feeling puzzled, the Spy asked.
“How much is a bottle of Zhuyeqing here?”
“We don't sell wine by the bottle...! ...!”
And just as the man was about to answer...
“...”
“Hey? Why did you suddenly stop talking?”
The man abruptly stopped speaking and began to glance around nervously.
*Could my identity have been exposed?*
No, that couldn't be. He is perfectly concealing his aura right now.
Then why suddenly...
Just as the Spy began to feel suspicious, the man's words flowed smoothly again.
“...Haha, I apologize. I suddenly got distracted... We charge 30 cash for a bottle of Zhuyeqing.”
“Hmm... it's certainly a bit more expensive than in the market.”
“Haha... this is the middle of the mountains, after all...”
The Spy nodded at the man's words.
There would be distribution costs to bring alcohol to this remote area, so even if it were slightly more expensive than on flat ground, it would be quite reasonable.
Or perhaps, should I consider it quite cheap?
In any case, the Spy was about to order a bottle of Zhuyeqing at a satisfactory price when...
“Hmm?”
“...”
“...”
...he turned his head to find the Merchants at the next table, who had been drinking, staring at him with extremely aggrieved expressions.