Tales Of The Nine Dragons [EN]: Chapter 141

Nine Dragons Chronicle (141)

Appeasement

It was Supreme Emperor Baek Mu-gi who came to the Mount Hua Sect in search of Hwa-rin. Hwa-rin and Namgung Su-yeon stood facing him, while the sect leader of Mount Hua and other senior masters stood behind them, watching Baek Mu-gi with tense expressions.

To masters of other unorthodox [non-mainstream] factions, the location where Hwa-rin, Namgung Su-yeon, and the masters of Mount Hua stood would have seemed like a dragon’s pool and tiger’s den [an extremely dangerous place], but Supreme Emperor Baek Mu-gi appeared completely dignified.

His dignity transformed the place from a dragon’s pool and tiger’s den into a wolves’ den. He regarded them like a tiger observing a pack of wolves.

“How did you find out I was here?”

When Hwa-rin asked, Baek Mu-gi calmly replied,

“The influence associated with my name makes even the impossible achievable within hours.”

As one of the most prominent figures in the current martial arts world, he implied that nothing was beyond his reach.

“Then it will be difficult to escape from this place.”

“Is there any reason to escape? I am impressed by the boldness and daring actions of my junior.”

“You flatter me.”

“No, your martial arts are impressive, but shaking the Main Alliance, an alliance of unorthodox factions, with the power of a mere manor is truly remarkable and worthy of recognition.”

“Thank you.”

“I value your abilities and would like to have a brief conversation.”

Hwa-rin’s mind raced. At that moment, Myung-yul, the most senior elder of the Mount Hua Sect and the great-great-grandfather of the current sect leader, stepped forward.

“Don’t even think about appeasement.”

Having lived for many years and weathered countless storms with the Mount Hua Sect, he understood Baek Mu-gi’s intentions and intervened.

“Senior Myung-yul, have you still not received the call of the Supreme Commander [death]?”

As if displeased by the interruption, Baek Mu-gi sarcastically commented on Myung-yul’s longevity.

“Other seniors have long turned to dust and rest in peace, but I don’t understand why you alone cling to this world and endure.”

Baek Mu-gi’s words were rude and disrespectful to the Mount Hua Sect, but no one dared to stop him. Such was the weight carried by the name of the Supreme Emperor.

“Haha, the Primordial Lord [God] must know that I still have work to do and is watching over me. If you have lived as long as you have, shouldn’t you have relinquished at least one desire?”

Although they spoke with smiles, Myung-yul was on high alert, carefully observing the other’s subtle movements.

If Baek Mu-gi decided to unleash his killing intent within the Mount Hua Sect, the sect would suffer near annihilation.

The Mount Hua Sect might claim one of Baek Mu-gi’s limbs as the price of their destruction, but they could not take his life. Thus, Myung-yul had no choice but to remain vigilant, watching Baek Mu-gi’s every action.

“I am always trying. Even if you fill ten fathoms of water, you cannot fill one fathom of a person’s heart… As a person, I have tens of thousands of dependents. To care for them, I cannot easily abandon my desires.”

“So, you feel you must involve these children?”

“I’m not involving them; I simply wish to have a conversation.”

Baek Mu-gi’s gaze shifted to Namgung Su-yeon.

“Along with the young lady of the Namgung family.”

When Namgung Su-yeon was mentioned, Myung-yul’s expression hardened. He feared that this day might bring the greatest humiliation the Mount Hua Sect had suffered since settling on Mount Hua.

“How absurd.”

Namgung Su-yeon spoke, feigning disbelief.

“You’re the Supreme Emperor; act like it. What gives you the right to dictate who we talk to or not?”

Baek Mu-gi narrowed his eyes slightly at Namgung Su-yeon’s words and demeanor.

“If this body is torn to pieces and that old man manages to take one arm, my grandfather will surely crush the rest of you. What do you think, Senior?”

When Namgung Su-yeon addressed Hwa-rin, he looked bewildered.

“It seems like it’s time to lower our heads.”

As Hwa-rin began to back down, Namgung Su-yeon told him not to make a fuss and stepped forward.

“Then fine. I’ll try to stop him, so Senior, quickly leave the Mount Hua Sect.”

“Are you crazy? We can resolve this through conversation, so why fight? And this isn’t my manor; it’s someone else’s sect. Why should we fight to the point of harming others?”

Baek Mu-gi, annoyed by their exchange, interrupted.

“It seems these young juniors have yet to truly experience fear and terror.”

“Fear and terror are bull… I experienced those emotions years ago.”

Namgung Su-yeon spoke defiantly to Baek Mu-gi.

“Hey, what kind of manners are those to an elder?”

Hwa-rin tried to stop Namgung Su-yeon, but it was no use.

“When you fight for your life, there’s no such thing as seniority. That’s what Senior told me. Once you start fighting, you shouldn’t discriminate between men and women, young and old.”

“I suppose I did say something like that.”

“I’ll handle it, so Senior, just run away and tell my grandfather about my death.”

