Chapter 198
“Hah.”
At Yeo Un-hwi-hwi’s words, everyone in the Alliance Leader’s Hall wore blank expressions for a moment.
Usually, it was normal to feel intimidated in a place like the Murim Alliance’s Alliance Leader’s Hall.
However, far from being intimidated, Yeo Un-hwi was confidently saying everything he wanted to say.
“You’re a bastard with not even a speck of manners!”
As one of the Elders glared fiercely, Yeo Un-hwi let out a smirk.
“Being the only one showing manners to an opponent who shows none makes you a pushover. Besides, I’m seeing almost everyone here for the first time. Isn’t it crossing the line to talk about manners when you’re the ones acting like this upon our first meeting?”
“You bastard! Do you think the Peng Family will be safe after you act like this!”
“And if they aren’t safe? Will the Murim Alliance send warriors to strike them?”
“Wh-What?”
“Does the Murim Alliance even have the capacity to do that right now? Furthermore, the Peng Family joined forces with the Five Great Families and repelled the Demonic Cult’s large-scale forces.”
“Hah.”
“Manners and the Law are things you show to each other. Do not think the Peng Family sent me because they were afraid of the Murim Alliance. This is simply showing the bare minimum of manners. From the moment you ignored the Peng Family when they were in crisis, the Murim Alliance lost the standing to make any demands of the Peng Family.”
There was not a single wrong word in what Yeo Un-hwi said.
The Elders were left completely speechless.
After attacking him with such vigor, the assailant was truly a ridiculous sight.
At that moment,
“It seems there is some misunderstanding.”
Jang Cheong, who had been quietly watching, stepped forward.
It was because he felt this was no ordinary guy.
He spoke with a relaxed smile.
“By the time we received news of the Demonic Cult, it was already too late to send warriors. So, although it pained our hearts, it couldn’t be helped.”
“Then you should have at least sent them late. If you knew they were safe, you should have contacted them even then to apologize for not sending warriors, or at least made the excuse that you found out too late. Isn’t that right?”
“Are you saying we should have made excuses?”
Jang Cheong’s face twitched.
He looked extremely displeased.
Yeo Un-hwi feigned ignorance and tilted his head.
“Why are you acting like this? Does the Murim Alliance not do such things because of face? But then why are you demanding an explanation for the matter with the Demonic Alliance Leader, who actually sought the Murim Alliance’s understanding first before visiting the Peng Family?”
“You speak out of ignorance!”
The smile had long since vanished from Jang Cheong’s face.
He greatly disliked Yeo Un-hwi.
Every single word he said was grating.
This young brat was running his mouth as if the Murim Alliance was nothing special.
Furthermore, what was with that look in his eyes?
That absurd gaze seemed as if looking down on him from high above with pity!
Before he knew it, the look in Jang Cheong’s eyes as he faced Yeo Un-hwi had grown incredibly cold.
“We only permitted it that first time. Not a second time. And we were simply worried that if that relationship continued, rumors would spread, and those rumors would have a negative impact within the Orthodox Martial World.”
“No. You’re wrong. The Murim Alliance didn’t give permission; you received consideration.”
“…Consideration?”
“Honestly, do you think the Demonic Alliance Leader sought your understanding because he was afraid of the Murim Alliance? First, he considered the Peng Family’s position, and second, he prevented the Murim Alliance from suffering the ridiculous humiliation of being ignored. If that isn’t consideration, what is?”
Jang Cheong shut his mouth.
The more he spoke with Yeo Un-hwi, the more his anger began to surge.
“Should he have gotten permission a second and third time instead? It is a fact known to the entire Murim that the Demonic Alliance Leader intended to express his gratitude regarding the Extreme Evil Laughing Demon. The Black Emperor’s recent visit to the Peng Family was to retrieve the Black Killing Sword he had previously entrusted to them. Well, of course, you must have already known that as well.”
Jang Cheong did not answer.
But that was a silent affirmation.
“And if you were truly concerned about whether the Peng Family was associating with the Demonic Path, you shouldn’t have gone about it this way. Isn’t this just dragging us by the hair and demanding a nonsensical explanation? Before doing this, shouldn’t there first be an official apology from the Murim Alliance for sitting on your hands when the Peng Family was attacked by the Demonic Cult? Isn’t that right?”
“Are you saying we should have gone belatedly, even if it meant bearing some sort of loss? Why should we do that?”
