I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 66

< The Namgung Family Moves, Part 4 >

“Forfeiting pride doesn’t make the impossible possible. How can the rabble of the Changryong Sect bring down the Namgung Family, teeming with experts?”

“Isn’t the point of employing a strategist to topple experts with rabble, and to defeat large armies with a small force? If experts always win and victory goes to the largest numbers, why would anyone revere strategists? The role of a strategist is to achieve an impossible victory with minimal losses, isn’t it?”

Jo Gwangyun continued to berate Zhuge Mogeon, who was left speechless.

“What’s your basis for calling the Changryong Sect rabble? The first duty of a strategist is to know yourself and your enemy. Yet, you didn’t even ask how many disciples the Changryong Sect has before declaring it impossible. You also don’t know if there are any experts among the sect’s retainers, do you?”

Zhuge Mogeon wasn’t just speechless; he was so ashamed he couldn’t lift his head.

“Don’t pretend to be a strategist when all you can do is spout words a gatekeeper of the Murim Alliance could say. If you lack confidence, just admit you’re not up to the task. Even if you back out, I’ll continue this fight and ensure the Changryong Sect crushes the Namgung Family.”

Zhuge Mogeon finally spoke.

“Alright, I admit it. It’s beyond my capabilities. But if willpower alone sufficed, there’d be no need for strategists. If courage alone could secure victory, there’d be no need for martial arts. You’re now leading countless young lives of the Changryong Sect to their deaths because of your recklessness.”

“Since you’ve admitted it’s beyond your capabilities, I’ll take the lead in this fight. But you must do one thing within your capabilities.”

“Me? What thing?”

“I’ll tell you when the time comes. And quickly tell me what I asked for earlier – everything about the Namgung Family. Surely that’s within your capabilities? The Zhuge Family is so close to the Namgung Family that they know the number of their chopsticks [implying intimate knowledge of their household and affairs].”

Zhuge Mogeon realized that the number of chopsticks directly implied the strength of their forces.

“I will. Since there’s nothing more to discuss, let’s end it here.”

Jo Gwangyun threw a final remark at Zhuge Mogeon as he rose to leave.

“Many will bleed, but it won’t be in vain. The Namgung Family will disappear from the Jianghu [the martial world].”

* * *

Guseung, arriving late in Gyunhyeon, wore the expression of a sinner.

“I apologize, Sect Leader. I couldn’t silence every mouth.”

“The Beggars’ Sect?”

“Yes. It was a long time ago, and… since the Beggars’ Sect didn’t consider it important, some spoke carelessly.”

“It must be about the Gyeong-an Bureau incident, right?”

“Yes. They even mentioned the name of the Silent Ink Society.”

“It can’t be helped. The gag order should have been done in advance… It’s too late.”

“I’m sorry.”

Guseung lowered his head again.

“It’s not your fault. Don’t dwell on it.”

Jo Gwangyun carefully retraced his steps from the moment he fell into the Central Plains until now.

Morally, he had committed many unforgivable acts, but from the perspective of a Jianghu person or a Murim [martial arts world] individual, there was nothing particularly blameworthy.

The only thing that bothered him was the fact that he had paid money to the Silent Ink Society.

On the surface, it appeared that he had succumbed to threats of force, but from the perspective of a Jianghu person, he was guilty of being cowardly and lacking dignity.

Moreover, wasn’t the Silent Ink Society a group that should be eradicated from the Central Plains, along with the Evil Alliance? He had even contributed to strengthening the forces of evil by paying them money, so it was not an easily forgivable matter.

The Namgung Family could find a breakthrough with this.

Jo Gwangyun was already a person deeply involved with the Black Faction. Therefore, if they insisted that the murders in Xi’an were also related to the Black Faction, they would return to square one.

“A grand trial is about to unfold… A decisive blow is needed to overturn the verdict.”

To catch the Namgung Family, he needed to transform the boring Korean-style court proceeding with its meticulous paperwork into an American legal drama filled with flamboyant rhetoric, well-crafted staging, and a sickly witness who could bring tears to the jury.

Jo Gwangyun began to write the scenario for that day.

A reliable witness and a decisive scene would also be necessary.

* * *

The meeting presided over by Alliance Leader Moryong Hwi was filled with a cold tension.

