I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 59

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The Martial Arts Alliance established its roots in Jun County, Hubei Province, primarily because its inaugural leader hailed from the esteemed Wudang Sect.

For any faction to flourish, a substantial membership is essential. While the traditional sects, often overlooking the significance of numbers, concentrated on nurturing a select elite deep within secluded mountains, the martial families, prominently displaying their lineage, actively expanded their influence.

The contemporary orthodox martial world was largely dominated by influential families, commonly referred to as the Five or Six Great Clans.

Jo Gwangyun’s initial impression upon entering the Martial Arts Alliance headquarters was its stark simplicity.

The buildings, somewhat scattered, resembled military barracks, with only the central grand hall exhibiting any significant architectural effort.

Jo Gwangyun turned to the Grand Master, who was carefully observing the surroundings, and inquired,

“Is this your first time visiting this place?”

“Indeed. Lacking a prominent sect affiliation and having wandered the world independently, I never had the opportunity to visit the Martial Arts Alliance. However, I have seen the main halls of the old sects and the principal residences of the Five Great Clans.”

Sect Leader Im Bonjae approached the two men as they surveyed the area.

“Please feel free to look around for a while. I will go and meet with the Alliance Leader to arrange a meeting time. I will inform you as soon as the schedule is set.”

“Very well. We will explore the grounds and then head to our lodgings. We can meet there later.”

Sect Leader Im departed with his disciples, leaving the two to explore the Martial Arts Alliance at their own pace.

“So, what are your thoughts? What is your impression of this place?”

“Well, I anticipated a palpable intensity, a sharpness that could pierce the sky, but it feels surprisingly serene. It is more akin to a Seowon [a private Confucian academy] where scholars gather.”

“That is because an organization that should have faded away long ago still persists. We live in an era of peace. With no bloodshed to occupy their time, everyone is left with nothing to do but idle about.”

Approximately one hundred and fifty years prior, martial artists of a peculiar nature emerged, plunging the martial world into a period of intense conflict, beginning with an assault on the Kunlun Sect.

They identified themselves as Cheonmyeonggyo (天明敎) [The Heavenly Light Sect], but the martial world branded them as the Demonic Sect due to their use of unorthodox and often brutal martial arts.

At that time, the Wudang Sect Leader, renowned for his unparalleled martial prowess and unwavering moral character, led his disciples with unwavering resolve and confronted them head-on. The surviving orthodox martial artists united their forces and engaged in a protracted and devastating battle.

It was during this tumultuous period that the Martial Arts Alliance was formally established.

However, as if mocking the very formation of the Alliance, the Cheonmyeonggyo abruptly vanished.

They were not driven back to their territories by the combined strength of the Central Plains martial artists; instead, they disappeared overnight, receding like the tide, never to be found again within the Central Plains.

Inevitably, there were those who sought to capitalize on the situation.

The astute Jegal Clan, recognizing an opportunity to bolster morale within the Jianghu [the martial world] and safeguard their reputation, declared that the Demonic Sect had been vanquished rather than simply retreated.

Thus, the initial, bloody conflict involving the Martial Arts Alliance was conveniently portrayed as a resounding victory for the Alliance.

Since then, minor disputes had occurred within the Jianghu, but no large-scale conflict had erupted that would necessitate widespread bloodshed within the Martial Arts Alliance.

As Kwon Jungwon observed, an era of relative peace had persisted.

“You may perceive them as idle, but everyone within the Martial Arts Alliance is likely overwhelmed with tasks. Do you assume everyone is living leisurely simply because you are?”

The voice originated from behind them, but Kwon Jungwon immediately recognized its owner. Turning around, he greeted the speaker with a broad smile.

“Has the beggar abandoned his begging? Why are you loitering around here? Hehe.”

Jo Gwangyun had encountered countless beggars in Gaebong, but the elderly man who was now smiling warmly at the Grand Master bore little resemblance to one. Despite his age, his clothing was clean and free of tears or patches. Lacking any visible grime, he appeared more like an impoverished scholar.

“How many alms bowls have you shattered, and yet you persist in this charade?”

The two old men clasped hands, sharing a moment of joyful reunion.

“Pay your respects. This is an old friend of mine.”

The Grand Master introduced Jo Gwangyun to the Beggars’ Union member he referred to as a friend, making a surprising revelation.

“This fellow is my disciple. He is so dense that his progress is painfully slow. I am even contemplating giving up on him these days.”

Disciple.

