The 9Th Class Swordmaster: Blade Of Truth [EN]: Chapter 67

59. Bi Gung Clan (1)

The ethnic minorities in the rugged northern part of the continent specialized in gathering and mountaineering, lacking advanced technology.

In contrast, the vast grasslands of the south fostered horsemanship.

Among these, the Bi Gung Clan (飛弓族) [Flying Bow Clan], Karrel’s target in the south, stood out.

‘They not only possess excellent horsemanship but also, living in the grasslands, have naturally sharp eyes, making them exceptional archers.’

It was said that members of the Bi Gung Clan could hit targets 100 yards away with unfailing accuracy.

However, Karrel’s reason for seeking out the Bi Gung Clan wasn’t solely their archery skills.

The Great Grassland.

The only untouched land on the continent lay there.

“You look like an imperial. Coming all the way here. I don’t think you’re in your right mind.”

A low voice spoke.

But more than the words, Karrel scanned the tent he was in with renewed interest.

No,

It was so enormous that it was questionable whether it could even be called a tent. Hundreds of people lived together inside the encampment.

“Wow… This is my first time in the south. There’s a place like this.”

“Right? This is nerve-wracking.”

Mikhail and Aidan whispered. Unlike the visibly nervous duo, Karrel remained calm.

Swan Mukari, the leader of the Bi Gung Clan, stared at the boy in front of him with a curious gaze.

“Hoo….”

He vigorously inhaled and exhaled from the long, thin pipe he was holding.

The pure white smoke scattered like clouds.

A cool chill tickled the tip of his nose.

The cold smoke flowed from the pipe.

And inside the tent, he watched the unidentified liquid bubbling in the pot and thought.

‘Shamanism.’

Unlike the Empire’s magic, the southern tribes practiced shamanism [a belief system involving communication with spirits].

Both forces were similar in that they drew from nature, but while magic was immediate, shamanism was closer to a mental power that took time to manifest.

‘There are those who use shamanism among the northern ethnic groups as well, but they can’t compare to the south.’

Karrel thought, carefully observing the chief’s pipe.

“Tatur… I’ve heard of that city. A free city nestled between the kingdoms of the continent.”

“That is correct.”

“If you were just trash from the Empire or the duchies, I wouldn’t have bothered listening and would have just slit your throat.”

Karrel chuckled softly at his murderous aura.

It was astonishing that such vigor could still be felt from an old man who looked to be at least seventy, a testament to his martial prowess.

Unlike the glaring old man, Karrel looked at Swan Mukari as if pleased by the reunion.

Karrel knew him well.

In his previous life, unlike the northern ethnic groups, the south suffered almost no damage from the Empire.

They survived even the continental wars between kingdoms and instead united under a tribe called Digon.

The Bi Gung Clan led that vanguard.

‘Emperor Olivon tried to conquer the south but failed. One of the reasons was this Bi Gung Clan.’

Karrel turned his head.

The sturdy man standing behind Swan Mukari had a blank face but had been continuously emitting a faint aura since Karrel entered.

Maintaining a controlled aura was by no means easy.

‘The reason the Bi Gung Clan is strong is because of that man. His skill is superior to Kyuran. Even the Imperial Knights would probably have difficulty defeating him easily.’

The Imperial Knights of the Empire, known as the most powerful on the continent after Sword Masters.

Being on par with them meant having the qualifications to reach the realm of a Master.

The man’s name was Kinu Mukari.

The son of Swan Mukari, known as the best archer of the Bi Gung Clan.

“Even if it’s you, we are not much different. State the reason you came all the way here.”

Karrel nodded at the firm, low-pitched voice.

“I want to make a deal.”

“A deal? It’s an unwritten rule that the north and south do not interfere with each other. If a mere lord of a city breaks the rules of the continent, the other kingdoms won’t stand still.”

“The unwritten rule only came about because the north didn’t pay attention to the south. You know very well that the Empire can conquer the remaining tribes except for Digon whenever it wants.”

“What?”

“You should be thankful that attention is focused on the north due to the Edict of Heresy Extermination [an order to eliminate those who don’t follow the state religion]. Otherwise, the Empire would have sought territorial expansion through the conquest of the south.”

Karrel spoke without hesitation.

Kinu Mukari frowned at his words but couldn’t offer a proper rebuttal.

Because it was the truth.

They were watching.

The south’s response would change depending on the fate of the northern ethnic groups.

‘As Olivon ascended to the throne and conquered the continent, the south quickly united, centered around Digon’s Miliana. But the reason was not loyalty but solely for survival.’

That meant.

The southern tribes were still all separate.

‘Among the tribes to watch in the south, besides Digon, are the five major tribes centered around the Chang family near Narak Rock, but to win here, I must first defeat the Bi Gung Clan.’

The Bi Gung Clan, living on the border of the grasslands, served as a bulwark against the southern forces.

‘To check the Empire and maintain Tatur, the power of the south is needed. To do that, I must become the master of the grasslands before Miliana.’

Karrel’s eyes gleamed.

“Does the Empire look down on us so much that it even cares about the fate of the south? You are the ones killing the northern ethnic groups.”

“We will take a different path from the Empire. As you know, Tatur is home to ethnic minorities and even slaves who fled the Empire.”

Karrel lightly shrugged at Kinu’s words.

“So?”

“It means we have room to embrace even the southern tribes.”

“……”

Kinu was dumbfounded by his confident demeanor.

“Embrace? Crazy… You, with only a small city at best, embracing us, the masters of the grasslands? You’re spouting nonsense.”