In particular, the Murim aristocratic families were on edge, as the balance of power could be disrupted depending on the outcome of the day.

“…But why is the Changryong Sect, the party involved, not present?”

Namgung Hyosin asked accusingly, but Moryong Hwi calmly replied.

“Didn’t I already say? They will abide by the Murim Alliance’s conclusion. So, it’s actually more convenient. We can coordinate as long as our leadership doesn’t lose face. Isn’t that right?”

Moryong Hwi sought agreement from the entire leadership, and everyone except the Namgung Family’s forces nodded.

“First, I want you to understand one thing. As the Alliance Leader, I must ensure that no Murim Alliance-affiliated sect suffers an injustice. Whether that sect is powerful or not, it must be fair.”

The Alliance Leader glanced at Namgung Hyosin, but Namgung Hyosin deliberately looked away.

“Also, I want to avoid anything that would harm the unity of the Murim Alliance because of this matter, so I ask for your cooperation and understanding.”

Moryong Hwi bowed to the people and then turned his gaze to Dang Chaemyeong.

“Daeyeonggak Leader Dang Chaemyeong, report on the investigation so far.”

His face was flushed red.

It wasn’t because he was nervous in front of the representatives of each sect, who were his seniors. It was because he had to report results that were unfavorable to the Namgung Family, who were like a brotherly family.

“With the help of Dongdo of the Beggars’ Sect, we thoroughly investigated the Xi’an area. There were numerous testimonies of seeing two members of the Namgung Family and an unidentified Murim person two days before the murders occurred.”

As soon as the name Namgung was mentioned, everyone’s gaze turned to Namgung Hyosin. Judging by his temperament, a loud outburst should have erupted, but for some reason, he kept his lips tightly shut and remained silent today.

“I’ll say this in advance… Before the incident occurred, I asked if any members of your family had visited Xi’an, but the Namgung Family did not submit a list.”

The Alliance Leader subtly added a point that was unfavorable to the Namgung Family.

Those who have something to hide are bound to be suspected. People were already beginning to believe that it was the Namgung Family’s doing.

“The two members of the Namgung Family are brothers Namgung Seon and Namgung So, who belong to Daeyeonggak. They stayed at an inn very close to the lodging where the Changryong Sect’s Xi’an members were staying.”

Dang Chaemyeong hurriedly finished what he had to say and sat down.

“Now, we need to hear an explanation of what happened…? Do you have nothing to say?”

Paeng Dongho spoke to Namgung Hyosin.

Namgung Hyosin slowly rose to his feet.

“Well, it seems you’ve already concluded that our family is the culprit… Would you believe a single word from my mouth?”

“Then are you admitting that you committed that heinous act?”

“If I don’t admit it, you’ll say it’s a lie, and if I admit it, I become the culprit, so I’m not sure how to answer.”

Paeng Dongho, who had a similar personality to Namgung Hyosin, shouted.

“Are you playing games now? Where do you think you are, spouting such nonsense? Is the Namgung Family’s power so great that even the old masters of the Nine Great Sects are beneath your notice?”

Moryong Hwi was increasingly bothered by Namgung Hyosin’s composure.

He was not a man to engage in mere wordplay. His true self would have been to storm out of his seat or draw his sword when the name Namgung came out of Dang Chaemyeong’s mouth.

“Listen. Just explain these two things, and it’s over. Why did the Namgung So brothers go to Xi’an, and why did you hide this fact? Isn’t it a simple matter?”

A member of the Nine Great Sects, unable to bear it any longer, asked.

Because his seniority was so high, Namgung Hyosin straightened his posture and said.

“The name of Namgung is not so low that I would make excuses and explanations for something I didn’t commit. And I also cannot do anything that would tarnish the reputation of my family.”

Zhuge Mogeon recognized Namgung Hyeon’s strategy in Namgung Hyosin’s appearance.

It seemed that he was precisely following Namgung Hyeon’s instructions not to respond at all, as the suspicions would continue to arise the moment he made an explanation or excuse.

“Instead, I will end my words with one question.”

Namgung Hyosin spoke to the Alliance Leader.

“Alliance Leader. Have you ever investigated this murder with the thought that the Namgung Family was not responsible?”