“In the first place, the Murim Alliance is an organization created to represent and protect the Orthodox Martial World. That is why anyone comes running whenever the Murim Alliance needs strength. The Peng Family was the same, so shouldn’t the Murim Alliance do the same?”
“And what’s with assuming losses that don’t even exist? Is it so hard to admit your wrongdoings and bow your head? No, what’s the big deal about something like that…”
“Enough, enough!”
Unable to hold back any longer, Jang Cheong shouted in a fit of rage.
Consideration, excuses, apologies - how dare he!
Everyone was surprised by Jang Cheong’s agitated state, which was unlike his usual self.
And at that sight, Yeo Un-hwi smiled inwardly.
Yeo Un-hwi already knew, having heard it from Jegal Gil.
What was the weakness of Jang Cheong, a master of politics?
What got on his nerves?
It had worked.
And Yeo Un-hwi-hwi was also quite confident when it came to verbal arguments.
Besides, do you know who the strongest person in a verbal argument is?
It is the person who speaks only the truth without fear.
Right now, Yeo Un-hwi’s position is exactly that.
As if he found such a Yeo Un-hwi incredibly displeasing, Jang Cheong began to growl.
“You are quite arrogant and presumptuous for a mere Son-in-law of the Peng Family. Do you truly think you will be safe after insulting the Murim Alliance? Or is it your wish to die right here and now?”
“Hah. Why does everyone talk as if being the Son-in-law of the Peng Family is nothing special? I guess you all don’t know because you haven’t been one, but it’s quite a beloved position, you know?”
“Y-You bastard…!”
The atmosphere inside the Alliance Leader’s Hall was becoming incredibly hostile.
Jang Cheong looked as if he would beat Yeo Un-hwi to death at any moment.
And there was someone watching this scene with a dumbfounded expression.
“What is that friend trying to do…?”
It was the first time Jegal Mun had seen someone so unafraid of Jang Cheong, who was provoking him to such an extent.
Honestly, it was refreshing to watch, but seeing Jang Cheong so thoroughly enraged, he was slowly starting to worry about Yeo Un-hwi’s safety.
He couldn’t just watch any longer.
So Jegal Mun was just about to step forward and stop the two of them.
But right then,
“Alliance Leader!”
Someone hurriedly entered the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
“What is it?”
Unless it was urgent news, entering the Alliance Leader’s Hall like this during a meeting was not permitted.
However,
“What?”
Everyone wore surprised expressions at the news delivered by the Murim Alliance Warrior who had just entered the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
Murim Alliance Leader Song Il-do, who had kept his mouth shut until now, jumped up from his seat.
“Wh-Who has arrived?”
Jang Cheong, who had been pouring out his anger at Yeo Un-hwi the entire time, also stiffened his face.
Unexpected guests had come to visit.
They were none other than the Nine Great Sects.
The Nine Great Sects, called the true power representing the Orthodox Martial World, finally revealed themselves at the Murim Alliance.
A little time passed.
A group entered the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
They were the Sect Leaders of the Nine Great Sects.
As they were led by Fist Emperor Grandmaster Muheo, the Aura they each subtly exuded was far from ordinary.
“Haha. You should have given us a heads-up. Why have you visited so suddenly?”
Song Il-do welcomed them, pretending to be glad.
At that, the Jeomchang Sect Leader replied sharply.
“Why have we come to a place we shouldn’t have?”
“It’s not that, but it’s just so sudden.”
“Suddenly, you say.”
The one who spoke this time was the Hwasan Sect Leader.
“Rather, we are the ones who are truly bewildered.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Everyone here seems to be living quite comfortably. Or could it be that you haven’t heard the news that the Heavenly Demon has appeared yet?”
That was it.
This was the reason the Nine Great Sects had sought out the Murim Alliance so abruptly.
“O-Of course we’ve heard.”
“Then? Why is the Murim Alliance so relaxed? You should have immediately contacted us, the Nine Great Sects, as well as the Beggars' Union and the Five Great Families, and prepared for what’s to come. Does it make sense that there’s still no contact? Why has there been no news at all?”
Thus, unable to wait any longer, all the Sect Leaders of the Nine Great Sects stepped forward like this.
Naturally, they could not be in a good mood.
However,
“You all truly lack manners.”
Unable to watch any longer, Jang Cheong stepped in.
He was completely displeased with the attitude of the Nine Great Sects, who had barged in out of nowhere after his verbal spat with Yeo Un-hwi.