Baek Mu-gi initially thought Namgung Su-yeon was merely an ill-mannered child unafraid of his reputation, but now he nodded, thinking she possessed more courage than most men.

“Why do you assume I intend to kill you?”

“Then you don’t?”

“As I stated before, I said I wanted to have a conversation.”

Namgung Su-yeon looked at Hwa-rin. When Hwa-rin nodded, Namgung Su-yeon questioned Baek Mu-gi again.

“So, you’re saying you’ll talk to us, and then kill us if things don’t go your way?”

“Hahaha!”

Baek Mu-gi laughed heartily at Namgung Su-yeon’s words.

“A treasure has emerged from the Namgung family. What should we do?”

Baek Mu-gi pondered for a moment, then his eyes gleamed. Suddenly, Baek Mu-gi moved, and Hwa-rin swiftly blocked Namgung Su-yeon, deflecting Baek Mu-gi’s hand.

Startled, Namgung Su-yeon stepped back, drew her sword, and swung it at Baek Mu-gi, who easily blocked her attack.

All of this transpired in the blink of an eye.

After the brief exchange, the members of the Mount Hua Sect wore surprised expressions, and Myung-yul roared at Baek Mu-gi.

“Do you believe the name of the Supreme Emperor grants you the right to disregard this sect!”

His tremendous lion’s roar reverberated throughout the Mount Hua Sect.

“I merely wished to gauge your skills, as you were joking in my presence. I had no other intentions, Senior!”

“If you were merely testing, killing someone would be inconsequential.”

“I assumed a master who defeated two of the Hundred Great Masters of the Martial Realm would be capable of stopping it.”

Hwa-rin couldn’t decipher Baek Mu-gi’s true intentions. However, he sensed that, as he claimed, he had not come to take his and Namgung Su-yeon’s lives.

‘If it’s not about taking lives or intimidation, is he attempting to persuade me to join the unorthodox faction, as Elder Myung-yul suggested?’

“That despicable old man!”

Namgung Su-yeon glared at Baek Mu-gi for his sudden attack.

“Su-yeon, be quiet. You’re making me nervous!”

Namgung Su-yeon flinched and fell silent at Hwa-rin’s stern tone, and Baek Mu-gi, standing nearby, felt a strange sense of unease.

“What exactly does the Alliance Lord want from me, no, from us?”

“How about we move to a more private location? You come with us too.”

Hwa-rin nodded.

“Follow me.”

Baek Mu-gi leaped into the air, and Hwa-rin followed.

“I’ll take care of it.”

Namgung Su-yeon also pursued them, jumping over the wall of the Mount Hua Sect.

Baek Mu-gi led them to Seonin Peak, which towered on the east side of Mount Hua.

Standing on the summit of Seonin Peak, with his hands clasped behind his back, Baek Mu-gi gazed down at the mountain. Hwa-rin and Namgung Su-yeon landed behind him.

“How is it?”

“What are you referring to?”

“How does it feel to create a small storm in the martial world?”

Baek Mu-gi turned and asked.

“I was merely trying to survive, to protect what’s mine. I never intended to cause a storm in the martial world.”

When Hwa-rin answered, Baek Mu-gi smirked and asked where he had learned to tell such lies.

“Two members of the Tiger Death Squad [elite special forces unit] emerge into the martial world simply to protect their own possessions?”

Hwa-rin was puzzled by Baek Mu-gi’s familiarity with the Tiger Death Squad and asked,

“Do you know about it?”

“During my investigation into you, I discovered your discharge from the Tiger Death Squad. The young lady of the Namgung family as well. So, I delved a bit deeper.”

Baek Mu-gi revealed what he had learned about Hwa-rin and Namgung Su-yeon.

“I heard you were both Daetong [elite soldiers tasked with assassinating the enemy leader].”

Daetong refers to a person who faces the enemy’s leader. Hwa-rin faced the enemy’s leader as a Daetong during his military service, and after his discharge, Namgung Su-yeon took on that role.

“Especially Lord Hwa-rin, I heard you carried out over a hundred missions, and all of them were successful.”

Hwa-rin and Namgung Su-yeon narrowed their eyes slightly.

“How did you find out?”

Hwa-rin had only confided in Elder Song Cheol about this, and had not told anyone else.

“Didn’t I mention? With the influence associated with my name, I can easily uncover information that ordinary people cannot.”

“I was merely fortunate.”

“You know better than anyone that luck alone cannot guarantee survival in every mission, correct?”

“Could it be that Alliance Lord Baek is also from the Tiger Death Squad?”

Namgung Su-yeon asked.

“Why do you ask?”

“You’ve mentioned several things about the Tiger Death Squad since entering the martial world, displaying a level of knowledge that surpasses what the Alliance Lord typically reveals.”

A faint smile touched Baek Mu-gi’s lips.

“It so happens that one of my juniors is still serving in the Tiger Death Squad. Pyo Il-soo, to be exact.”

“Captain?”