Whether the statement was sincere or not, it had the desired effect. Moreover, given that this was the Beggars’ Union, the rumor would undoubtedly spread rapidly, ensuring that no one within the Martial Arts Alliance would dare to harm the sole disciple of the Quick Sword Master.

“Jo Gwangyun, greetings.”

The Beggars’ Union expert seemed more astonished by the name itself than by the fact that Jo Gwangyun was the sole disciple of the Quick Sword Master.

“Jo Gwangyun? Jo Gwangyun, the head of the Jo Clan in Gaebong? Is that correct?”

“That is what I am called in Gaebong.”

The Beggars’ Union expert glanced back and forth between the two men before playfully slapping Kwon Jungwon on the back.

“You sly old fox. I never suspected you were so calculating. You have taken Gaebong’s wealthiest man as your disciple, securing your comfort in your twilight years.”

“The world has changed. It is not like the old days when disciples were expected to cook, chop wood, and fetch water to serve their masters. It is more convenient for both of us if he simply provides the financial support. Hehe.”

The Beggars’ Union expert ceased his laughter and nodded in agreement.

“You have changed considerably. You seem content.”

“That is because I am no longer a Jongsa (宗師) [Grand Master].”

“Did you come here because of the Changryong Sect’s incident?”

Kwon Jungwon nodded in affirmation.

“Do you have any information regarding it? If it is sensitive, you can share it with me privately later.”

“Is there supposed to be something significant about it?”

The Beggars’ Union expert’s eyes lit up with curiosity.

“I am asking because I am unaware. As the Chief Inspector (總巡察) [Director General] of the Beggars’ Union, you should possess more knowledge than anyone else, shouldn’t you? All the information gathered by the Beggars’ Union passes through you.”

Jo Gwangyun’s eyes also gleamed with interest. The head of the Beggars’ Union’s extensive intelligence network, the Seven Knots Beggar, who meticulously observes all events occurring throughout the Central Plains.

“I have not even reviewed the Daejeonggak’s [Great Righteous Pavilion] report yet. I know less than you do.”

“If you were to know more than I do, would you share it with me?”

The Chief Inspector sighed deeply.

“Just leave the affairs of the Jianghu to the younger generation and enjoy your retirement as you are now. The joy of nurturing a disciple is unparalleled.”

The Chief Inspector scrutinized Jo Gwangyun from head to toe.

“You possess a robust physique, but it seems as though there is little substance within… What is the matter?”

“Did I not mention it? He is so dense that he has made little progress.”

Kwon Jungwon continued to jest, clasping his hands together in a gesture of farewell to his friend.

“I must depart now. Visit Gaebong when you have completed your duties. Let us share a drink.”

“You will be paying for the drinks, correct?”

“No. This fellow will cover the expenses. He is wealthy, you know.”

Jo Gwangyun offered an awkward smile, feeling somewhat bewildered.

* * *

The meeting held two days later was attended by a large crowd.

The stated reason was to appease the dissatisfaction of the smaller and medium-sized factions and to demonstrate the Martial Arts Alliance’s concern for them.

Jo Gwangyun mingled with the attendees and took a seat at the very back.

He recalled the Grand Master’s repeated warnings not to speak, despite attending the meeting, and focused on listening intently.

The proceedings commenced with Daejeonggak Lord Dang Chaemyeong.

He began to calmly present the findings of their investigation.

“…The conclusion is as follows: The individual responsible for the deaths of the three Changryong Sect martial artists, who were killed instantaneously without leaving any trace, is likely to be a highly skilled expert.”

A killer who is a great expert?

This differed from Yeomsin’s assessment. This was Yeomsin’s opinion, not that guy’s opinion.

As Jo Gwangyun attempted to discern the reason for the sudden shift in narrative, another man followed Dang Chaemyeong to the podium.

“Therefore, the Alliance Leader and the leadership have initiated a comprehensive investigation. Members of the Beggars’ Union in Seoa, as well as disciples from Hwasan and Jongnam, are already searching the area. If the perpetrator is a martial arts expert, they must have been noticed by someone. We will pursue any suspicious individuals relentlessly.”

Jo Gwangyun casually inquired of the man seated next to him,

“Who is that…?”

“Is this your first time at the Martial Arts Alliance?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that explains why you are seated at the back.”

The man, who was also at the back but acting superior, whispered into Jo Gwangyun’s ear.

“That is Military Advisor Jegal Mogeon of the Martial Arts Alliance.”

The only one who uses his head in a group that primarily uses their fists.