Naturally, neither his expression nor his tone could be pleasant.
“What did you say? We lack manners?”
At Jang Cheong’s rebuking words, the Emei Sect Leader asked back in a cold voice.
“Then, how can speaking to the Alliance Leader in such a scolding manner in front of everyone be considered having manners?”
“Are we not saying this because we are so frustrated!”
“Even so, I would appreciate it if you at least showed some courtesy and formality. Wouldn’t that also save face for you as Sect Leaders?”
“Mmm.”
As expected, Jang Cheong was no ordinary man.
The momentum of the Sect Leaders, who had been growling the entire time, died down.
At that moment,
“Please forgive us for barging in like this out of urgency.”
Grandmaster Muheo stepped forward.
Fist Emperor Grandmaster Muheo.
When he, who was called the practical center and spiritual pillar of the Orthodox Martial World, stepped forward, even the great Jang Cheong flinched.
Perhaps he was the one person Jang Cheong wanted to face the least in his entire life.
That was how uncomfortable a presence the Fist Emperor was for Jang Cheong.
Since Grandmaster Muheo had apologized, he couldn’t argue the matter any further.
“Then may I ask what your plans are now?”
“It’s actually better that you made the first move like this.”
“What does that mean?”
“Well, isn’t there only one way to stop the Heavenly Demon in this Murim? If the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families join forces to fight on the front lines, and we support you both materially and morally, I believe we can sufficiently stop him.”
At such a truly absurd answer, all the Sect Leaders of the Nine Great Sects burst into hollow laughter.
Furthermore, it was Jang Cheong who answered Grandmaster Muheo’s question.
Not the Alliance Leader, Song Il-do.
However, seeing that Song Il-do also said nothing, it seemed he shared the same thought.
Or perhaps,
“Has he been completely swallowed up by that old fox?”
Soon, Song Il-do turned his head away, as if avoiding Grandmaster Muheo’s gaze.
“Are you saying that if a war breaks out now, we should fight on our own? That the Murim Alliance will just sit back and relax?”
“It saddens me to hear you say that. Support is also an important part of war. No, perhaps it is the most important part of a war that might drag on, isn’t it? I am saying that we will gladly take on that role.”
Jang Cheong smiled.
“What on earth is that guy talking about right now!”
Jegal Mun’s face contorted mercilessly.
Now was the time when they had to combine their strength into one no matter what, yet he was causing discord instead.
He had clearly spoken so that Jang Cheong would understand, but Jang Cheong was completely ignoring the warning Jegal Mun had thrown at him.
“Is this truly… the will of the Murim Alliance?”
Grandmaster Muheo let out a short sigh and asked in a low voice.
At that question, Jegal Mun hurriedly tried to answer that it wasn’t.
However,
“Yes. That is correct.”
Song Il-do, who had kept his mouth shut until now, answered.
What on earth was he thinking?
Jegal Mun looked at Song Il-do with a stiff face.
Song Il-do already had a face that had given up on everything.
The Murim Alliance would roll whichever way Jang Cheong decided anyway.
What could he possibly do?
Seeing the look in Song Il-do’s eyes that fully revealed his feelings, Jegal Mun tightly shut his eyes.
At that moment, the doors of the Alliance Leader’s Hall suddenly swung wide open, and someone stepped inside.
It was Jegal Gil.
“What brings you here so suddenly?”
Jang Cheong frowned.
This was not a place for a mere Investigator like him to intrude.
However, unlike his usual self, he didn’t even pretend to hear Jang Cheong’s words and opened his mouth while looking at the people inside the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
“I have something urgent to say to everyone gathered here.”
At that moment, the bundles of paper Jegal Gil was holding in both hands caught Jang Cheong’s eye.
Along with Jegal Gil’s resolute gaze.
The corners of Jang Cheong’s eyes twitched. An ominous premonition flashed through his mind.
“…C-Could it be?”
In that instant, Jang Cheong’s heart sank.
This damn bastard…!
I have to stop him! Right now!
But it was already too late.
“I am Jegal Gil, an Investigator of the Murim Alliance. Right here and now, I intend to publicly reveal the crimes of Jang Cheong, the Chief Elder of the Murim Alliance.”
SLAM!
Jang Cheong slammed his hand hard on the table.
At the same time, the corners of Yeo Un-hwi’s mouth, as he had been watching the situation, curled up.