As those who fight first against foreign invasions, gaining their trust would make it easier to deal with the internal tribes as well.

But conversely.

It also meant that there was no tribe as difficult to handle as the Bi Gung Clan.

“It would be difficult to say you possess the grasslands. Besides the Bi Gung Clan, aren’t there also the Tu Clan, the Rahu, and the Risu tribes in the grasslands?”

“……You.”

“Moreover, once the Empire conquers the north, its blade will turn to the south.”

“Nonsense!!”

“Calm down.”

It was the chief, Swan, who stopped Kinu, who was shouting like a growl.

“As you said, the south is still in the midst of tribal wars, but it won’t easily fall to the Empire.”

Swan slowly inhaled and exhaled from the pipe once more.

“If, by any chance, the Empire aims its blade, the south will unite and fight.”

There was a sharp edge in his elderly eyes, as if filled with determination.

“That’s right.”

Karrel nodded.

“Also, though it’s an embarrassing thing to say… you mentioned a deal. If you want to acquire us, what will you offer? It almost sounds like a threat to my ears.”

“Father!! Are you still going to listen to the words of this guy spouting such nonsense?”

Unlike Kinu’s outcry, Karrel wore a faint smile at Swan’s words.

“The experienced chief is better than the hot-blooded son. The tribal wars and the Empire’s blade are ultimately secondary.”

“……”

In that moment,

Swan Mukari’s eyes wavered.

The southern part of the continent was barren land surrounded by deserts around the grasslands.

The land itself lacked moisture, and the occasional squalls were not enough to use as drinking water.

A congenital food shortage.

It was something that no one had been able to solve for hundreds of years. Therefore, most of the southern tribes obtained basic food through hunting and sold the remaining hides and bones to buy food.

The Empire and the duchies, which regarded the southern tribes as thorns in their eyes, would never trade with them.

The only place on the continent that traded with them was Tatur.

“I have no intention of interfering with Tatur’s existing trade. But after the Empire conquers the northern ethnic groups, where will it turn its eyes?”

“……”

“To deal with the duchies and the three kingdoms, Tatur will be the bridgehead.”

Everyone in the encampment fell silent at Karrel’s words.

“As you said, I came to make a deal. A deal must benefit both parties. The southern tribes can only survive if Tatur exists, and if the south has power, the Empire won’t easily touch Tatur.”

“Are you suggesting an alliance?”

Karrel paused at Swan Mukari’s words.

“It’s a bit different. Didn’t I say a deal?”

“What do you mean……”

“I will take care of the remaining tribes that are after the grasslands. In return, you will clear the path to Narak Rock.”

Swan still wore an unreadable expression. He had not yet grasped Karrel’s intention, who had said earlier that he would have them under his command.

“I need to explain a bit more. It means I want you to introduce me to the five major families, including the Chang family, who are guarding Narak Rock.”

“They are even more warlike than us.”

“Don’t worry. If you gather the five major families in one place, I will make you rule over them.”

“……”

Swan Mukari couldn’t fathom it because it sounded so absurd.

Dealing with the three tribes of the grasslands alone was difficult. Despite fighting each other for decades, there had been no resolution, and on top of that, the five major families.

That was,

It meant conquering all the prominent tribes in the southern region.

It was a seemingly reckless plan, but it was a natural part of the grand scheme Karrel was drawing.

‘If I don’t have the four major tribes of the grasslands and the five major families of Narak Rock under me, I can’t subdue Digon’s Miliana.’

The Dragon Empress Miliana.

In his previous life, she was one of the ten knights who followed Karrel, who led the oracle.

Although,

She was an old comrade from the past, but now, with no connection, there was only one way to make her his own.

Power.

There was no other way but to absorb the tribe with overwhelming authority.

‘The prerequisite for that.’

Before going to Nar Di Maugh’s lair, Karrel wanted to complete a piece of the grand picture he had drawn.

“Well, you won’t be able to trust me just by words. It would be better to continue the conversation after I deal with the remaining three tribes.”

He slowly rose from his seat.

But for some reason, the other two, Mikhail and Aidan, were still sitting still.

“And……”

Crack- Crackling–!!

It was then.

Cold air emanated from around Karrel, and pure white frost began to form from under his feet.

Swoosh-

The Ice Claw hanging from his waist was sharply drawn.

Kinu Mukari couldn’t move even after seeing Karrel’s sword draw because of the speed that he couldn’t even react to.

“If you want to bear the name of the master of the grasslands, act honorably.”

The pipe that Swan Mukari was holding was cut and fell to the floor. Only then did the Bi Gung Clan members in the tent aim their bows at Karrel, but the Ice Claw was already touching Swan’s neck.

“You shouldn’t use shamanism like this. I wondered what the familiar smell was, but the pipe contains Frost Serpent Grass leaves.”

“……”

“When it meets the Yukap liquid boiling in the surrounding pot, it turns cold and has a paralyzing effect.”

Karrel stepped on the cut pipe once more, breaking it.

“But I’m not affected by this level of poison.”

Karrel, who had absorbed the Dragon’s Heart, had Dragon Mana flowing through him instead of ordinary mana.

It was generally known that dragons were immune to any poison.

Although his bloodline was not properly opened, Karrel’s Dragon Mana also had the characteristics of a dragon.

“Give the two of them the antidote right now.”

Karrel said in a low voice.

“I value your abilities highly. But don’t do anything foolish that would make me want to trade with the remaining three tribes instead of the Bi Gung Clan.”

In that moment,

Swan Mukari swallowed hard without realizing it.

“Then you will get what you want.”