Pyo Il-soo was the captain who led the Tiger Death Squad when Hwa-rin and Namgung Su-yeon were members.

“He speaks highly of you.”

Baek Mu-gi’s words implied that he was one of the few seniors who had survived and been discharged from the Tiger Death Squad.

“I doubt that two former Daetong from the Tiger Death Squad would simply become merchants. I’m curious how you obtained permission to operate a gambling house from the Governor of Shanxi Province, but I suspect you planned to use the gambling house to exert influence in the martial world.”

“Senior, were you truly planning that?”

Even Namgung Su-yeon, who was unaware of Hwa-rin’s plan, inquired again.

“I understand that the Persian kingdom primarily employs this method. They offer their own possessions as bait, waiting for hungry wolves to seize it, then they strike them down, naturally expanding their influence.”

“Did you know?”

“I’ve traveled extensively myself. Though, I wasn’t deployed on over a hundred missions like you.”

“Really? Then tell me about it. I could have asked my father to give you a push.”

Namgung Su-yeon was always on Hwa-rin’s side.

“You must achieve this on your own.”

Hwa-rin said to Namgung Su-yeon and then looked at Baek Mu-gi.

“What do you want from me?”

“Personally, I desire nothing. It was your plan, but our side, the unorthodox faction, took the bait first, and your attempt to eliminate them was a natural reaction. I acknowledge all of this, but the Alliance’s position differs.”

“Then?”

“First, cease all attacks against the unorthodox sects that are members of the Main Alliance, as well as other unorthodox sects.”

“That will occur if the Blood Evil Alliance ceases to bother me.”

“And issue an apology for officially annihilating an unorthodox sect in the martial world. Then the Main Alliance will lift the sanctions against you.”

He was referring to designating it as an official unorthodox faction.

“No, why should Senior apologize? The Blood Evil Alliance initiated the conflict.”

“It’s for a smoother resolution. If you swallow your pride once, you can avoid numerous conflicts.”

“I understand.”

Namgung Su-yeon’s gaze turned to him at Hwa-rin’s answer.

“And I hope you will befriend the younger generation of our unorthodox faction.”

Namgung Su-yeon narrowed her eyes.

“Me too?”

“Why, do you object?”

“Aside from liking or disliking it, wouldn’t there be more conflicts than friendships?”

Namgung Su-yeon expressed her honest feelings. From her perspective, she struggles to get along with the younger generation of the orthodox faction, so it might be natural.

“That’s up to you. There may be some you dislike, but there will be some you find agreeable.”

“Not those who boast about their supposed perfection?”

“Isn’t that typical of the younger generation of the orthodox faction? Especially the children of the Ten Great Families.”

“My brother isn’t like that.”

“The martial world recognizes Namgung Jin as a courteous man. Like him, there are such individuals among the younger generation of the unorthodox faction. I suggest this hoping for a positive encounter, not based on the logic of the orthodox and unorthodox factions.”

“I understand. I will do so.”

From Hwa-rin’s perspective, he was already planning to make numerous friends, so meeting the younger generation of the unorthodox faction was not a significant issue.

“Then that’s settled.”

“Is that all I must do if I comply with your requests?”

“That’s correct.”

“I understand. Then it’s my turn to state my demands.”

Baek Mu-gi narrowed his eyes at the word “demands.”

“Demands?”

“Of course, if we cease hostilities, shouldn’t there be compensation for each other’s damages?”

Baek Mu-gi’s expression turned blank at the mention of compensation for damages from Hwa-rin.

“Um…”

“First, compensation for burning down the manor and the inability to operate in the business district…”

Hwa-rin listed the damages he had incurred, and Namgung Su-yeon nodded in agreement.

Even Baek Mu-gi wore an incredulous expression before letting out a hollow laugh.

“You’re a tougher opponent than I anticipated.”

“I believe this much is only fair.”

Baek Mu-gi pondered for a moment before nodding.

“I understand.”

“And…”

“There’s more?”

“Please fight me once.”

“A fight with you?”

“Yes. I’ve never fought with all my might in the martial world. If it’s the Alliance Lord, you’re an opponent I can’t beat even if I give it my all, so I want to know what I’m lacking through the Alliance Lord.”

“Um… I heard you defeated two of the Hundred Great Masters of the Martial Realm.”

“They underestimated me, and I was able to eliminate them because I didn’t hold back before they realized my skills.”

“Isn’t that fighting with all your might?”

“But I defeated them without much effort, so I don’t know the limits of my martial arts.”

There was a moment of silence as he listened to Hwa-rin’s words and pondered.

—Are you crazy? He’s the Supreme Emperor!

When Namgung Su-yeon sent a telepathic message, Hwa-rin replied not to worry.

—It’s a good opportunity to test whether my martial arts will work against the Hundred Great Masters, or even the Ten Great Masters.

—You might die if you provoke the Supreme Emperor’s pride.

—That won’t happen. I might be able to take one of his limbs.

—You’re driving me crazy. You don’t know where the God of Life and Death resides, do you?

—Of course not.