“What do you mean?”

“I asked if you ever thought that the murderer was not the Namgung Family… but another sect or the Black Faction.”

‘Is it starting now…’

Only Zhuge Mogeon realized why Namgung Hyosin emphasized the word Black Faction so much.

“Of course. I just wanted to completely eliminate the suspicions within our ranks before investigating the outside.”

The Alliance Leader was still calm, but those with keen ears did not miss the slight tremor in his voice.

“Is that so?”

Namgung Hyosin’s posture became even more confident. He realized that he had to launch an offensive rather than being preoccupied with excuses, as his father had said.

“Then when were you planning to investigate the fact that the Changryong Sect was colluding with the Black Faction in Gaebong?”

The hall began to stir at Namgung Hyosin’s words.

“What?!”

“H, Black Faction? The Changryong Sect?”

The most surprised person was Chwidae, the Chief Inspector of the Beggars’ Sect.

Wasn’t Gaebong the Beggars’ Sect’s home turf?

It was unacceptable that there were Black Faction members there, but it was absolutely impossible that the Changryong Sect had joined hands with them.

“Jo Gwangyun of the Changryong Sect has had a close relationship with the Silent Ink Society for a long time. No, the reason he came to Gaebong was to take on the work of the Silent Ink Society.”

Namgung Hyosin, who had seized the initiative, changed to his original arrogant expression.

“The Gaebong branch of the Silent Ink Society is in Xi’an… No, they have created branches throughout the Central Plains. The Silent Ink Society, with Jo Gwangyun and the Changryong Sect at the forefront, has been nibbling away at our righteous faction’s territory!”

Namgung Hyosin’s words, shouted as if spitting blood, shocked everyone.

‘At this point, one of the two must disappear, just like that guy said.’

Zhuge Mogeon confirmed the shock and astonishment on the faces of the leadership. In particular, the fact that the Silent Ink Society had established itself in their territory must have given them an unbearable sense of shame.

“I don’t know who the murderer is. I refrain from hasty judgments like the Alliance Leader. But I regret that I couldn’t kill those bastards with my own hands.”

Namgung Hyosin spoke to the old men of the Nine Great Sects.

“I earnestly ask you, seniors. Immediately punish the Silent Ink Society, who are wearing the mask of the Changryong Sect and coiling up nearby.”

Alliance Leader Moryong Hwi, with a miserable face, could not say anything and glanced at Chwidae of the Beggars’ Sect with resentful eyes.

It was truly incompetent if he didn’t know what was happening in his base or if he knew but ignored it.

“B, but that and the murders are separate issues, aren’t they?”

In this situation, Paeng Dongho’s words were nothing more than empty nonsense.

“Senior Paeng, shouldn’t we be praised for punishing the spies (細作) [xizuo – spies or secret agents] of the Silent Ink Society? And isn’t it common for those bastards to kill each other? They are beings who have abandoned human morality…”

If the Changryong Sect were spies, Paeng Dongho would have drawn his sword as well, so he had nothing to refute.

“Also, there is still no clear evidence that the Namgung Family committed the murders. My nephews visited Xi’an? No, is it a problem for grown men to travel around the Jianghu [the martial world]?”

If the name of the Silent Ink Society had not come up, the Jianghu tour would have been nothing more than a pathetic excuse, but it was different now.

Even if he didn’t say the reason for going to Xi’an, there would be no one to question him.

Zhuge Mogeon carefully examined the Alliance Leader.

He was clearly flustered, but he was not panicking. Did the Alliance Leader know that he had to end this quickly to escape this difficult situation?

Suddenly, the Alliance Leader jumped up from his seat and shouted.

“Chief Inspector Chwidae. Immediately send a messenger to Gaebong to secure Jo Gwangyun and Im Bonjae. And Namgung Hyosin…!”

Namgung Hyosin’s arrogant gaze turned to the Alliance Leader.

“There is no way to know whether what you have said so far is true or slander. So, I will summon the two of them and deal with everything at once.”

The Alliance Leader left his seat, leaving only these words behind.

Zhuge Mogeon confirmed that the Alliance Leader had not aged. His judgment was quick.

< The Namgung Family Moves, Part 4 > End