Jo Gwangyun fixed his gaze on Jegal Mogeon, who was delivering a lengthy speech.

“…If the culprit is identified as a member of the evil or dark side… the Martial Arts Alliance is prepared to engage them in combat.”

Jo Gwangyun knew better than anyone that the culprit was not affiliated with the dark side. Mukdohoe was aware of the relationship between the Changryong Sect and himself, their source of funding, and he had already confirmed this with Lee Geon.

And they are willing to engage in a full-scale conflict simply because a few disciples from a second-rate sect were attacked?

As soon as Jo Gwangyun heard this, he recognized it as mere lip service. In fact, he suspected it was a carefully orchestrated performance.

As expected, supporting actors soon made their appearance.

“Is it not excessive to contemplate engaging in combat? Frankly, the Changryong Sect does not represent the orthodox martial world, and it was merely an ordinary disciple, not even the sect leader, who was involved in the incident… If a conflict with the evil side erupts, we must be prepared for significant sacrifices.”

When Jo Gwangyun glanced at the man next to him again, the man smirked.

“That is Baekri Un of the Baekri Clan.”

As soon as Baekri Un concluded his words of concern, Alliance Leader Moyeonghwi spoke, as if he had been waiting for his cue.

“Be mindful of your words. The Martial Arts Alliance represents the orthodox martial world, and there is no hierarchy among the sects affiliated with this Alliance. They are all valuable pillars of the Jianghu and cornerstones of the martial world. Furthermore, a sect leader and a disciple are of equal importance. How can you use the word ‘ordinary’!”

Baekri Un immediately stood up upon being reprimanded by Moyeonghwi.

“A junior has erred. Please forgive me, Alliance Leader.”

He quickly bowed his head and then immediately bowed to Sect Leader Im Bonjae.

“Sect Leader Im, please forgive me as well. I have committed a grave discourtesy.”

Witnessing Baekri Un’s immediate and unhesitating apology to Sect Leader Im, Jo Gwangyun became convinced that this was indeed a staged performance.

He knew that those who rely on their fists would rather die than compromise their pride. It was inconceivable that the Baekri Clan would immediately humble themselves before the Changryong Sect, whom they clearly looked down upon, in front of everyone.

‘These bastards. They are planning to conclude this with empty words. They will create a great commotion and then let it fade away vaguely.’

Jo Gwangyun surveyed the meeting hall, grasping the true purpose of this charade.

Many attendees were already displaying signs of unease.

These must be the leaders of mediocre sects who are excluded from the leadership circle.

Did the people gathered here genuinely believe the words of the leadership?

Jo Gwangyun scrutinized the expressions of those seated at the head table, one by one.

All of them maintained expressionless faces, and none seemed concerned about the possibility of engaging the evil side in combat.

‘Look at these guys.’

Jo Gwangyun had not forgotten the Grand Master’s strict instructions, but he could no longer remain silent.

If this meeting yields no tangible progress, the Changryong Sect branch martial artists will undoubtedly be targeted again. The killings will persist until the Changryong Sect understands that this is a serious warning.

“I have a question.”

When Jo Gwangyun abruptly stood up and spoke, all eyes turned towards him.

“You must first reveal your affiliation. Your lack of manners is appalling. Do you believe yourself so important that your face suffices as identification?”

Dang Chaemyeong interjected before the old man could intervene.

“Ah, I am an ordinary disciple of the Changryong Sect.”

When he identified himself as an ‘ordinary disciple’ rather than stating his name, murmurs of disapproval arose from various corners of the hall.

“What? An ordinary disciple?”

The first to react was the supporting actor, Baekri Clan.

He was already seething from having been forced to bow his head to the Changryong Sect, and now that a vulnerable target had presented itself, he would not let the opportunity pass.

“What is the meaning of this? How dare you speak in this assembly? No, how can an ordinary disciple be present in this place? Does the Changryong Sect not understand the concept of hierarchy (位階) [social standing]!”

Jo Gwangyun had no intention of engaging with the supporting actors.

His gaze remained fixed on the main actor of this charade, Alliance Leader Moyeonghwi.

“Is that also the Alliance Leader’s opinion?”

As an ordinary disciple stared directly at the Alliance Leader and spoke, the attendees who had previously expressed disapproval were now gaping in astonishment. Im Bonjae, of course, turned pale with apprehension.

Moyeonghwi blinked, as if unsure whether he was being addressed, and then suddenly burst into laughter.

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